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Isole – Anesidora
Hammerheart Records
Release Date: 10/03/2023
Running Time: 46:10
Review by Richard Oliver
8/10
Isole are a long running doom metal band from Sweden originally forming as Forlorn back in 1991 but changing their name in 2004. The band are a four piece with an extensive back catalogue and have been purveyors of epic yet melancholic doom since the band’s inception. They are closely linked to the Swedish viking metal band Ereb Altor with two of Isole’s members also playing in the band. “Anesidora” is the eighth album from Isole and the name stems from Roman and Greek mythology meaning, “sender of gifts”.
Since the band’s first album “Forevermore”, Isole have mixed weighty doom riffs with slow ponderous rhythms, powerful epic vocals and an air of sadness and melancholy. “Anesidora” continues this formula but this time the traditional doom metal elements are scaled back. “Anesidora” is an album that is built far more on atmosphere with a greater reliance on melody and a generally lighter feel to the music. The darkness and melancholy is still delivered in spadefuls however, as can be heard on songs such as ‘Monotonic Scream’ and ‘Vanity’ whilst the band’s more epic and melodic sound can be heard in ‘The Song Of The Whales’ and ‘Open Your Mind’. One of the driving elements in achieving both an epic and melancholic sound are the fantastic vocals from frontman Daniel Bryntse who is backed up by guitarist Crister Olsson and bassist Jimmy Mattsson who provide backing vocals and some harsh vocals. This triple vocal attack is perfectly encapsulated in the mesmerising ‘In Abundance’, which sees the band at their most epic and melancholic sounding and is the clear highlight of the album.
“Anesidora” is another excellent album from a band who get criminally overlooked in doom metal circles. Whilst this album is a bit more lightweight musically, the songwriting is some of the best from the band and displays a maturity to the Isole sound. It may be a lighter take on the Isole sound but this is still doom through and through. A slight detour for Isole but a most welcome one.
‘The Songs Of The Whales’ Official Music Video
TRACKLISTING:
01. The Song Of The Whales
02. Forgive Me
03. Monotonic Scream
04. Twisted Games
05. In Abundance
06. Open Your Mind
07. Vanity
LINE-UP:
Daniel Bryntse – Guitars & Vocals
Crister Olsson – Guitars & Backing Vocals
Jimmy Mattsson – Bass & Backing Vocals
Victor Parri – Drums
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LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of [user_login] and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.