Late 90’s/early 2000’s metal band Nonpoint, mostly known for songs such as “Bullet With a Name“, “What a Day” and their metal cover version of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight“, released a new song on May 6, available on all digital streaming platforms. The song “Ruthless” is the first to drop off their upcoming album released on their own independent label, 361° Records.
Vocalist Elias Soriano, guitarists Jason Zeilstra and Rasheed Thomas, bassist Adam Woloszyn, drummer Robb Rivera have producing or engineering credits on “Ruthless”, along with engineer Rob Ruccia. Ruccia started working with the band as an engineer as a last-minute choice due to necessity in 2014. His relationship with the band has since evolved into one of trust, with their vision and their sound, and was then given the title of COO of the new label.
As Nonpoint states, “Branching off this new path of independence is a big move full of questions, concerns, and fears.” However, with 20-plus years in the industry, I believe they’d be doing their fans a great disservice to go by the wayside. Nonpoint knew this. Their understanding of the industry, their new perspective of commitment, respect for their team, (over the years, past and present), and of course the demand from their loyal fan base, made this leap a must-do.
I listened to “Ruthless” three times before I started putting these sentences together. The first time was intentionally casual. I was listening as anyone would without critique. The first “explosion” of sound in the first few seconds might just be parallel to the leap they’re taking at this point. You may also say Nonpoint IS making a point here. Coming in with purpose, “ruthlessly” perhaps, telling us that they’re still here and they are here to give us what they never lost. Their heavy, high-energy Nu Metal/Rap Core sound proves that metal is still alive.
The second and third time I listened was to dissect it. You instantly know it’s Nonpoint. They have managed to create and maintain their own sound within their genre. Especially because of original frontman Elias Soriano’s distinct vocal styling. The specific way his vocals rise and dip in waves of screaming rapcore fluctuation are owned by him and only by him. “Ruthless” displays this styling much as you’d hear on what I’d say is their most popular song, “Bullet With a Name.”
“Ruthless” doesn’t attempt to dive into any new trendy genres to gain a wider audience. It’s Nonpoint being Nonpoint but with a few subtle spices to keep it fresh. For example, you get booming, electric 808’s from the drummer and co-founding member Robb Rivera, simultaneous clean guitars, and distorted guitars from Zeilstra and Thomas.
And did I hear an Orchestra synth? Pretty sure I did, and I’m not mad. It’s a Nonpoint song that I would have blasted back when they were in my regular rotation. I did own their CD and it WAS NOT a burnt copy. I still would recommend “Ruthless” to those that aren’t familiar with their work. To say the least, it is definitely workout or training playlist-worthy. For the Nonpoint familiar, “Ruthless” is definitely a treat. It’s been a week or so since the release and I’ve spotted nothing but great feedback from the Nonpoint diehards.
Nonpoint truly put their hearts into this new venture and it shows. The effort given is paying off. They said they poised themselves to leap beyond what the industry has seen from their camp and “Ruthless” displays that passion. We’re coming up on a time now where 2000’s bands have come, been long gone, and even forgotten. And like generations before us there are a few that made it past that “we’re here for now but not for long” phase. Dare I say they are fixin’ to be considered classic Nu Metal? I mean… it’s been more than 20 years.
I think Nonpoint has the potential to be part of the 2000s metal elite with the likes of Mudvayne and Slipknot that could still pull a packed House of Blues venue across the country. I truly wish the them best.
The name of their new EP has not been released as of the time that I’m writing this. I am looking forward to the rest of the album and keeping my eyes open for the release. Fingers crossed that I get to see them play new songs live somewhere in Southern California again. Sooner rather than later.
Check out the song to have a listen to “Ruthless” and let us know what you think.
Tell us your favorite Nonpoint related story! Mine was having the honor of photographing them in December of 2019 on tour with Hellyeah. Photos below.
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Post by Rick Ward
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