Isis

SGNL>05 (Neurot)
by Paul Lee

Since one of Boston’s best exports, Isis, is on Neurosis’ new but already impressive label Neurot, I assumed SGNL>05 was some sort of wonderful headfuck EP. Yes indeed, this five-song creation is high on the artistic meter with both intense heaviness and esoteric melodies that lull you into a state of transcendental bliss only to awaken your inner beast on the next song.

It’s safe to say that Isis will stimulate the cortexes of people seeking modern tribal “metal” balanced by delicate ambience with its two, epic songs of tribal power “Divine Mother (The Tower Crumbles)” and “Constructing Towers,” alongside the more peaceful “SGNL>05 (Final Transmission)” and “Beneath Below.” On the final track, the mighty Justin Broadrick from Godflesh lays his talented hands on an Isis song, “Celestial,” and forms a trippy and melodic version of what I can only assume was an already excellent song.

What’s difficult to swallow about this release is that, while it gives me a thirst for more Isis work, I feel I hardly get to hear what they’re all about in the heavy department because there’s a bit too much ambient music. This small complaint aside, there’s no doubt that Isis is an amazing group, and with the support of Neurot, their future looks very bright – I look forward to being washed over with their extremes in the future.
(3470 19th St. San Francisco, CA 94110)