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Enslaved are treading the right path. When “Mardraum” was released, I thought the band was going astray and the direction taken was the worst one. “Mardraum” was a really bad album. But then came “Monumension”, where the improvement was significant, and “Below the Lights”. Now “Isa” does nothing but confirm Enslaved as one of the pioneering bands from the classic 90´s age of black metal –despite they were rather viking metal- that stands proud in 2005 releasing good albums, being quite active working live and, the most important thing, looking for something in their sonic experiments, developing a style that could be categorised as “psychedelic progressive viking metal” (ole!). Believe it or not, this album blends the atmosphere –not the sound- of the old times, when the melodies are repeated in order to create those solid icy musical landscapes, with the new sounds that Enslaved have added wisely to their style, clad in the progressive cloak. The band keeps the metal running while incorporates elements in a tasteful way. This “´Vikingligr Veldi´ meets King Crimson” stuff (well, not certainly this, honestly...) is very interesting and original.
Luckily the band doesn´t stray in endless wandering guitar passages or pretentious synth expeditions. Instead they have created solid songs that mostly are below 7 minutes. As influences to be named, not only King Crimson could come to mind when hearing some hues in “Isa”. Also Pink Floyd, maybe In The Woods... but anyway this is not the typical release where the band alternates between styles. Surprisingly and successfully, the combination of elements is homogeneous until the point that the sound is strongly guitar-driven everytime, without losing a single inch against the keys. Hence the sound –flawless production- becomes incredibly thick and unstoppable. We could as well quote drums as great responsibles of that sound; drum beats, patterns, paces and fills are highlights of the album in certain passages where Mr. Cato Bekkevold demonstrates his abilities. What a skilled drummer, really. The rest of the band is not miles behind, though; experienced musicians that know how to handle their instruments. “Isa” earns more and more respect with each listen. This is an album rejecting the progressive concept of music as boring, lengthy, soulless or soft. Powerful, floating at times, delightful, icy and really refreshing. The best songs are in my opinion “Bounded by Allegiance” and “Violet Dawning”. This one contains a great riff, just two notes but mixed with those pounding, intense drums. Well, definitely, go and check it out.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Intro: Green Reflection |
| 2. Lunar Force |
| 3. Isa |
| 4. Ascension |
| 5. Bounded By Allegiance |
| 6. Violet Dawning |
| 7. Return To Yggdrasill |
| 8. Secrets Of The Flesh |
| 9. Neogenesis |
| 10. Outro: Communion |
: 51.07
| Buy other Enslaved albums |
