I saw the lads in LA and as the saying goes ( at least with Rush, Saigon Kick, and Love/Hate), they can musically cover live whatever they pump out in the studio. This particular album is a fantastic recording of melody coupled with incessant heaviness. Should that be too hard to ask? Nonpoint has travelled the road less taken, and yes, it HAS made all the difference. Get this for sure- no questions asked. "Development" is like reading a good book- you'll be the better for it.

Since gaining prominence a few years ago, the term "nu-metal" has come to be somewhat of a pejorative, often associated with simple musicianship and songwriting, weak vocals, and self-obsessed, often whiny lyrics. While those criticisms are often justified, fortunately there are bands like Nonpoint to prove that the nu-metal formula can work. Relying on old-fashioned devices like proficient musicianship and sharp songwriting, Nonpoint score once again on "Development" with a pack of tightly-coiled and often explosive songs. Nonpoint's approach is characterized by the contrast between soft and harder parts that many nu-metal bands use, but I think Nonpoint are a lot better at it. For one thing, they don't rely solely on the slow-verse-chanted-chorus formula that bands like Korn and Disturbed have been doing to death lately. Nonpoint keep their tempo shifts far more unpredictable than the typical nu-metal band, so their sound wears a lot better in the long run. Perhaps more importantly, they have the chops to make their diverse sound work. Elias Soriano is a terrific vocalist who can effortlessly shift from clean singing to a more aggressive and menacing tone. Guitarist Andrew Goldman is no Stevie Ray Vaughan, but compared to many guitarists in his genre he might as well be. His range goes well beyond the downtuned chugga-chugga riffs that have become the norm in today's heavy music, as he throws in chord shifts and lead notes that help make the band's sound interesting and distinctive. Drummer Robb Rivera can not only keep a beat better than most of his peers, but he throws in just enough fills to function as an extra instrument rather than a mere timekeeper.

In sum, "Development" marks a step up from its solid but unspectacular predecessor "Statement," with a more mature and though-out sound. Nonpoint are far from the best band out there, but in a nu-metal genre marked by increasingly low expectations, they differ from the norm more than enough to stand out. Look to them to be a band that survives the trend and keeps getting better.

This is a pretty emotional album that will probably make you break up with your girlfriend.... or maybe that's just me. Definately fucxin rocks though. Worth a buy!

i got this cd the day is came out and at first listen when i was completly done, i noticed that this was not as hard. But still i love it every song is growing on me. I seriously think Nonpoint are the king of hooks. All their songs are really cathcy and get stuck in your head. Every song on this cd is good in its own way. If your dont like this Nonpoint well then you didnt like them from Statement as much as you thought you did. The reason i give it 4 stars is because its going ot be hard as hell to top Statement which was an incredible cd. And also what a better way to learn about frogs! The cd has little scientific loops about FROGS it goes through the whole cd, i think its pretty cool,it was a good idea.

While this album may not have anything like Statement's "The Tribte" the new Nonpoint album Development does not dissapoint. This is what other nu-metal bands should strive for. Elias Soriano has a excellent singing voice and Andrew Goldman's guitar riffs are awesome, I can't wait to see these guys live at Locobazooka. Stand out tracks to me are the hard hitting opener Development, the first single Your Signs, and possibly the heaviest song on the record, Excessive Reaction. There are no bad tracks on here how ever those are the ones that caught my attention. I might possibly update this review with a song-by-song review but as for now I'm just rocking out to this cd. Everyone should also keep an eye out for the new Disturbed release comming soon, I know I will be listening for it!!