Band:	Isis
Album:	In The Absence Of Truth
Style:	Post-metal
Release date:	October 31, 2006
A review by:	Herzebeth

01. Wrists Of Kings
02. Not In Rivers, But In Drops
03. Dulcinea
04. Over Root And Thorn
05. 1000 Shards
06. All Out Of Time, All Into Space
07. Holy Tears
08. Firdous E Bareen
09. Garden Of Light

Most of the albums I review come with an info sheet with the biography, the album data and some other careless things; but when I opened the envelop that contained this CD I saw more than the classic leaf, there was a whole Article/Interview with Aaron Turner from "Revolver", the usual preview of the album and another sheet with lots and lots of bullets (small phrases) praising this band and closing with the sentence "What do YOU say?", it's almost obvious how the label and the people at speakeasy press are utterly positive about this product, so this is what I think then?

Isis needs no introduction, at least now they don't; I still remember the Oceanic days when everyone thought that Isis was just an Egyptian goddess and nothing more. So anyway, Panopticon arrived and now everyone seems to love Isis; two years passed by and now I am holding their latest effort called " In The Absence Of Truth", the first thing I wonder is?where did they leave their Metal and their Aggressive roots? They even released a split with Pig Destroyer for crying out loud, and now everything sounds just so damn?stunning?yes, I can't complain actually, bands evolve throughout the years, some end up releasing utter crap and others (Isis included) develop their music and wind up creating magnificent tones wrapped with incredible melodies and unbeatable structures.

This new album could easily be catalogued as Post-Rock, the metal genre is there in really low amounts, not even vocally If you're meticulous; their sound progressed enough and it's now more Post-Rock than anything. The heavy guitars and the strong beats are still there, but the general vibe is far more intricate and progressive to be labeled as "just" Post-Metal, this is something else ladies and gentlemen, this album is something beyond words when it comes to the genre. To be lightly precise let's combine Explosions In The Sky with the mellow side of Pelican, finally add melodious vocals and a lot of Tool-esque intros and bridges. That could be an accurate description of how "In The Absence Of Truth" sounds like generally speaking.

So, "What do I say?" I say this is one of the biggest releases of 2006, a crushing experience waiting to fill your brain with innovative methods and colossal music; but I still prefer "Oceanic" over this album, and again, if I'm in the Post-Rock mood I'd probably go with Explosions In The Sky, Sigur Rós or Godspeed, You Black emperor! first. In the end this is a worthwhile album no doubt; it's better than many Post-Metal clichés around that's for sure. Write it down on your "to buy" list as soon as possible.

Best Tracks: "Not In Rivers, But In Drops", "Garden Of Light", "Holy Tears".