When you think of metalcore, legends like Killswitch Engage, Parkway Drive, or Bullet For My Valentine are the go-to bands that people may be reminded of. The early 2000’s genre is defined by its intense breakdowns, chugging riffs, and balance of harsh screaming and melodic singing. Metalcore has stood the test of time and is more popular than ever today, yet few dare to challenge the winning recipe of the music that has sold millions over the years.

In comes Nortlane, hailing from Blacktown, Australia. These Australians broke onto the metalcore scene in 2009, looking to shake things up and wow listeners. And the crowd sure was at Toyota Oakdale Theater on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

I have to say, as a self-proclaimed ‘metalcore purist,’ I was a little skeptical of Northlane coming into Saturday. Metalcore is a genre where many bands don’t stand out. Bands use the same rinse-and-repeat formula and are often boring. Northlane, though, was anything but boring. Their blend of EDM beats and crushing riffs with melodic and screaming vocals makes for an experience like no other.

When Northlane took the stage in the Dome at Toyota Oakdale, the crowd under the crystal chandeliers of the Dome was anxious to get going. Frontman Marcus Bridge came out adorned in a blood red jumpsuit and killed the opening trifecta of songs. “Carbonized,” “4D,” and “Talking Heads” were three headbangers that set the mood for the set.

Then came their new single, released earlier in the week, “Evian.” If you were unaware of the difference in the new single from the opening songs, guitarist and programmer Jon Deiley and his glowing red eyeglasses might have shown you. At the start, he set up on his electronic drum pad and let loose a wave of sound that made the circle pit go from moshing to dancing in a matter of seconds. The EDM beats of “Evian” mixed with the chugging from Josh Smith’s guitar made for something that I had never heard before and an atmosphere unlike any other.

After the headbanging nightclub energy finished, the lights went down, and the Dome turned red. On came “Welcome to the Industry,” a song where Northlane takes a jab at record labels and the music industry as a whole. Josh Smith’s guitar, tuned lower than Australia itself, hit us like a freight train and crushed the crowd, offering a different sound from some of their others in the set to keep the crowd guessing what was to come next.

That is the beauty of Northlane, you never know what to expect. Their songs are a mix of everything that keeps their set interesting and entertaining. Nobody is as dedicated to their live performances as Northlane is, either. Not only are the guitar, drums, and vocals performed live, but so are the electronic beats being mixed right there on the stage, giving them an authentic feel that shows how much they care about their music.