Isis - In The Absence of Truth

It would be fair to say that the hard slog of touring put in by Isis since the release of 2004's Panopticon makes this release the most anticipated amongst fans of a band who have traversed their way from the New England underground to being arguably the most revered band of the 'post-metal' bracket. In the Absence of Truth will leave fans happy as much of their distinct formula is here in abundance: the percussion and bass probes away at the heightening stratospheres of delicate guitar, eventually exposing the gritty death growl of Aaron Turner and the diesel engine heaviness of kick drum and distortion married in thunder. Some conspicuous electronic elements in tracks like 'Wrists of Kings' and 'All out of Time, All into Space' suggest innovative twists on the tried and tested blueprint, but the time honoured 'quiet-loud' progressions of 'Over Root and Thorn' still stand out. An album of great merits but not one that is likely to wow anyone who wasn't won by the classic Oceanic of 2002. [Jamie Borthwick]