Showdown is the third studio album by French heavy metal/hardcore punk band Rise of the Northstar. It was released on 7 April 2023, through Atomic Fire records.
Background In February 2022, the band went on a hiatus following allegations of domestic violence against their bassist, Fabien Lahaye. The band had indicated that Lahaye had initiated legal proceedings.
Rise of the Northstar announced on January 20, 2023, that they reformed and that their third studio album would be called Showdown, along with its release date. That same day, they also released the music video for new single "One Love".
Reception The album was met with positive reception. Metal.de wrote "You have to listen to the album a bit to get a feel for it and sort out the individual elements; fundamentally, however, *Showdown* is an album that gets things moving. This is borne out by the fact that most of the songs operate at a mid-tempo pace, with only a few outliers venturing into faster, punchier territory. Yet, as seen on "Clan," the music also shifts into more measured realms—making a powerful impression with wonderful guitar solos—and clearly demonstrates that *Showdown* offers far more than just brash hardcore. So, when RISE OF THE NORTHSTAR make their virtual ring entrance—as described earlier—and are hailed by the crowd, it is entirely deserved."
Track listing
Personnel Rise of the Northstar Victor "Vithia" Leroy – lead vocals Brice "Eva-B" Gauthier – guitar Erwan "Air One" Menez – rhythm guitar Alexis "Yoru" Lieu – bass guitar Kevin "Phantom" Foley – drums
Charts Chart (2023)Peak positionFrench Charts (SNEP)74German (Offizielle Top 100)73
References