Isis

In The Absence Of Truth (Ipecac 2006)

Album review

Home | Interviews | Live Pictures | Reviews | News | Tourdates | Message Board | Links | Search | CD Store | Trade Index | Mailing List | I've been looking forward to this new album, perhaps another masterpiece from producer Matt Bayles and former local boys Isis. I'm not sure what I was expecting exactly, but I'm hearing a really great, unmistakably Isis-sounding album for sure. It's hard to put a finger on, but there's something about this band, probably the notes/scales they use, that makes them instantly recognizable, even in the swarm of new bands trying to replicate their sound. Some have labeled these guys "art metal", while I prefer something along the lines of "atmospheric doom", some mutation of Neurosis...but whatever you'd call them, one thing is for sure, there is plenty of feedback, textured, layered guitar lines and bass intertwining in trance-like rhythmic patterns, distored heaviness, crazy time signatures, and some very melodic, wrenching, pissed off vocals for good measure. "In The Absence Of Truth" sort of takes up where "Panopticon" left off, but seems even cleaner in ways, vocally for one. There are definate differences, the drums have gone in a different direction with more tribal-sounding rhythms being thrown in, with a Sepultura-meets-Tool feel in places. Just another step forward in the evolution of Isis. Album Rating: Reviewed by: Wolfie ©2006 AbsolutMetal