I've written about Nonpoint before and I've been a fan of them since my first listen to their major debut Statement back in 2000. Since then I've seen them live 9 times and they've put out 9 more albums. They are unquestionably one of my favorite bands. Although only two original members remain, the current lineup has been together for a few years and is putting out some of the best music in their catalogue and living up to their killer reputation for live shows.
The tenth album is called "X" as it is their landmark tenth album. This album delivers a diverse collection of 10 songs while still presenting a cohesive listen from start to finish. The deluxe version offers another new song, Paralyzed, followed by acoustic versions of Fix This and a very good live version of Generation Idiot from their last album. The Facebook fan group (361 All Things Nonpoint) can't come to a consensus of what the best tracks are, which just speaks to the diversity and artistry offered here.
Empty Batteries - The introduction makes it sound like a space exploration is about to happen and then the heaviness comes in rather abruptly with fast chugging guitars and pounding drums. "I won't let you die like a suicidal battery..." Elias screams. I think this song is about not giving up. It is also a great opening song because right away you can see that Nonpoint is not messing around and shows no sign of slowing down 20 years into their career.
Chaos and Earthquakes - This one is just a banger. It's not the most original song, but Elias raps with skill in the verses and then there is an anthemic chorus that is easy to belt along to. This was chosen as the first single. The video is a performance video in a warehouse in front of a florescent lit X with a creepy girl who looks like she's been through a war making sporadic appearances. It rocks.
Fix This - A poetic tale of regrets. Elias paints a picture of someone who is battling some demons, but doesn't want to come to grips with what s/he could do to help fix the situation. The style here is more straightforward with melodic chorus and a little guitar breakdown. This song has grown on me with every listen.
Crashing - Elias' vocals start off with a yell-like verse before settling into a slower melodic chorus. The theme here is again questioning course of action. I'm not as fond of this song compared to the rest.
Passive Aggressive - A haunting gospel-like sound starts this one off before some heavy chugging bass lines come in and Elias rap-sings about someone we have all unfortunately dealt with, a passive aggressive pain in the ass.
Dodge Your Destiny - This is easily the heaviest track and my favorite on the album. I love the speed and aggression. I love the theme of not being able to get out of the way of your destiny. I love the way everyone just kills it on this track, especially the way Elias attacks this song with a fury.
Dodge Your Destiny live @ Starland Ballroom 5/20/18
Wheel Against Will - This one jumps out first because of the drums. There's nothing flashy here, just Robb pounding away. Then we have the theme of fighting against the machine, not so subtly a metaphor for opposing the establishment that controls us. Most impressive is BC's guitar solo. It starts to shred and then he kind of pulls it back into the rhythm of the song, leaving the listener with just a taste of what he is capable of.
Milestone - This song comes in with some sludgy bass riffs soon juxtaposed by Elias' intense vocals. In some ways this is classic Nonpoint and yet it feels fresh and different too. Adam (bass) and Rasheed (rhythm guitar) show how they have taken Nonpoint to another level.
Feel The Way I Feel - A slower tempo emphasizes the emotional turmoil of a bad relationship. Everyone can relate to this and it's hard not to sing along to the chorus.
Position One - This track closes the 10 song album with another slower tempo song on the verses, but then it picks up in the chorus. "I'll never let you break me down inside, inside, inside," Elias sings. Just when you think this song is only about feeling down, a Tom Morello-like solo kicks in. The dynamic changes in this song really make it a good closer in that it leaves you wanting more.
Paralyzed (bonus) - Fortunately, the deluxe version of the album gives you that extra that you're craving. This song is about being paralyzed by fear, again a pretty universal experience. The cool thing about this track is that there is a high pitched guitar riff that almost sounds like keyboards. The song is balanced by a driving drum beat and rock solid bass providing the foundation. Paralyzed sounds like nothing Nonpoint have done before, yet I can hear it fitting in with stuff from the early 2000s, like Adema and Linkin Park, when Nonpoint first broke out.
The deluxe version of the album also has an acoustic version of Fix This and a very good live version of Generation Idiot from The Poison Red performed in St. Petersburg, Florida.
I give X four out of five stars and rank it behind Statement and The Poison Red. CrypticRock rated it 5/5 and I'm Music rated it 9/10. If you like hard rock, it is well worth checking out this album and, as always, if you like it buy it and support the artists.
For videos from my last Nonpoint show and other stuff, check out my Youtube channel
