Our top 10 Northlane songs introduce us to an award-winning Australian band famed for its metalcore, alternative metal, and progressive metal sound. While not as popular world wide as other famous Australian bands such as AC/DC, INXS and Crowded House, the group has a considerable fans base and is one of the most respected Austrual Bands of the 21st century. The band was formed in 2009 by lead guitarist Jon Deiley, vocalist Adrian Fitipaldes, rhythm guitarist Josh Smith, drummer Brendan Derby, and bassist Alex Milovic. A name for the band was inspired by the 2007 hit “North Lane” by Architects, one of the band’s influences in metalcore.
While some of the bands share an intimate friendship between the members, lead vocalist Adrian revealed that Northlane’s formation is credited to the internet and common interest between the original members. It all started with lead guitarist Deiley, and bassist Alex started writing songs only to recruit members later. In January 2010, the band showcased to metalcore fans what they had been cooking up in the studio through a six-track EP, Hollow Existence.
The EP was regarded admirable and of mature standard, making Northlane one of the most up-and-coming Aussie band metalcore bands. Northlane followed up its EP with an Australian tour to support its music while establishing itself as an industrious live act. The year 2011 had Northlane sign with UNFD Records, with whom the band released its debut album, Discoveries. Discoveries went on to peak at number one on the ARIA Hitseekers Album Chart. Northlane went to Canada to market its debut album performing alongside Counterparts and Stray from the Path.
The tour bore fruits having the band record a new album in New York with Will Putney. A major lineup change would follow in October 2014, with the band announcing the arrival of Marcus Bridge as Northlane’s new vocalist. The band marked the signing of Marcus with the album Node, which is one of their heaviest albums ever. Node went on to peak at number one on the album chart, winning the 2015 ARIA Music Awards’ Best Hard Rock or Heavy Metal Album award. The band has now become a regular winning act in the ARIA Music Awards, winning the same award for its albums Mesmer (2017) and Alien (2019).
Here are the top 10 Northlane songs sampled from the band’s five studio albums.
#10 – Obelisk
Ushering us into the top 10 Northlane songs is the ballad “Obelisk.” The song was released in the award-winning album, Node, in which the band featured its new vocalist Marcus Bridge. “Obelisk” is one of the magnificent songs in Node that helps deliver a phenomenal display of the band’s ability to rediscover prog and metalcore music vibes. Marcus Bridge proves to be a significant pillar in the success of this song and album at large, thanks to his awe-inspiring vocals.
#9 – Talking Heads
Alien (2019) featured several pulsating releases from the Northlane band, including “Talking Heads,” which was premiered in June 2019. The song’s lyrics allude to anxiety and insecurities that are accompanied by being raised up in a fierce family where the parents are drug addicts. Northlane vocalist Marcus Bridge reveals that the trauma of such a setting resulted in creative and emotional difficulties in the expression of his ideas and thoughts in his past.
#8 – Masquerade ft. Drew York
Northlane collaborated with Drew York of Stray from the Path in releasing the hit “Masquerade.” The song is featured in the band’s album, Singularity (2013). “Masquerade” takes us back to the days when Adrian Fitipaldes was the band’s vocalist who was unbelievably brilliant, to say the least. Other than the uplifting vocals from Adrian and Drew, the song features a superb instrumental that serves the song’s delivery right.
#7 – Bloodline
Northlane took prog-metalcore to a slightly different direction with the band’s deeply personal release “Bloodline.” The song was released alongside “Vultures” on the 2019 album, Alien. “Bloodline” has its lyrics inspired by Marcus Bridge’s upbringing where his father was quite abusive. However, vocalist Marcus revealed that he was able to get himself out of the situation. The glitch guitar riffs and backing vocals from Brendon Padjasek add some glamour to this song, making it one of the best Northlane songs.
#6 – Clockwork
Number six on our top 10 Northlane songs is the hit “Clockwork.” The song is a single born of anxiety and a sense of solitude. Northlane opens a new chapter with this 2021 release thanks to the marriage of electronic progressions with the relentless pace of guitars and percussions. The song marks Northlane’s first major venture into the gaming world, having “Clockwork” adopted as the official theme for the 2021 Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege Oceanic National eSports League.
#5 – Dispossession
“Dispossession” is among the few songs that helped Northlane achieve mainstream success. The song is featured on the band’s debut album, Discoveries. “Dispossession” was among the last songs from Northlane to feature bassist Simon Anderson, who later would be fired from the band. Adrian’s vocals in this song feel like he is reading intense emotional poetry. Sad to have lost him from the band’s lineup following severe vocal issues (reduced vocal endurance).
#4 – Citizen
Mesmer (2017) features one of the best releases from Northlane, such as the hit “Citizen.” The album came after a teaser, “Mesmer,” a mostly-instrumental album title that included an enigmatic viral marketing campaign. This campaign tagged along “Citizen,” a Facebook Messenger bot under which Northlane was hinting at the subject of mass surveillance, the role of the individual, and government corruption themes. While some call it a superb release, some fans are not happy with the song.
#3 – Dream Awake
“Dream Awake” is the sixth hit from the band’s sophomore studio album, Singularity. The song is famously known for its powerful emotional vibes. What better lyrics would you ask for motivation other than “Wake up from the nightmare and become the dream?” If that’s not enough, you ought to love Adrian’s delivery in this ballad which helped the band grow its fame. Gladly, with his departure, the band was able to tag in a talented and magnificent vocalist Marcus Bridge who has been instrumental in the vocals and in the musical direction of the band.
#2 – Rot
Northlane marked the signing of its new vocalist Marcus Bridge with the release of an award-winning album Node (2015). As mentioned earlier, Marcus’ entry to the band’s lineup had Northlane slightly depart from its heavier metalcore vibes. The hit “Rot” helps bring out the new, more alternative and experimental sound in Node. Thanks to collaborative work by the band members in penning down the charming lyrics to this song.
#1 – Quantum Flux
Number one of our top 10 Northlane songs is the hit “Quantum Flux.” The song is featured as the fifth release from the band’s sophomore album Singularity. Northlane revealed that the lyrics to the song allude to being content with what you have by your side. Former Northlane vocalist Adrian also revealed that he experienced an epiphany of a true sense of happiness with what lies at the current moment despite living in a world far from perfect.
Feature Photo: © Markus Felix | PushingPixels (contact me), CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
