X

X, the eleventh studio album by Nonpoint, represents a refined distillation of the band's twenty-year evolution. Produced by Fred Archambault, known for his work with Avenged Sevenfold, the record captures a high-fidelity 'studio polished' sound that emphasizes the band's rhythmic complexity. Following a rare one-year hiatus, the ensemble returned with a renewed focus on the 'groove' that defined their Florida roots. This album is particularly notable as the final contribution from lead guitarist BC Kochmit, whose melodic sensibilities provided a counterweight to the band's percussive aggression. Critics, including those from Blabbermouth and Loudwire, noted the 'urgency' of the songwriting, highlighting tracks like 'Empty Batteries' and 'Chaos and Earthquakes' for their ability to bridge the gap between traditional nu-metal bounce and contemporary alternative metal. The album peaked at a time when the genre was seeing a resurgence in rhythmic-focused songwriting, cementing Nonpoint's legacy as masters of the 'groove metal' pocket.