Isis — Oceanic

Every once in a while comes along a band that gets pigeonholed by being labeled a clone of a similar, innovative act. When this happens, the band usually has no choice but to make a steady progression and begin to infuse other stylistic elements that encompass their sound to set them apart from the band that they're [sometimes unjustly] being compared to; or else the band will continue to stagnate, artistically, and most like witness a decline in their fanbase in favor of the said innovator. A band that has fallen prey to this sort of criticism is the Boston based metalcore band, Isis. Isis has, for the most part, always been deeply entrenched in the shadows of the like-minded metalcore outfit, Neurosis. With the release of Oceanic, Isis is finally ready to emerge from those shadows and establish themselves as a truely remarkable band that can no longer be labeled a mere Neurosis clone. Oh no, my dear friends; the impetus of the band has been propelled by a much more focused drive, and the Isis of the past is primed and ready to explode -- creating a stand-out release in their respective genre, and most likely an album to withstand the test of time.

Hydra Head label owner, Aaron Turner's band Isis has been around since 1998, when they released their first demo (which is now out-of-print,) and achieved an immediate small underground following. After the release of their demo cassette, they proceded to issue a number of EPs, 7 inches, 12 inches and splits. Their first full-length, entitled "Celestial," came out in 2000, which futher helped to gain them more recognition amongst the metalcore/hardcore audience. Unavoidable comparisons to Neurosis have been made; some have seen the comparisons as a great complement, and others have seen it as a great detriment to the band's individuality and artistic merit. I tend to lean more towards the "you sound like Neurosis, which is great" side of the spectrum. Although having a Neurosis and a Neurosis Jr. (TM) is a ideal idea (since Neurosis is one of the most amazing bands ever, in my opinion,) Isis thought it was past due for an overhaul (but not an overhaul that would render the band as a different entity, completely.)

Oceanic is, in my humble opinion, their breakthrough album. It is like the audio equivalent of being flattened by a steamroller, while the driver insists on taunting you at the top of his lungs while every bone in your body is pulverized and you await death's icy-cold grip. But the strange thing about the pain induced by this steamroller, is that all the while you're wretching in pain and agony, you can't help but to realize how inherently beautiful the machine is that is slowly taking your life away. It's like being at ground zero at a nuclear bomb testing facility, and forgetting to put on your protective goggles before the test sequence is initiated. The bright light is beautiful yet overwhelming, and you're so mesmerized by it's glowing radiance, that you totally forget to realize that you're going to be blinded for life.

Oceanic consists of 9 tracks and clocks in at over an hour of music (most of the tracks average around 8 minutes or so [sparing the few intermediary segues].) The tracks are in no rush and don't feel compelled to instantly gratify by quickly bombarding you with a myriad of technical riffs, complex soloing or gaudy and excessive vocals. No, not at all. The music crawls along at a snails pace, and "jams" on a particular riff until it feels good and ready to make the transition to the next riff, which usually takes place over the matter over a few minutes. This album sure isn't going to set any records for intense speed runs. The vocals are pretty much your typical hardcore, throaty, screamed/yelled vocals, but thankfully they aren't too prevalent. And when they do appear, they're mixed just perfectly so it doesn't detract from the rest of the music. The music also has a very impressive atmosphere that's utilized by undercurrents of synth that really remind of early Faith No More. The guitar/drums/bass all complement each other perfectly, and there's never a moment where you feel that the instrumentation is abjectly clashing. The mellower moments of Oceanic conjure elements of Fugazi, too. There's some wonder hypnotic female vocals on track 6, and although they're only used once on the album, they don't seem awkward at all.

Oceanic's production isn't overstated, nor is it understated. It's perfectly balanced to accomodate the overall tone of the music. I couldn't imagine the production being any different. When you have a sound as rich and full as Isis does, there's really only one type of production that brings out all the warmth and heaviness that is deemed necessary to adequately state your aural vision. Every little nuance and ounce of emotion is drawn out and is bled for all it's worth. I don't think the band would have it any other way.

Oceanic is the best album that Isis has released thus far. It seems as though Isis has finally managed to find their true identity, and will only continue to create magnificant albums down the road. Is Oceanic for you? Well, if you're interested in Neurosis at all, or are already amongst the initiated, there will definitely be something for you in Oceanic. Be it the heaviness of the music, the evocative atmosphere or the epic nature of the tracks or just the plain excellent song-writing, you'll leave the album with a smile on your face. If you're not a Neurosis fan and are looking for some unpretentious and truely heavy and moving music, you'll definitely want to visit your local record store ASAP and pick up this masterpiece. So, what are you waiting for?! Oceanic is calling your name!