CoC : Isis - SGNL>05 : Review

Isis - _SGNL>05_
(Neurot Recordings, 2001)
by: Pedro Azevedo (7 out of 10)

Atmospheric sounds that could be associated with some sort of post-nuclear wasteland combine with distorted, psychotic-sounding piano in the opening track of this MCD to set the stage for what turns out to be a rather remarkable musical experience. The apocalyptic-sounding "Divine Mother (The Tower Crumbles)" then hits you hard with its bludgeoning mid-paced guitars and percussion, complemented by harsh vocals, and leaves no doubt that the tower does crumble. This is before the minimalistic yet initially brutal atmospheric electronics of "Beneath Below" start pounding at your ears, only to be joined by a surprising, dirgeful melodic line and matching vocals. The slow crescendo of "Constructing Towers" then follows, building its way to a comparatively disappointing climax. A remix of "Celestial" by Justin Broadrick of Godflesh finishes off the MCD: repetitive chords and rhythmic structure occasionally accompanied by distant-sounding chants; a rather hypnotic combination if you are in the right mood. This 35 minute long MCD lets itself down somewhat on the last couple of tracks -- if you take away their hypnotic qualities, that is, in which case they become just rather boring after some time. It is a shame a significant part of it is not as great as its first three tracks, which would clearly deserve better than a 7 out of 10 themselves, but I am definitely looking forward to hearing more material from Isis in the future.

(article published 12/8/2001)

ALBUMS
10/24/2009	J Ulrey	7	Isis - Wavering Radiant
10/29/2006	K Sarampalis	9	Isis - In the Absence of Truth
10/25/2000	A Bromley	9	Isis - Celestial