RISE OF THE NORTHSTAR

The Legacy Of Shi NUCLEAR BLAST

Japan-obsessed crossover metallers get Gojira frontman behind the decks

Where to place Rise Of The Northstar in the metal landscape? The crossover metallers’ second album is another unholy mix of thrash metal, nu metal, hardcore and hip hop, merged with the band’s fascination for Japanese culture. That last element of their sound sounds gimmicky but, in truth, lyrics about undefeated emperors, Manga characters and Tokyo suburbs are forgotten once the opening riff on The Awakening kicks in. Fittingly, The Legacy Of

Shi was produced and recorded by Gojira’s Joe Duplantier who makes his presence felt in the slamming swagger of Nekketsu and This Is

Crossover, which sound like Godzilla crushing a building. There are early Machine Head vibes on All For One while the band’s hip hop influences come through with French rapping on Furyo’s Day and nods to KRS One on Cold Truth. This is monstrous fun, designed to get pits moving. FOR FANS OF: SLAYER, MADBALL, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE

DANNII LEIVERS