### Isole: Born from shadows

#### 08/11/11 || gk

Sweden’s Isole formed in 2004 and this is the band’s fifth full length. Prolific nature aside, the band has been quietly refining their doom metal sound through each release and “Born From Shadows” is immaculate in its conception and delivery.

The twin towers of Candlemass and Solitude Aeturnus are duly name checked through out this album but for the first time, Isole have succeeded fully in crafting their own sound and identity. Album opener “The Lake” starts with a mournful guitar line before the soaring vocals kick in and the band has written what is simply the best doom metal song you’ll hear this year. Mournful, epic and heavy with a vocal line that begs to be sung along to. The rest of the album doesn’t really match up to the level set by “The Lake” but is still high quality doom all the way through the 50 odd minutes of this album. “Black Hours” has a central riff that brings Solitude Aeturnus to mind but the guitar lead over the opening riff and the strong but mournful vocals take it beyond the realm of second tier derivative doom and into a place all its own. “My Angel” is the album epic and the band manage to make a 10 minute long song sound about half that with some beautiful guitar melodies that bring to mind My Dying Bride at their peak. “Born From Shadows” ends with the bleak, classic doom metal of “When All Is Black” which somehow manages to sound melancholic, heavy and ominous all at the same time with some fantastic atmosphere.

There’s really good use of backing vocals through out this album allowing the clean vocals to soar while the backing vocals gives the music depth. The band also know just when to make things heavy and increase the tempo with well thought out tremolo picked sections and some good old fashioned chug that adds some much needed bouts of energy to the songs. The growled vocals too, while not spectacular on their own are used sparingly to accentuate parts of the songs. Still, the highlight, like in all Isole albums is the guitar playing of Daniel Brynste and Crister Olsson who have been playing together since their days in Forlorn and now sound like a well oiled machine. The solos are great, the riffs are crushing and the quieter, softer parts echo a sense of melancholy and longing that many doom bands strive for but few ever achieve.“Born From Shadows” is not a one note, dreary doom metal album. The songs are dynamic, move through moods effortlessly and are memorable.

This is the best Isole album to date. Previous albums have had a few good songs interspersed with mediocre and often boring material but there isn’t anything I can find fault with here. “Born From Shadows” is essential listening for genre fans but at the same time, there’s enough to appeal to just about anyone who listens to heavy metal.

- Information
- Released: 2011
- Label: Napalm Records
- Website: Isole MySpace
- Band
- Henka: bass, screams
- Jonas Lindstrom: drums
- Daniel Brynste: guitars, vocals
- Crister Olsson: guitars, vocals

- Tracklist
- 01. The Lake
- 02. Black Hours
- 03. Born From Shadows
- 04. Come To Me
- 05. My Angel
- 06. Condemned
- 07. When All Is Black