Greetings, Dear Wonderbread Readers,

I’m happy to introduce you to a new contributor of ours, Tristan Watson. Poet, writer and academic, Tristan is a marvelous cultural authority from whom we can all stand to benefit. His first article for us is just a quickie, a review of post-metal prog-band Isis‘ new album, Wavering Radiant. I hope you enjoy both the music and the article, I certainly do.

-Morgan

Since hearing their second LP Panopticon I have followed Isis intently; eager for their next release and rapt at the prospect of their tour Down Under. Now, I don’t know when they’ll hit our admittedly distant shores again; their fourth major release, however (Wavering Radiant) has enough within to sate most admirers of Isis, be they antipodean or otherwise. It is heavy, angry, emotionally stirring on so many levels; it takes me away, much like the weather when you let it, much like life when you are living it. Seven songs, clocking in at over 50 minutes, it is again epic in their unwavering dedication to the exploration of the question of what a song is as much as the question of what is to be human in this lifetime.

I have heard in the last five years of those who denounce and decry as egocentric bands whose songs might average eight minutes in length and push out to over ten as egocentric, but Isis are able to retain cogency in their explorations without falling into such a trap; time’s passing is irrelevant, creating as they are an experience for the listener, rather than trying to consciously wow us, which is their brilliance: their ability to move you whilst being so impressive on a purely musical level. Hall of the Dead opens the album, smacking you across the face and setting the tone for the rest of the LP – the rhythm section is unrelenting, beautiful and calculated, whilst their three guitars swirl and loop within the equations created by the drums and bass. Producer Joe Barresi, who has worked with artists such as Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, The Jesus Lizard, Tomahawk and Tool, has masterfully captured and enhanced the sound and personality of Isis and their music. Unlike previous releases, Wavering Radiant has a thematic feel conjured not through the lyrics but the music – their lyrics and vocals have always played second fiddle, but here they are more present, though still punctuation rather than substance. Ghost Key and 20 Minutes/40 Years, specifically, are two other highlights, amidst what is an unerringly exceptional metal release. You can purchase Isis’ Wavering Radiant from Amazon.com.

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