Many in the mainstream feel the need to call Isis post-metal. This is a term that I never understood because it insinuates that those that are labeled “post-metal” are no longer actually metal. Does this sound like a cop out to anyone else? To me this sounds like fans of Isis not wanting to be labeled as fans of metal, because one thing is for sure, Isis on their 2009 album, Wavering Radiant is still most definitely metal. What now hipsters? Did I just ruin your happy moment?

I will admit that classifying any of Isis’ music is a chore, a chore worth laboring over, but a chore nonetheless. You see, Isis, from a metal standpoint, comes from a strong doom/sludge metal background, but with a HUGE dose of atmospheric conditions fueled by non-metallic elements. These elements enfused with traditional metal riffs is probably where the term “post-metal” originated, but since when does a metal band who uses non-metal elements all of a sudden become not metal enough? Trust me when I tell you that Wavering Radiant, while not your every day Bongzilla record, is still very much metal.

Now, enough of the diatribe. Wavering Radiant is Isis’ 5th studio album, with a crapload of live material scattered between. As I mentioned earlier, the sound is very sludge based in the heavier portions, while the remainder is a whistful, jazz like series of riffs and accompanying beats. For a laman’s comparison, I’d say its a combination of the heaviest portions of Mastodon, and the lighter portions of Opeth. This comparison is just to give you a general feel mind you, and its important to understand that the Isis sound is quite original and “avant garde” if you will.

Upon my initial listen, I wasn’t really sure what to think of this album. It has actually taken me a few weeks since receiving this promo to really formulate an opinion of Wavering Radiant. However, while listening this evening, the entire piece seemed to finally sink in with me developing a final conclusion. In the end, I discovered that the juxtaposition between the heavy portions and the softer sides was quite apt and very well balanced. While I’d say the majority of the album falls in the more atmospheric side of things, there are continuous moments where the band suddenly breaks down all sense of calm with Earth shattering riffs of the extremely crunchy variety.

My ultimate conclusion about this album is, while I do appreciate it and can enjoy it on a certain level, Wavering Radiant isn’t a fun listen. To me, it’s like watching the film Pi; it’s a heavy handed, well put together piece of art and well worth the listen, but going back for more is just not as pallatable. I’d have to say, despite their reliance on the term “post-metal” that this record will ultimately be best enjoyed by those outside of the normal realm of heavy metal, as there just aren’t enough dynamics for the average metal fan to really find this to be worth repeated listens. Nonetheless, I do recommend Wavering Radiant to everyone to at least try out, because it is definitely worth the experience, even if it ends up being only once.

GOOD

Top Tracks: Wavering Radiant

Similar Artists: Opeth, Mastodon,

1.    Hall of the Dead    07:41
2.    Ghost Key    08:31
3.    Hand of the Host    10:45
4.    Wavering Radiant    01:50
5.    Stone to Wake a Serpent    08:33
6.    20 Minutes/40 Years    07:07
7.    Threshold of Transformation    09:53

Aaron Turner – Vocals, Guitar
Mike Gallagher – Guitar
Jeff Caxide – Bass
Aaron Harris – Drums
Bryant Clifford Meyer – Electronics, Live Guitar

Ipecac Recordings

http://www.isistheband.com/

http://www.myspace.com/sgnl05

Review by CODY