Nonpoint – “X” (Spinefarm Records)
Nonpoint, once a driving force in the nu-metal movement
nearly two decades ago, have become one of the most consistent alt-metal bands
in the scene today, words that do not ring any truer than on their aptly titled
tenth studio album X.
Opener “Empty Batteries” is an immediate reminder of
Nonpoint’s caustic ability; stomping riffs that give way to steadfast melody, a
guns blazing sonic blitz that bleeds over into the hooks on “Chaos and
Earthquakes.” “Fix This” takes a more melodic approach to things, leaving
little doubt as to why this is the albums lead single, “Dodge Your Destiny”
features To The Pain-levels of heavy,
complete with well-placed Latin hip-hop accents, “Wheel Against Will” is true
old school Nonpoint with deep, thumping grooves, massive hooks and a killer
guitar solo. Frontman Elias Soriano delivers a vintage performance on the
standout track, transitioning from rap bars to scathing barks the same way he
has been doing for years. The guitar duo of Rasheed Thomas and B.C. Kochmit
take center stage on “Milestone” with immersive, blues-inspired riffs. X comes full circle with the closing
tandem of “Feel The Way I Feel” and “Position One,” a pair of, comparatively at
least, mellower tracks that shine the spotlight on Soriano’s distinctive
delivery atop the band’s rhythmic dynamic.
At this point in their career, with two decades-plus, ten
full-lengths and one million albums sold under their belt, Nonpoint knows what they’re
doing, and X is simply the result of
that. This is a perfectly executed album.
Go Download: “Wheel Against Will”
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