North

North is an American atmospheric sludge and post-metal band formed in Tucson, Arizona, in 2005. Originally an instrumental trio, the band's sound evolved through various lineup changes, incorporating keyboards and vocals to create a more expansive, cinematic style.

Their early work, such as the 'Siberia' and 'Ruins' EPs, established a foundation of heavy, slow-burning metal influenced by the likes of Neurosis and Isis. The 2012 album 'The Great Silence' marked a high point in their career, utilizing a concept centered on the Fermi Paradox and extraterrestrial life to color their dense sonic palette. Following the departure of several members, the band transitioned back to a trio with bassist Evan Leek taking over vocal duties, resulting in a more direct and raw approach on the 'Metanoia' EP and subsequent releases like 'Light the Way'. Critically, they are respected for their ability to maintain a 'desert' aesthetic - dry, vast, and shimmering - within the often-cluttered post-metal genre. They occupy a unique space between the pagan-influenced black metal of Eastern Europe and the American sludge tradition.