Node cover

Node

Northlane · 2015

46 min · 11 tracks · hardcore punk

A blend of heavy riffs and atmospheric soundscapes, punctuated by emotionally charged vocals and intricate electronic elements.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Obelisk — The track stands out with its relentless energy and dynamic shifts, representing the album's blend of aggression and melody perfectly.
  • →
    Weightless — This song features introspective lyrics paired with an anthemic chorus, encapsulating the emotional depth that pervades the album.
  • →
    Soma — Opening the album with powerful riffs and a driving rhythm, Soma sets the tone for Node's exploration of heaviness and atmosphere.

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

Node showcases a strong blend of heavy riffs and electronic elements, marking Northlane's evolution while maintaining cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a heavy, distorted guitar riff in 'Soma' that sets a fast-paced tone, which is maintained through the first half of the record.
  • Tracks like 'Node' and 'Ohm' incorporate electronic elements that create atmospheric interludes, contrasting with the aggressive instrumentation.
  • The final track, 'Animate', concludes with a gradual fade-out, allowing for an ambient finish that differs from the album's earlier intensity.
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 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 energy with explosive moments
  • immersive listening from start to
  • thought-provoking themes throughout tracks
  • dynamic shifts between intensity levels

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek purely melodic experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Node is Northlane's third studio album, released in 2015 following their breakthrough record Singularity. At this point, the band was transitioning into a more experimental sound, embracing electronic influences while maintaining their hardcore roots. This album marked a significant evolution in their style, showcasing a matured approach to songwriting and production.
Stylistic neighbors
Parkway Drive· While She Sleeps· Architects

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Soma 4:02
  • 2 Obelisk 4:14
  • 3 Node 4:42
  • 4 Ohm 4:07
  • 5 Nameless 2:19
  • 6 Rot 3:53
  • 7 Leech 4:21
  • 8 Impulse 3:35
  • 9 Weightless 5:15
  • 10 Ra 4:29
  • 11 Animate 5:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata