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. "Rise [ライズ]"
    Released: 6 April 2023[6]
  4. "Crank It Up"
    Released: 18 June 2024[7]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Distorted Sound8/10[3]
Noizze7/10[8]

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.[9]

Background

In February 2022, the band went on a hiatus following allegations of domestic violence against their bassist, Fabien Lahaye.[10] The band had indicated that Lahaye had initiated legal proceedings.[11] In December 2022, the band returned with the announcement of a new single, "One Love", which was released in 21 January 2023.[4]

Rise of the Northstar announced on January 20, 2023, that their third studio album would be called Showdown, along with its release date.[12] That same day, they also released the music video for new single "One Love".[13] The album was met with positive reception.[14]

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)[15] 74
German (Offizielle Top 100)[16] 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. ^ a b Clement, Keith (21 January 2023). "RISE OF THE NORTHSTAR step it up a gear & unleash video!". Metalheads Forever Magazine. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
  5. ^ Weaver, James (17 March 2023). "Rise Of The Northstar release new song 'Showdown'". Distorted Sound. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
  6. ^ Clement, Keith (6 April 2023). "Rise Of The Northstar – New Single/Video "Rise [ライズ]"". Metalheads Forever Magazine. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
  7. ^ "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.
  8. ^ Grimmie, Elliot (2023-04-12). "Rise Of The Northstar - Showdown". Noizze UK. Retrieved 2025-11-21.
  9. ^ "Rise Of The Northstar to release new studio album "Showdown" on April 7th 2023". Grande Rock. 2023-01-18. Retrieved 2025-12-08.
  10. ^ "Rise Of The Northstar a décidé d'entrer en hiatus pour une durée..." Metalorgie (in French). Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  11. ^ Elodie. "NEWS : Rise of the Northstar en hiatus suite à des accusations de violences conjugales". Shoot Me Again (in French). Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  12. ^ Weaver, James (2023-01-20). "Rise of the Northstar announce new album 'Showdown'". Distorted Sound. Retrieved 2023-01-23.
  13. ^ "Rise of the Northstar to Release New Album in April; "One Love" Single / Video Available". BraveWords. 2023-01-20. Retrieved 2023-01-23.
  14. ^ Lobese, Jordonna (2023-03-15). "Album Review : RISE OF THE NORTHSTAR (Showdown)". Metal Planet Music. Retrieved 2025-12-08.
  15. ^ "Top Albums". SNEP (in French). Retrieved 2025-12-08.
  16. ^ "Offizielle Deutsche Charts". www.offiziellecharts.de. Retrieved 2025-12-08.