ISOLE

Since the dawn of metal, doom has featured heavily in many a bands oeuvre. Of course, the eighties proved pivotal in introducing the world to the likes of Candlemass, Saint Vitus, and Trouble. The nineties ran with it and the likes of Anathema, Paradise Lost, and My Dying Bride took the genre to new realms. This new century though seems to be struggling a little. Sure, there are some fantastic underground bands (and some of the old guard) shelling out some excellent work. Isole though aren't doing anything new. That's not necessarily an issue - it's quite a retro genre after all - but, there is a feeling of retreading old and much worn ground here. The musicianship is fine, and the production very appropriate, but the songs don't hold up to the grand ambition. In fact, there were times that I completely lost interest in listening, and a whole song would pass me by without notice. That's not a good sign. Albums sometimes take a few repeated listens to eventually sink in, and I'm okay with that; but this doesn't hold the attention in that way. Of course, this being a Napalm Records release, half the songs have the good old voice over telling me what I'm listening to in an attempt to curb online sharing. In this instance though, they were a welcome break from the monotony. I never thought I'd ever write that. So, 'Silent Ruins'? Not in this case.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Napalm Records

Album

SILENT RUINS

Review by Steve Cowan

RUNNING TIME:

24:04

RELEASE DATE:

2nd March 2009

TRACK LISTING

1) From The Dark
2) Forlorn
3) Nightfall
4) Hollow Shrine
5) Soulscarred
6) Peccatum
7) Dark Clouds

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Sweden

"'The musicianship is fine, and the production very appropriate, but the songs don't hold up to the grand ambition."