northlane live at manchester’s o2 ritz

★★★★☆ (4/5)

NORTHLANE PERFORMING AT MANCHESTER’S O2 RITZ
PHOTOCREDIT: CHARLIE MORLEY

Attending a Ten56 performance is an experience that can only be described as an all-out assault on the senses of your body. The French nu-deathcore band, known for their raw intensity and aggressive sound, recently took the stage for a show that left fans buzzing long after the last note reverberated through the venue.

From the moment the band stepped on stage, it was clear that this was going to be a high-energy, no-holds-barred performance. Frontman Aaron Matts commanded the stage with an unparalleled ferocity. His guttural growls and intense screams were not only pitch-perfect but seemed to carry an emotional weight that drew the audience in deeper with every line. Matts’ stage presence is magnetic, his ability to shift between unfiltered rage and more introspective moments giving the performance an authentic, raw edge.

The crowd interaction was a highlight, with Matts frequently engaging with fans, inviting them to scream along or jump into the chaos of the mosh pit. This sense of community and shared energy between the band and the audience elevated the show, creating an atmosphere that was as much about catharsis as it was about music.

As the lights dimmed and anticipation built for Northlane's headlining performance, the French progressive metalcore band Novelists took the stage as the evening's primary support, delivering an impressive and dynamic set that showcased both their technical prowess and emotional depth.

From the first note of their opening track, "Lost Cause," Novelists established an immediate connection with the crowd. Lead vocalist Tobias Rische, who recently joined the band, made a strong impression, proving his ability to not only hit the necessary highs and lows vocally but also engage the audience with an emotive and commanding presence. His voice soared over the intricate guitar work, blending clean vocals and growls seamlessly—a testament to his versatility and the band's evolving sound.

While Novelists were a support act, they performed like a headliner. Their energy and stage presence were infectious, with Rische frequently calling on the audience to jump, scream, and lose themselves in the music. By the end of the set, the crowd was fully invested, headbanging along to the intricate breakdowns and singing back the anthemic choruses.

The band wrapped up their set with "C'est La Vie," a fan favorite that perfectly encapsulated their blend of technical metalcore and soaring, melodic hooks. The final moments saw the band pushing their performance to its limits, leaving the stage to a roaring crowd, many of whom were likely discovering the full force of Novelists for the first time. The duration of these supports were around 45 minutes each.

Northlane has become a cornerstone of modern progressive metalcore, and their latest tour only reinforced their reputation for pushing musical and visual boundaries. Playing to a packed crowd, Northlane delivered a performance that was not only sonically aggressive but also emotionally immersive, showcasing their evolution as a band while staying true to their heavy roots.

The set opened with “Clarity,” the first track off their latest album, Obsidian. From the moment the electronic intro pulsated through the speakers, it was clear that this wasn’t just another metal show—this was an experience. The band emerged amidst a wash of cold blue and neon lighting, and frontman Marcus Bridge wasted no time in commanding the stage. His ability to transition between guttural screams and pitch-perfect cleans continues to be a highlight of Northlane’s live performances, and “Clarity” set the tone for what was to come: a blend of punishing heaviness and delicate, atmospheric moments.

One of the most powerful moments of the night came when they performed "Quantum Flux," a fan favorite that has remained a staple in their setlist. The song’s opening riff elicited an immediate cheer from the crowd, and the energy in the room reached a peak. The combination of high-intensity breakdowns, progressive guitar work, and Bridge’s soaring vocals created an atmosphere of catharsis, as the crowd chanted the chorus in unison: "I’m not the same, I’m not who you think I am."

The visuals were an integral part of the show. Northlane is known for their carefully crafted light shows, and this tour was no exception. The synchronized lights and visuals behind the band added layers to the music, creating an immersive atmosphere that transported the audience into the dystopian worlds their songs often describe. During "Obsidian," the stage was bathed in dark purples and blues, perfectly matching the song’s introspective tone. When they launched into heavier tracks like "Bloodline" and "Talking Heads," the lighting erupted into frenetic strobe patterns, enhancing the visceral energy of the performance.

In the end, Northlane delivered a concert that was more than just a metal show—it was a full-on sensory experience. From their expert musicianship to the innovative use of visuals and lighting, Northlane continues to push the boundaries of what a live metal performance can be. For long-time fans and newcomers alike, this show was a reminder that Northlane is not just a force in the metalcore scene—they are a band constantly evolving, challenging themselves, and connecting with their audience on a deeper level.