Review of In the Absence of Truth

Already one of the most challenging and inventive bands in aggressive metal, Isis continue their paradoxical tradition of not repeating themselves, while still showing themselves able to draw out the drama with expert use of tension before finally dropping the hammer like no one else. On this new one, their punches are pulled slightly to leave more elbow room for psychedelic tendencies, but they’re no less lethal on songs like “Not in Rivers, but in Drops” and “Holy Tears.” Amid the current crop of heel-biters and cheap imitators, Isis show us who has their hands firmly on the leash with this early contender for metal release of the year.

9/10