Northlane "Mesmer"

While the Australian act continues to distance themselves from their djent origins, they're progressive alternative approach brings to mind elements of Linkin Park on the group's fourth installment. While Northlane hasn't banished their metal influence entirely, there is so much color and depth from the melody department that it's obvious the band is aspiring to cross over to a wide audience that may have been cast out from their prior releases. Northlane is a band that's struggled to get out of their Volumes/Born Of Osiris audience, and brand over to The Amity Affliction's crowd who swallow merch in bulk and follow the band religiously. Mesmer may have what it takes to catapult the band, here's to hoping their surprise approach to the album pays off in dividends.