ISIS — In The Absence Of Truth (review)

ISIS — In The Absence Of Truth album cover Album · 2006 · Atmospheric Sludge Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
2/5 ·
topofsm
One can probably see where Isis was aiming on In the Absence of Truth. An album focusing a bit on atmosphere, creating a mystical aura among a somewhat heavy album. Isis probably meant for it to be haunting and meditative, though on many accounts of this album it misses the mark. Although the atmosphere on the album is atmospheric, it will most likely dissapoint fans of this type of music.

Most of In the Absence of Truth seems to lack passion or inspiration. One could wonder if they were lost on ideas when making this album. Guitar lines repeat but really don't build. Rather, once the band feels that their idea has come across, they seem to go to another section entirely in the song. Most of the album is percussion-based, with lots of toms on the drums along with syncopated or off time beats. The guitar is mostly clean, though the melodies seem to wander a bit aimlessly, and repeat quite a bit with their uninspired hooks. Vocals are clean a lot of the time, but really don't add much to the rest of the music, whether trying to make the album more haunting or adding to the heavyness of the sound by growling.

There are a couple great tracks though that stand out. "Over Root and Thorn" and "Dulcinea", two tracks who back each other start off hauntingly and build in a good way. Nice and haunting, but again suffer from the aforementioned lighter elements that disappoint fans of the heavier Isis. The standout track is obviously the closer "Garden of Light" which is filled with epic riffs that in true post metal style range from soothing to crushing. At least they end the album right.

Bottom line, In the Absence in Truth is probably not something to rush out and get. Isis fans may enjoy it, though others may feel that it's directionless and lacks the heavy epic passion of their previous work. For most other music listeners, they should probably just skip this one.
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