Chapter 04 : Red Falcon Super Battle! Neo Paris War!!

Rise Of The Northstar have delivered a statement of intent with "Chapter 04: Red Falcon Super Battle! Neo Paris War!!". In a landscape often cluttered by bloated production and aimless theatrics, this record stands as a bastion of muscular, purpose-driven weight. It is a lean, mean execution of groove metal and metalcore that refuses to apologise for its aggression. From the opening notes, it is clear that the band understands the potency of the rhythm; they aren't just playing notes, they are weaponising them.

Moving past the frantic spectacle of the "Turbo-Intro", the album settles into a punishing groove. The production is crystalline without being clinical, allowing the low-end to thrum with visceral authority. "Payback" sets the pace perfectly, establishing a rhythmic foundation that feels lived-in and intentional. Unlike many of their contemporaries who lean into self-indulgent tics, Rise Of The Northstar opts for the power of the hook—the hook being a devastatingly heavy, synchronised riff.

A masterclass in kinetic groove, trading empty grandiosity for serrated, rhythmic precision.

"Neo Paris" and "Falcon" showcase the band's ability to balance intensity with momentum. There is a frantic energy here, but it is never chaotic. The percussion is the backbone of the experience; the drumming is crisp, punctuating the heavy transitions with clinical precision. Every snare hit feels like a physical blow. It is this technical competence that elevates the album from mere noise to a highly structured piece of sonic architecture.

The transition into the middle of the tracklist provides a brief respite of atmosphere without sacrificing the core intensity. "Back 2 Basics" and "Under" lean into the more industrial-adjacent edges of their sound, offering a textured shift that keeps the listener engaged. It is a deliberate move that prevents the album from becoming a repetitive cycle of blast beats and breakdowns. They understand that variety is a tool for engagement, not a distraction from the core identity.

"Pressure" and "Nemesis" are the high-water marks for pure, unadulterated groove. The riff-work here is particularly dense, layered with a sense of urgency that feels earned. The integration of rap metal elements feels organic rather than forced; the vocal delivery complements the rhythmic cadence of the instruments rather than competing with it. It is a seamless fusion of styles that reinforces the band's versatility without diluting their primary impact.

The final third of the album, featuring "A.I.R. Max" and "Solitary Homeboy", maintains the momentum with a grim, relentless march. The production stays consistent, ensuring that even the slower passages carry a sense of impending doom. The pacing is meticulously crafted; the album never feels like it's dragging, and it never feels like it's rushing to get to the next 'big' moment. It exists in a constant state of high-tension tension.

"No Turning Back" and "Desolation Hawk" provide a scorching conclusion to the main body of the work. These tracks are absolute marathons of heavy, well-structured metalcore. The band earns their keeps here by stripping away any remaining pretension, focusing entirely on the weight of the notes. It is a satisfying, punishing climax that rewards the listener's attention with sheer sonic density.

Ending with the "75 Outro", the record leaves a lasting impression of technical proficiency and stylistic confidence. Rise Of The Northstar have avoided the pitfalls of 'over-production' and 'bloated' aesthetics that plague the genre. By focusing on the interplay between a razor-sharp riff and a relentless drum beat, they have crafted something that is both visceral and intelligently composed. It is a triumphant entry for the Kuromaku roster.

Ultimately, this is a victory of form over fluff. The tracklist provides a satisfying arc of high-velocity metal that keeps its teeth until the final millimetre. It is rare to find a release that feels this cohesive and punishing while remaining so disciplined. "Chapter 04" is a punishing, precision-engineered beast that demands respect from any fan of the heavy arts.