Live Review : Northlane + Novelists + ten56. @ O2 Ritz, Manchester on September 16th 2024

It feels like an age since the always impressive Northlane got across to us headlining, and this time they’ve brought a killer lineup in the form of Novelists and ten56. It’s a bill packed full of unique and dynamic takes on metal sub-genres – each with a distinct and immediately recognisable style and unmistakable technicality.

When it comes to relentless intensity and crushing tech-deathcore heaviness you can’t go wrong with ten56. Frontman Aaron Matts remains one of my favourite vocalists, and the diverse delivery he provides now compared to his Betraying the Martyrs days is superb. The vocals are an absolutely brutal, guttural force that drives the band forward, and the rest of the group is more than capable of matching his power. The guitars and bass tear through the set viciously, while the drums hit with machine-like precision. Eerie synth can be felt in a background layer and almost sinister hardcore spoken-word breaks cut through on occasion, but throughout there’s that thickly heavy wall of sound. 

Their sound is close to Emmure, but ten56. continue to be fresh, unique, and truly their own. I stayed transfixed from the balcony at the side of the stage for the entire set, watching the band thrive off the energy of an already passionately enthusiastic crowd. For anyone into deathcore they're a must-see, even just to catch Aaron Matts' raw, guttural voice and menacing vocals in layers over their technical signature sound keeping them innovative and distinct.

Next up, Novelists hit the stage hard with their fusion of tech-metalcore, hardcore elements, thick djenty riffs, catchy choruses, and intricate guitar solos. After a lineup change earlier in the year, with Camille Contreras becoming vocalist, they’ve come back fresher, going from strength to strength and genuinely have something special going on. Guitarists Florestan Durand and Pierre Danel immediately impress, while Nico Delestrade hammers away on bass, and Amael Durand holds it down expertly on drums. 

Camille is superb, effortlessly owning the older material as if they were written for her, adding her own twist. Her vocals—whether clean, harsh, or somewhere in between—were a perfect fit, and it’s easy to see why the band was eager to work with her. She's the full package: soaring vocals, engaging the crowd, and charismatic throughout. ‘Heretic’ showcases her incredible range and her fun dancing and beaming smile are as infectious as her vocals. 

Watching Florestan nail a solo, bent back and knees low, is always a highlight, and I’d argue he’s my favourite guitarist to see live—though Pierre comes in a close second with his constant smile and playful stage presence. That’s always the overriding feeling when watching Novelists – that they’re having as much fun as they possibly could be, and it makes you grin and dance along as well. Long live this new chapter for Novelists and what it will bring in the future.

Headliners Northlane kick off with 'Clarity,' bouncing with energy and their signature futuristic look and vibe. They've evolved significantly over the years, with each album seeing them become more intriguing, layered and artistically challenging. The newest tracks, of which they play to great reception, fully showcases their heavier electronic influence and gives frontman Marcus Bridge room to shine with both his clean vocals and harsh screams. 

Their sound has morphed into something distinct, perhaps best described as djent-dance, setting them apart in the tech-metalcore scene. Jon Deiley has always stood out as a stunning modern metal musician in modern metal, and tonight he reaffirms his status - playing not only guitar but also live sequencers and sample pads, and complete with windbreaker he has a robotic red glowing eyepiece making the performance even more captivating. That futuristic stage presence aligns perfectly with their polished yet heavy sound. 

The mix of atmospheric breaks and chaotic tech-metal assaults—fuelled by furious drums, thunderous bass elements from the many stringed guitars, angular lead guitar work, and well-timed live sequencing—keeps the audience fully engaged and partying throughout. The setlist spans recent albums as well as much older tracks thrown in as a medley for good measure. Hearing a remixed ‘Solar’ is fantastic, as is encore closer and fan favourite ‘Citizen’. The packed venue responds enthusiastically to every moment, leaving the band visibly moved by the crowd's energy and appreciation and eager for the next tour.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Northlane + Novelists + ten56.