Obsidian
Northlane · 2022
56 min · 13 tracks · hardcore punk
A fusion of atmospheric metalcore and introspective lyrics creates a haunting soundscape that explores themes of alienation and self-discovery.
Top tracks — play these first
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Carbonized — This track exemplifies the album's blend of heavy instrumentals with electronic textures, showcasing Northlane's ability to push genre boundaries. Its exploration of existential themes resonates deeply throughout the record.
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Clarity — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its dynamic shifts between melodic choruses and aggressive verses, reflecting the internal conflict present in the lyrics. It encapsulates the thematic journey of self-exploration.
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Echo Chamber — With its infectious hooks and poignant social commentary, this song critiques modern communication and isolation, making it a standout track that resonates with contemporary listeners. The blending of harsh vocals and clean melodies showcases their versatility.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively combines heavy and atmospheric elements, showcasing strong production and emotional depth.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate electronic elements, creating a layered sound that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The album closes with a track that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of unresolved tension.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 pacing with climactic moments
- introspective themes for deep reflection
- engaging journey through emotional highs
- for evening listening sessions
Maybe skip if you
- seeks instant gratification tracks
- prefers short, standalone songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Obsidian is Northlane's fifth studio album, released in 2022, following the critically acclaimed Alien from 2019. At this point in their career, the band solidified their place in the metalcore scene and underwent a significant evolution, embracing more electronic elements alongside their heavy sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Parkway Drive· While She Sleeps· Architects
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Nova
The bridge introduces a moment of vulnerability where the singer confronts their past mistakes directly.
This shift to a personal address contrasts with the preceding verses, intensifying emotional weight as the narrative turns inward.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Clarity 5:53
- 2 Clockwork 3:59
- 3 Echo Chamber 3:47
- 4 Carbonized 3:45
- 5 Abomination 4:10
- 6 Plenty 3:40
- 7 Is This a Test? 3:30
- 8 Xen 5:48
- 9 Cypher 4:37
- 10 Nova 4:27
- 11 Inamorata 3:50
- 12 Obsidian 3:56
- 13 Dark Solitaire 4:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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