Rise of the Northstar - Impressive Hardcore NY style!!!

****

Where have all the circle pits gone?

Rise of the Northstar **** Shine bright in their own right, but they were totally the wrong band to support Dir en Grey. The band is French but their sound comes straight out of the NY Hardcore scene of the 90's. They are similar to Hatebreed Biohazard, Madball, and Life of Agony. In recent years other acts like Deez Nuts have been making waves in the modern scene. Their image also emulates these bands and their Hardcore mentality would go down a storm if they had been booked on the right show. 

The lacking of circle pits and fist pumping really affects the feel of the music they are trying to put across. They have steady guitar parts and the chorus chants really work well for them. Singer Vithia has a very good overall stage presence putting across Hardcore signature stage moves like a veteran and the peak of his game.

I think we even saw the running man at one point. I do think some of his vocals could have been clearer at times, but overall he put across a good performance and you knew what he was wanting to project to the audience. All of the rest of Rise of the Northstar were well rehearsed in their fields with drummer Hokuto no Kev really shinning.  

Other highlights in the band's set were: 'Sound of the Wolves, Show me your Respect' and 'Demonstrating my Saiya Style' which would have stood up when this genre was really rising. They have managed to recreate the sound perfectly while putting a modern tint on it at the same time. Powerful songs like 'Samurai Spirit' really bring things up a few paces, but the like of their cover of 'Simon Says' by Pharoahe Monch was a disappointment. Overall this was a solid set from a great up and coming Hardcore act, that I would like to go and see again in their own environment. 

Review and Photo's by Dan Devour 

Check Out! the Video for 'Sound of Wolves' Below...