No strangers to experimental rock, Boston-based Isis once again delivers a release that nestles comfortably and sequentially into its already-extensive discography. "In The Absence of Truth," Isis's third LP for Ipecac and 15th release since 1998, continues to push the limits of experimental/instrumental music. Fusing elements of prog-rock, metal and ambient by creating a record that stays true to the band's signature sound, "Truth" also vibrantly underscores Isis's progression.
Isis's past has seen the band explore diametric ends of experimental sound. Initially, Isis offered a more abrasive and thoroughly less polished persona. "Mosquito Control," its 1998 debut, established the band's crunchy metal roots and frantic experimental sound. Through its record catalog, however, the band has harnessed its sound to a more relaxed and soulful groove. While still encompassing the darker experimental overtones the band has always branded Isis's sound, they have moved away from the grinding metal riffs and shrill guitar accents that originally defined it.
"Truth" brings the band's discography full-circle by keeping to Isis's more recent relaxed ambiance while infusing the tracks with the metallic intensity and lush dark tones that sculpted the band's past. Though "Truth" helps link Isis to its earlier foundations, this time, the product is more mature and meticulous.
In the spirit of 2004's "Panopticon," "Truth" combs the same types of instrumental textures. Tracks are anchored by the deep instrumental hum of resonant bass lines and dissonant chords that permeate the body of the work. The bass keeps the tracks cohesive and renders the release more a lengthy opus rather than individual songs packed onto an album. Simple lead guitar lines sprinkled delicately and thoughtfully across the tracks punctuate the mix. The lines are the sound that separates Isis from its genre counterparts; along with the release's soothing overall aura, the guitar lines also help to connect "Truth" to its predecessors.
With only one track running under six minutes, the length of each song on "Truth" is necessary for the record to function as a sprawling epic. As the album flows more fluidly as a single entity, "Truth" offers less distinction between tracks than "Panopticon."
The moods "Truth" evokes are probably its largest asset. The record paints a vision of a wandering nighttime voyage, which works directly in conjunction with the heavier instrumentals. "Truth" is carried by a somber pall cast over the entire record. While keeping it cohesive, the atmosphere also makes the record emotionally heavy. The final track, "Garden of Light," does end on a seemingly hopeful note, but take the record's emotions as you will - there's always room for interpretation.
What most accents the record's overall mood, however, are the vocals. Aaron Turner's throaty droning creates another layer of sound over the instrumentation, which is better placed on this record than in the rest of Isis's repertoire. It's no surprise that the lyrics are almost entirely unintelligible, but it's a moot point. Turner's voice adds a necessary human quality to the track profiles. Most notable is his performance on "1000 Shards" in which the chant brings a soulful croon into the core of the song. Similarly, the pulse of "Firdous E Bareen" functions like a heartbeat, giving "Truth" a depth that few bands can actually achieve.
The end of the opening track, "Wrists of Kings," is the first place in which it becomes apparent Isis treads on more metallic ground on "Truth." Though the beginning of the track is reminiscent of "Panopticon"'s "In Fiction," the latter portion of the song pulls away with a fiery intensity. As the record progresses, it becomes apparent that this force characterizes the entire disc this time. While it's difficult to resist drawing parallels to musical counterparts Tool because of the metallic undertones prevalent throughout "Truth"'s duration, Isis is a bit gentler with its implementation.
The band uses a scrupulous amount of overdrive and pounds out chords harder to add texture to tracks. Isis stays away from the obnoxious radio-friendly metal angst which crushes records and reputations in one fell swoop. Still, the record is edgier; noticeably enough for a long-standing Isis listener to do a double take.
Atmospheric and poignant, "Truth" is an incredibly solid release. As some tracks are more engaging than others, its scope of appeal might be better suited for those with a cultured Isis palette; newer fans may be slightly less receptive to its virtues. Either way, it's apparent that the band has not lost any steam. Isis's ability to bring its sound full-circle is just another flooring feat of this ever-progressing band.
