Showdown (Rise of the Northstar album)

Showdown
Studio album by
ReleasedApril 7, 2023 (2023-04-07)
Genre
Length35:34
LabelAtomic Fire
Rise of the Northstar chronology
The Legacy of Shi
(2018)
Showdown
(2023)
Chapter 4: Red Falcon Super Battle! Neo Paris War!!
(2025)
Singles from Showdown
  1. "One Love"
    Released: 21 January 2023[4]
  2. "Showdown"
    Released: 17 March 2023[5]
  3. "Crank It Up"
    Released: 18 June 2024[6]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Distorted Sound8/10[3]
Noizze7/10[7]

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.[8]

Background

In February 2022, the band went on a hiatus following allegations of domestic violence against their bassist, Fabien Lahaye.[9] The band had indicated that Lahaye had initiated legal proceedings.[10]

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".[11] The album was met with positive reception.[12]

Track listing

No.TitleLength
1."The Anthem"1:00
2."Showdown"4:11
3."Third Strike"3:40
4."Crank It Up"3:34
5."One Love"3:23
6."Shogun No Shi"3:26
7."Clan"5:05
8."Raijin"3:23
9."Golden Arrow"3:52
10."Rise [ライズ]"4:00
Total length:35:34

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

position

French Charts (SNEP)[13] 74
German (Offizielle Top 100)[14] 73

References

  1. ^ Nuttall, Luke (30 March 2023). "REVIEW ROUND-UP: Rise Of The Northstar, Archetypes Collide, The Bar Stool Preachers". The Soundboard. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
  2. ^ Cordova, Daniel (7 April 2023). "THE WEEKLY INJECTION: New Releases From POWERWOLF, SCOWL & More Out Today 4/7". Metal Injection. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
  3. ^ a b McKenna, Shaun (2023-04-06). "ALBUM REVIEW: Showdown - Rise Of The Northstar". Distorted Sound Magazine. Retrieved 2025-11-21.
  4. ^ "Rise of the Northstar to Release New Album in April; "One Love" Single / Video Available". BraveWords. 2023-01-20. Retrieved 2023-01-23.
  5. ^ Weaver, James (17 March 2023). "Rise Of The Northstar release new song 'Showdown'". Distorted Sound. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
  6. ^ "RISE OF THE NORTHSTAR – launch 'Crank It Up' music video; touring the world with current album "Showdown"". Metal Planet Music. 18 June 2024. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
  7. ^ Grimmie, Elliot (2023-04-12). "Rise Of The Northstar - Showdown". Noizze UK. Retrieved 2025-11-21.
  8. ^ "Rise Of The Northstar to release new studio album "Showdown" on April 7th 2023". Grande Rock. 2023-01-18. Retrieved 2025-12-08.
  9. ^ "Rise Of The Northstar a décidé d'entrer en hiatus pour une durée..." Metalorgie (in French). Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  10. ^ Elodie. "NEWS : Rise of the Northstar en hiatus suite à des accusations de violences conjugales". Shoot Me Again (in French). Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  11. ^ Weaver, James (2023-01-20). "Rise of the Northstar announce new album 'Showdown'". Distorted Sound. Retrieved 2023-01-23.
  12. ^ Lobese, Jordonna (2023-03-15). "Album Review : RISE OF THE NORTHSTAR (Showdown)". Metal Planet Music. Retrieved 2025-12-08.
  13. ^ "Top Albums". SNEP (in French). Retrieved 2025-12-08.
  14. ^ "Offizielle Deutsche Charts". www.offiziellecharts.de. Retrieved 2025-12-08.