New Music Report – July 31, 2020

This new music post is super short. I think we’re definitely into the part of the release season that’s been royally fucked over by COVID. So unfortunately, the pickings are slim this week, but there’s still something to write about, so here we go.

Northlane – Technically, this isn’t a new album. This is the deluxe version of last year’s Alien, it’s basically just instrumental tracks and a bonus single. That said, this was one of my absolute favorite albums that came out last year, and my undisputed favorite of the new wave of numetal-ish metalcore albums that have been coming out lately. This is the most progressive and fresh take on this sound I’ve ever heard. It’s not just re-hashed metalcore with an occasional Slipknot riff and synth breakdown, it’s an incredibly complex and dynamic piece of music that manages to eclipse not only most other contemporary numetal or metalcore albums that have been released around it. So basically, this isn’t a new album at all, this is just another opportunity for me to talk about a truly remarkable and novel piece of heavy music that I highly recommend everyone check out. It won’t be for everybody, but it’s interesting enough to certainly be worth the listen.

Upon A Burning Body – There is absolutely nothing contemporary about this EP. If it came out 10 years ago, it would still feel kind of dated. But I mean, that’s kind of what you expect with Upon A Burning Body; good ol’ southern metalcore that was very much in fashion 12-15 years ago with bands like Maylene, He Is Legend, super old Memphis May Fire (their first EP, before Matty), and Big Dirty-era ETID. Now, this isn’t quite as good as any of those bands, but it’s still a fun, straightforward EP with some nostalgic metalcore from an era that I honestly miss quite a bit. So, you know, for a little trip back to the days of metalcore past, it’s pretty cool, but that’s about it.