Nonpoint, I have been reliably informed, played at Download this year (sorry I missed them!). I have to admit I was watching Saxon play - real metal always wins - but on this album's showing, if I had heard it first it could possibly have run a lot closer, so what do we have?

Nonpoint is made up of Elias Soriano (vocals), Zach Broderick (guitars), Bastard (bass) and Robb (drums). They've been around since 1997 and released seven albums, this being their eighth. 

Musically, what do we have? A cover of Pantera's 'Five Minutes Alone' that first appeared on the Dimebag Darrell tribute; any band that covers Pantera is putting themselves out there, but they pull it off pretty faithfully. A track called 'Frontlines' that in metal terms would be the "epic track". Ultimately the album comes across all Nickelback on 'What I've Become', more than a hint of Shinedown on 'Shadow' and 'Miracle' and throw in a bit of Avenged Sevenfold on 'Dangerous Waters'.

So, is it a good album? I'm a bit disappointed (shouldn't have put 'Five Minutes Alone' first). The acoustic bonus tracks didn't quite do it for me. 

This is, I get the feeling, a very good stab at opening up to a more commercial market. If you like your music heavy but restrained (wish they'd kept the Pantera vibe) then enjoy, not for me though.

www.myspace.com/nonpoint