Album Review: Nonpoint – The Last Word (361 Degrees Records)

Nonpoint, the iconic nu-metal band, are back with ‘The Last Word’, out September 18th, 2026, via 361 Degrees Records.

Nu-metal was my gateway into alternative and heavy music, but Nonpoint were not one of the bands that encouraged it. I was fully aware of them, but what they offered didn’t really resonate with me and I’ve not really followed their story since. Which makes writing about this, their 11th album, quite an interesting experience. Especially as it’s fair to say that Nonpoint have long since transcended their nu-metal moniker.

It’s also fair to say that they’re still embracing their past and The Last Word is somewhat of a celebration of who they are and how they’ve got to this point. While also definitely stating that they’re not going anywhere, this is just the next chapter of the band.

A chapter that begins with a bang courtesy of Failing the Conversation. The alternative groove blended with heavy nu-infused tones, backed up vocalist Elias Soriano’s smooth voice, makes for a strong start. It’s a good mix of classic and contemporary sounds, something that continues into the melodically charged Is It. A personal favourite as it has some biting moments too.

The nu-vibes are strong in Crowd Control though. Here, we get rapping vocals, a really thick and heavy guitar sound, and some really punchy drumbeats. The chorus being designed to get a crowd singing and moving along. It ends in stylish fashion, flowing nicely into the title track, which just so happens to have tons of explosive energy, and Shoreline, which bounces along with infectious intent.

That brings us to the middle part of the album and at this stage it’s clear that the album has plenty of variety too. Nonpoint have gone the experimental route and even though not everything works, enough does to make it memorable. Although they’re more than willing to slip back into ‘type’ when it comes to delivering intense and fiery efforts like Dial Tones and Settled (dig into the layers though and you’ll find a fair bit more going on). No complaints though as they’re both bangers.

Less so is Off the Hook. It’s the chorus that fails to hit here for me. Which is a shame as I like the heavy and crunchy verses. Contrast that with Red Yeti, which has an infectious chorus and some wild rhythmic parts, and Fine Print, that balances a likable chorus with big hooks and fierce riffs.

Personally, I appreciate that the album is kept tight at just ten tracks and that most tracks come in at the three-minute mark. It meant I never really found myself bored by what I was hearing. I may not have called myself a Nonpoint fan before, and I’m not sure I will now, but I am a fan of this album at least.

Nonpoint – The Last Word Track Listing:

1. Failing The Conversation
2. Is It
3. Crowd Control
4. The Last Word
5. Shoreline
6. Dial Tones
7. Off The Hook
8. Red Yeti
9. Fine Print
10. Settled

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