Aussie metalcore outfit Northlane recently released their fifth studio album, Alien, an intense record that delves into frontman Marcus Bridge’s violent upbringing living with drug-addicted parents. In keeping with the heavy music and even heavier themes of the LP, we caught up with bassist-vocalist (and ex-Structures frontman) Brendon Padjasek to find out what albums changed his life — and, no surprise, there’s plenty of heaviness to be found.
Structures – All of the Above
Structures was my band before Northlane. If this album didn’t happen, I never would have toured, never would have met Northlane and again, wouldn’t be answering these questions.
Brand New- Déjà Entendu
For a teenager, growing up in an era where emo was at its prime, the lyrics and songwriting were so well done. Brand New is the only band of that era that I can listen to now and still think, “Yeah, those are great songs.”
Between the Buried and Me – Alaska
This was the first album I listened to that made me thing anything was possible. Really opened up my musical palette of notes, chords and time signature. Of course, I had no knowledge of theory at that point, but I don’t think I would have been interested in eventually learning if it weren’t for this album.
Meshuggah – Nothing
I remember one of my first jams with Structures. Andrew, our drummer, had put “Rational Gaze” on after we had smoked a joint and it completely changed my life. I don’t think any album made me realize the rhythmic possibilities like this one.
Robert Johnson – King of the Delta Blues Singers
Where do I even start? If you’ve heard the legend of the crossroads, you know Robert Johnson. He is said to be father of blues and rock and roll. He was a terrible player, disappeared for a year and came back with a seven-string guitar — he had fashioned an extra string on his guitar — and changed music forever. This is where the crossroads theory came from.
