There are many bands that claim the direct influence of one specific band or another. On the other hand, bands that blame a specific album for their own existence are not so common. But Northern Discipline is one such band. According to their biographical information, Northern Discipline were founded in 1996 "due to the impact of Machine Head's 'Burn My Eyes' and... to create a very heavy Finnish metal that was so clear to all the members of the band."

In preparation for this review, I, err... borrowed Machine Head's "Burn My Eyes" from the Internet. Up until this point, my experience with this influential band has been limited to a song from the "Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight" soundtrack and a live performance in September of 1999. I was surprised to find that "Burn My Eyes" is a pretty good album, especially considering that it was released in 1994, the earliest days of nu metal. I can definitely hear how it influenced a lot of the nu metal that was to follow. And it definitely opens my eyes a bit when listening to Northern Discipline's debut full length, "Burn-Beaten Soul."

Northern Discipline are most definitely metal. Their sound is somewhere between nu metal and melodic death metal - rhythmic guitars and percussion, angst-ridden vocals that are always harsh but occasionally melodically so, and a simplistic approach to songwriting resulting in songs that are accessible without being too pop. This is the sort of music that is probably going to rub some underground metal fans the wrong way, but it really isn't that bad.

Of course, Northern Discipline are no Kalmah. While the Finnish metal aspects are definitely on hand, Northern Discipline fall closer to the nu metal side of the spectrum. They are like a heavy Disturbed, to be honest. And while I personally do not dismiss nu metal just because it is nu metal, be aware of what you are getting into with "Burn-Beaten Soul."

"Create Disorder" has some of the harshest vocals on the album, and is a stark contrast to catcher tunes like "Downbringer" or the apparent single "The One." Guitarist Teemu Grönberg is actually quite impressive, weaving in some subtly complex or virtuosic riffs amongst the otherwise head-banging nu metal crunch. The other musicians are talented as well, although not quite as standout (and nowhere near the levels of most extreme metal musicians). This album's eleven songs clock in at less than forty minutes (the longest track is 4:33), so there is no need to worry about "Burn-Beaten Soul" dragging on or overstaying its welcome.

No, Northern Discipline's "Burn-Beaten Soul" isn't going to challenge any musical boundaries or blow away anyone who already listens to death metal. No, this isn't the second coming of Machine Head. And unfortunately (for the band), I doubt any tracks from "Burn-Beaten Soul" are going to be receiving any radio play in the near future. But this is still a good example of how nu metal can avoid the stain of popular culture (or popular counter-culture) and prove itself to be a valid musical contender in non-mainstream music.