Alien cover

Alien

Northlane · 2019

43 min · 11 tracks · hardcore punk

A fusion of heavy rhythms and atmospheric melodies, merging hardcore punk with introspective lyrics and electronic elements.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Bloodline — This track encapsulates the album's core themes of familial ties and personal struggles, featuring a powerful chorus that bridges aggression and vulnerability.
  • →
    Jinn — With its intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts, 'Jinn' showcases Northlane's ability to blend heavy instrumentation with melodic hooks while addressing deep existential themes.
  • →
    Sleepless — 'Sleepless' stands out for its haunting atmosphere and emotive lyrics, effectively capturing the feeling of restless nights filled with anxiety and introspection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a strong blend of heavy and atmospheric elements, with personal themes that resonate well.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with aggressive instrumentation, while the second half shifts to more atmospheric and introspective soundscapes.
  • Several tracks incorporate electronic elements, such as synths and samples, blending them seamlessly with hardcore punk rhythms.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo emotional exploration
  • thought-provoking themes of identity
  • reflective listening during introspection
  • consistent flow for deep focus

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking quick, upbeat tracks
  • prefer standalone, diverse singles

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2019, 'Alien' is Northlane's fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed record 'Mesmer' from 2017. At this point in their career, they were establishing themselves as a leading force in the Australian metalcore scene while experimenting with new sonic textures.
Stylistic neighbors
Parkway Drive· While She Sleeps· Architects

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Details Matter 4:07
  • 2 Bloodline 3:27
  • 3 4D 4:13
  • 4 Talking Heads 3:52
  • 5 Freefall 4:04
  • 6 Jinn 4:03
  • 7 Eclipse 4:05
  • 8 Rift 4:02
  • 9 Paradigm 3:25
  • 10 Vultures 3:50
  • 11 Sleepless 4:37

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata