NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Isis (band)

Isis is a Los Angeles, California-based band, founded in Boston, Massachusetts in 1997. They have borrowed from and helped to evolve a sound pioneered by the likes of Neurosis and Godflesh, creating heavy music consisting of lengthy songs that focus on repetition and evolution of structure. As such, a great range of musical labels are used to describe their sound, including avant-garde metal, post-metal and experimental rock. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (812x250, 34 KB) Isis logo, taken from their press area before they changed sites. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (900x675, 128 KB) Summary Isis as of 2005. ... Nickname: City on the Hill, Beantown, The Hub (of the Universe)1, Athens of America, The Cradle of Revolution, Puritan City, Americas Walking City Location in Massachusetts, USA Counties Suffolk County Mayor Thomas M. Menino(D) Area - City 232. ... Official language(s) English Capital Boston Largest city Boston Area Ranked 44th - Total 10,555 sq mi (27,360 kmÂ²) - Width 183 miles (295 km) - Length 113 miles (182 km) - % water 13. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Post-metal is a music genre describable as a mixture between the genres of post-rock and metal, with its roots in progressive rock and industrial music. ... The term post-rock was coined by Simon Reynolds in issue 123 of The Wire (May 1994) to describe a sort of music using rock instrumentation for non-rock purposes, using guitars as facilitators of timbres and textures rather than riffs and powerchords. ... Progressive metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music which blends the powerful, guitar-driven sound of metal with the complex compositional structures, odd time signatures, and intricate instrumental playing of progressive rock. ... Sludge metal is a form of heavy metal music that is generally regarded as a fusion between doom metal and hardcore punk. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... This does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Ipecac Recordings is an independent record label based in Orinda, California. ... Hydra Head Records is an independent record label which was set up in New Mexico by Aaron Turner in 1993. ... Old Man Gloom is a post-hardcore, alternative metal band originally formed in New Mexico, United States, but now based in Massachusetts. ... Red Sparowes is a Los Angeles band with members of Isis, Neurosis, Halifax Pier and Pleasure Forever. ... Aaron Turner is an influential musician, graphic artist, and founder of label Hydra Head Records. ... Nickname: Location within Los Angeles County in the state of California Coordinates: , State California County Los Angeles County Settled 1781 Incorporated April 4, 1850 Government - Type Mayor-Council - Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa - City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo - Governing body City Council Area - City 498. ... Nickname: Location in Massachusetts, USA Coordinates: , Country United States State Massachusetts County Suffolk County Settled 1630 Incorporated (city) 1822 Government - Governor Deval Patrick (D) Area - City 89. ... Neurosis is a highly influential experimental progressive sludge metal band, based out of Oakland, California, USA. Their unique sound draws from influences ranging from hardcore punk and sludge metal to dark ambient, industrial, and tribal music as well as incorporates elements of indie, folk music and crust punk. ... Godflesh was an industrial metal band from Birmingham, England, formed in 1988 by Justin K. Broadrick (guitar, vocals, and programming) and G. C. Green (bass). ... Smokin O.P.s is an album by American rock singer/songwriter Bob Seger, released in 1972 (see 1972 in music). ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Post-metal is a music genre describable as a mixture between the genres of post-rock and metal, with its roots in progressive rock and industrial music. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Art rock. ...

The band's most recent album, In the Absence of Truth, was released on October 31, 2006. In the Absence of Truth is the fourth studio album by Los Angeles, California-based post-metal band Isis. ... October 31 is the 304th day of the year (305th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ...

History

Several sessions of experimentation in Boston, Massachusetts led friends Aaron Turner (guitar/vocals; also the owner of Hydra Head Records and its subsidiary, HH Noise Industries), Jeff Caxide (bass guitar), Chris Mereschuk (electronics/vocals) and Aaron Harris (drums) to form Isis in late 1997. As Turner states, "Isis formed as a result of the dissatisfaction with past bands of the founding members [Aaron Harris, Jeff Caxide, Aaron Turner, and Chris Mereschuk]. None of us were happy with what we were doing musically at the time, two of us lived together, we had similar tastes and similar record collections."^[1] Isis released a demo and their first EP, Mosquito Control, in 1998, with this line-up. After an East Coast tour in the summer of 1998 where they were joined by Randy Larsen of Cable on guitar, Mereschuk left the band. Jay Randall (now of Agoraphobic Nosebleed) soon replaced him, working on Red Sea (1999). However, his stay would not last; this ultimately led to the addition of Bryant Clifford Meyer of The Gersch as well as former Cast Iron Hike guitarist Mike Gallagher in 1999. After releasing their debut full-length entitled Celestial and its sister EP, SGNL>05 (on Neurot Recordings), in 2000, Isis gained national underground attention in the metal/hardcore scene through tours with Cave In and Neurosis. Isis remains with this lineup to date. Nickname: City on the Hill, Beantown, The Hub (of the Universe)1, Athens of America, The Cradle of Revolution, Puritan City, Americas Walking City Location in Massachusetts, USA Counties Suffolk County Mayor Thomas M. Menino(D) Area - City 232. ... Official language(s) English Capital Boston Largest city Boston Area Ranked 44th - Total 10,555 sq mi (27,360 kmÂ²) - Width 183 miles (295 km) - Length 113 miles (182 km) - % water 13. ... Aaron Turner is an influential musician, graphic artist, and founder of label Hydra Head Records. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... In music a singer or vocalist is a type of musician who sings, i. ... Hydra Head Records is an independent record label which was set up in New Mexico by Aaron Turner in 1993. ... The electric bass guitar (or electric bass) is a string instrument played with the fingers by plucking, slapping, or using a pick. ... A drum kit (or drum set or trap set) is a collection of drums, cymbals and sometimes other percussion instruments arranged for convenient playing by a single drummer. ... // Extended play (EP) is the name typically given to vinyl records or CDs which contain more than one single but are too short to qualify as albums. ... Mosquito control is the task of managing the population of mosquitoes to reduce their damage to human health, economies, and enjoyment of mosquito-ridden areas. ... Regional definitions vary from source to source. ... Cable is an American band formed in 1994 in Rockville, CT. Though they have changed their style over the years, Cable was originally part of the first wave of bands playing in the so-called noisecore style (as it later became known), combining a hardcore/emo aesthetic with a rhythmically... Agoraphobic Nosebleed (abbreviated as ANb) is a grindcore band formed in 1994 in Massachusetts, United States. ... An expansion of the sound pioneered on the Mosquito Control EP, the Red Sea EP offers a slight evolution toward the direction Isis would begin to take with their first full length, Celestial. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Celestial is Isis third solo release and first full length. ... SGNL>05 is an EP released by Isis which acts as an extension to their earlier full-length, Celestial. ... Neurot Recordings is an independent American record label founded by members of Neurosis and Tribes of Neurot. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Heavy metal music. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Look up cave in in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Neurosis is a highly influential experimental progressive sludge metal band, based out of Oakland, California, USA. Their unique sound draws from influences ranging from hardcore punk and sludge metal to dark ambient, industrial, and tribal music as well as incorporates elements of indie, folk music and crust punk. ...

For the SGNL>05 EP, they contacted Justin Broadrick (then of Godflesh) through their friends in Neurosis to remix the title track from Celestial, which they used as the EP's closer. Following SGNL>05, Isis signed with Mike Patton's label, Ipecac Recordings, who have issued the band's subsequent studio albums. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (600x803, 95 KB) Isis appearing on the cover of Decibel magazine, November 2006. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (600x803, 95 KB) Isis appearing on the cover of Decibel magazine, November 2006. ... Started in 2004 by Philadelphia-based publisher, Red Flag Media, Decibel magazine quickly emerged as the authoritative source for extreme music. ... SGNL>05 is an EP released by Isis which acts as an extension to their earlier full-length, Celestial. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Godflesh was an industrial metal band from Birmingham, England, formed in 1988 by Justin K. Broadrick (guitar, vocals, and programming) and G. C. Green (bass). ... Neurosis is a highly influential experimental progressive sludge metal band, based out of Oakland, California, USA. Their unique sound draws from influences ranging from hardcore punk and sludge metal to dark ambient, industrial, and tribal music as well as incorporates elements of indie, folk music and crust punk. ... Michael Allen Patton (born January 27, 1968, in Eureka, California) is a Grammy nominated musician, best known as the lead singer of the band Faith No More from 1988 to 1998. ... Ipecac Recordings is an independent record label based in Orinda, California. ...

Whereas Celestial was still deeply rooted in metal and hardcore, 2002's follow-up, Oceanic, saw the band acquire new characteristics comparable to post-rock and ambient music, significantly aiding in the birth of the genre of post-metal in what many saw as a logical progression.^[2] While much of the material on the album retained the band's former "metallic" intensity, this departure saw the band appeal to a far wider audience; as a result, Oceanic may be the group's most noted album to date, and is widely considered a turning-point in the history of the band;^[3]^[4]^[5] Turner himself describes it as their "quintessential album".^[6] It was at the time their most successful release, receiving album-of-the-year accolades from Rock Sound and Terrorizer in 2002,^[7] In October 2003, Isis relocated to Los Angeles. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Heavy metal music. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Oceanic is an album by post-metal band Isis, released September 17, 2002. ... The term post-rock was coined by Simon Reynolds in issue 123 of The Wire (May 1994) to describe a sort of music using rock instrumentation for non-rock purposes, using guitars as facilitators of timbres and textures rather than riffs and powerchords. ... Ambient music is a musical genre that incorporates elements of a number of different styles - including jazz, electronic music, new age, modern classical music, traditional, world, and noise. ... Post-metal is a music genre describable as a mixture between the genres of post-rock and metal, with its roots in progressive rock and industrial music. ... Rock Sound magazine launched in the UK in 1999 and has built up a great reputation for championing new music. ... This article or section may contain original research or unverified claims. ... Flag Seal Nickname: City of Angels Location Location within Los Angeles County in the state of California Coordinates , Government State County California Los Angeles County Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (D) Geographical characteristics Area City 1,290. ...

The distinctive tone of material since and including Oceanic had a noticeable impact on avant-garde heavy music,^[8] helping develop the sound of several contemporaries; Cult of Luna, Pelican, Tides, Rosetta, and Russian Circles all cite Isis as an influence.^[9]^[10] This underground success attracted the attention of the likes of Mogwai,^[11] with whom they toured on numerous occasions. This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Cult of Luna are a Swedish progressive doom/post-metal band. ... Pelican is a four-piece instrumental band hailing from Chicago, Illinois, who have since relocated to Los Angeles. ... Rosetta is an American post-metal band incorporating elements of death metal, drone music, and ambient music creating a sprawling, atmospheric sound similar to Neurosis and Cult of Luna, and coined by some as space metal. Their debut album, The Galilean Satellites, featured two separate hour-long discs (one of... Russian Circles EP Russian Circles is a three piece instrumental rock/metal band from Chicago. ... For the Swiss progressive house producer who releases under the name Moogwai, see Chab. ...

Oceanic Remixes and Reinterpretations was released in 2004, featuring reinterpretations of songs from Oceanic by a number of influential artists requested by the band. The album featured another remix by Justin Broadrick, who has supported Isis on tours with his band, Jesu, which is signed to Hydra Head Records. Oceanic: Remixes & Reinterpretations is a compilation of remixes of songs from Isis album Oceanic, originally released in 2002. ... Jesu (pronounced yay-zu) is an experimental rock band formed in 2003 by Justin Broadrick following the breakup of Godflesh. ... Hydra Head Records is an independent record label which was set up in New Mexico by Aaron Turner in 1993. ...

2004 saw the release of Isis' third album, Panopticon. It signified a further progression many had predicted since Oceanic, with a more advanced post-rock feel to the music both structurally and in terms of sound. Justin Chancellor of Tool makes an appearance on the track, "Altered Course". As John Chedsey notes, "Panopticon essentially takes a long gaze at the latter half of Oceanic and simply extends their musical journey from that point."^[12] Overall, it was a very well received album, being awarded 'album of the year' accolades from Rock Sound^[13] and reaching #47 on Billboard's Top Independent Albums charts; their first entry into any mainstream charts.^[14] Before touring the USA, the band performed a free concert at the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art, a manifestation of the widespread recognition the band had acquired in artistic circles since the release of Oceanic.^[15] Reacting to the impact of Oceanic and Panopticon, Revolver named Isis the twelfth heaviest band of all time in December 2004.^[16] On 23 July 2006, they performed Oceanic in full at KOKO in London as part of All Tomorrow's Parties Don't Look Back season.^[17] Panopticon is Isis sixth solo release and third full length. ... Justin Chancellor (born November 19, 1971) is an English-born musician; currently the bass player for Tool and formerly of the band Peach (GB). ... Tool is an American progressive rock band, formed in 1990 in Los Angeles, California, when drummer Danny Carey joined the rehearsal of his neighbor, singer Maynard James Keenan, guitarist Adam Jones and bassist Paul dAmour, when nobody else would show up. ... Rock Sound magazine launched in the UK in 1999 and has built up a great reputation for championing new music. ... It has been suggested that Billboard be merged into this article or section. ... MOCA, Downtown Los Angeles The Museum of Contemporary Art was founded in 1974 by a group of individuals; however, it had no permanent museum space until the 1980s. ... This is a hard rock magazine that comes out every month. ... July 23 is the 204th day (205th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar, with 161 days remaining. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... KOKO is a music venue on Camden High street in Camden Town, London. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... All Tomorrows Parties is a music festival which takes place in the United Kingdom at Camber Sands holiday camp in East Sussex and the United States in Los Angeles, CA. Named after a song by The Velvet Underground, it was founded by Barry Hogan and Helen Cottage in 1999...

Originally set for release on August 22, 2006, Clearing the Eye, the band's first DVD, documenting performances over the past five years throughout the world, was put on indefinite hold due to issues involving their label, Ipecac Recordings. It was eventually released on September 26, 2006. Also in September 2006, a collaboration with Aereogramme entitled In the Fishtank 14 was released as part of a project of Dutch label Konkurrent in which two artists are given two days' studio time to write and record their work. August 22 is the 234th day of the year (235th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... Clearing the Eye is the first DVD release by the Californian post-metal band Isis. ... DVD (Digital Versatile Disc or Digital Video Disc) is an optical disc storage media format that can be used for data storage, including movies with high video and sound quality. ... Ipecac Recordings is an independent record label based in Orinda, California. ... is the 269th day of the year (270th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... Aereogramme are a Scottish alternative/progressive rock four-piece. ... In The Fishtank 14 features Isis and Aereogramme. ...

The band finished recording their fourth full-length album, In the Absence of Truth, on July 9, 2006. It was released on October 31, 2006 on Ipecac. The record sees the band again evolving in a manner similar to Oceanic and Panopticon, this time adding new elements of electronics, song structure, drumming complexity, and vocal techniques. It sees the emergence of a more melodic sound than before, and leanings away from previous "drone" inclinations and towards more traditional metal elements, predominantly in the heavier sections.^[18] It was also their most commercially successful release, peaking at #6 on Billboard's Top Heatseekers chart.^[14] Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Tool is an American progressive rock band, formed in 1990 in Los Angeles, California, when drummer Danny Carey joined the rehearsal of his neighbor, singer Maynard James Keenan, guitarist Adam Jones and bassist Paul dAmour, when nobody else would show up. ... In the Absence of Truth is the fourth studio album by Los Angeles, California-based post-metal band Isis. ... July 9 is the 190th day of the year (191st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 175 days remaining. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... October 31 is the 304th day of the year (305th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... It has been suggested that Billboard be merged into this article or section. ... Top Heatseekers is a weekly albums chart introduced by Billboard magazine in 1993 whose purpose is to highlight sales by new and developing musical recording artists. ...

Isis were the opening act for Tool's late 2006 North American tour in support of their new album, 10,000 Days. This lead to increased exposure for the band, however the band members are not particularly comfortable with fame, and tend to keep their affairs private. Turner has stated that "We never imagined that Isis would become as successful or as popular as it has",^[19] and confesses: "[Fans] taking a deeply personal interest in who I am, it fucking freaks me out. And I really do feel like sometimes when I get approached, I’m retreating into my shell."^[9] Tool is an American progressive rock band, formed in 1990 in Los Angeles, California, when drummer Danny Carey joined the rehearsal of his neighbor, singer Maynard James Keenan, guitarist Adam Jones and bassist Paul dAmour, when nobody else would show up. ... 10,000 Days is the Grammy Award-winning fourth full-length studio album by Tool. ...

As of February 2007, the band has enlisted Justin Broadrick to mix a live performance of Oceanic in full,^[20] and there is also a possibility of a collaboration with Tim Hecker, as Turner said in an MTV interview: "We've been recording everything that we've been playing together. It was all largely improvised but based on some really basic premises and parameters. That might actually end up turning into another record for us."^[21] Tim Hecker is a Canadian musician whose recordings are often classified under the electronica genre. ... MTV (Music Television) is an American cable television network headquartered in New York City. ...

Genre

Turner cites Tool, The Melvins, Godflesh, and Neurosis as influences to Isis' sound, saying "those bands laid the groundwork for us [...] we're part of a recognizable lineage."^[22] Early releases were derided as imitative of predecessors Neurosis, and he admits that the comparisons weren't "completely unjustified". However, material since (and including) Oceanic has not been so often likened to Neurosis; in fact, it has become the case that it is Isis who are being imitated in a burgeoning post-metal scene.^[9]^[23] Tool is an American progressive rock band, formed in 1990 in Los Angeles, California, when drummer Danny Carey joined the rehearsal of his neighbor, singer Maynard James Keenan, guitarist Adam Jones and bassist Paul dAmour, when nobody else would show up. ... The Melvins are an American rock band/ metal band that usually perform as a trio. ... Godflesh was an industrial metal band from Birmingham, England, formed in 1988 by Justin K. Broadrick (guitar, vocals, and programming) and G. C. Green (bass). ... Neurosis is a highly influential experimental progressive sludge metal band, based out of Oakland, California, USA. Their unique sound draws from influences ranging from hardcore punk and sludge metal to dark ambient, industrial, and tribal music as well as incorporates elements of indie, folk music and crust punk. ...

In terms of categorisation, Isis have been described as post-rock, a genre which leans away from the traditional elements of choruses, verses, repetitive vocals, or fast riffs—what Turner calls "guitar theatrics."^[24] However, post-rock has what is essentially a halcyon sound: one devoid of aggressive vocals and distorted guitars. Isis, however, have hardcore/sludge origins (especially in their pre-Celestial era) and hardcore-like vocals. Their music includes elements of hardcore, drone, sludge, indie, ambient music, and post-rock; yet none of these labels defines their sound fully. Critic Dan Epstein notes that "though [Isis were] originally lumped in with the hardcore and doom-metal scenes, the band has long since transcended the musical boundaries of those genres".^[15] The term post-rock was coined by Simon Reynolds in issue 123 of The Wire (May 1994) to describe a sort of music using rock instrumentation for non-rock purposes, using guitars as facilitators of timbres and textures rather than riffs and powerchords. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Sludge metal is a form of heavy metal music that is generally regarded as a fusion between doom metal and hardcore punk. ... Drone music, also known as drone-based music, drone ambient or ambient drone, dronescape or dronology, and sometimes simply as drone, is a musical style that emphasizes the use of sustained sounds, notes, or tones-clusters â€“ called drones. ... In popular music, indie music (from independent) is any of a number of genres, scenes, subcultures and stylistic and cultural attributes, characterised by perceived independence from commercial pop music and mainstream culture and an autonomous, do-it-yourself (DIY) approach. ...

Turner, when asked to define Isis, described their sound as "avant-garde, drone-oriented rock, but that doesn't completely cover the bases".^[25] At the same time, he is reticent about settling on one label exclusively, and steers away from the use of specific genre labels—"'heavy, atmospheric, droning, post-epic, post-metal, shoegazer blah blah blah.'"^[9] Likewise, he also describes their music using a slightly more open-ended tag: as "thinking man's metal";^[22] however, it must be noted that this tag refers to the intellectual elements behind the music, as opposed to exclusively aural ones. Shoegazing is a style of music that emerged in Britain in the late 1980s. ...

Due to the difficulty in pigeonholing, some fans and critics label Isis as post-metal; a portmanteau of "post-rock" and "metal", the "post" referring to a reinvention of an established concept, as in postmodernism or post hardcore.^[7]^[9] This genre is accepted to contain similar-sounding contemporaries such as Pelican, Cult of Luna and Callisto; however, Isis are usually credited with the formulation of the genre with the release of Oceanic.^[26] Pigeonholing is a term used to describe processes that attempt to classify disparate entities into a small number of categories (usually, mutually exclusive ones). ... Post-metal is a music genre describable as a mixture between the genres of post-rock and metal, with its roots in progressive rock and industrial music. ... A portmanteau (IPA pronunciation: ) is a word or morpheme which fuses two or more words or parts of words to give a combined or loaded meaning. ... Postmodernist architecture of the Stata Center by Frank Gehry Sydney Opera House The term Postmodernism (sometimes referred to as Pomo, Po-Mo, or PoMo [1], [2], [3]) was coined in the early 1960s to describe a dissatisfaction with modern architecture, founding the postmodern architecture. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Pelican is a four-piece instrumental band hailing from Chicago, Illinois, who have since relocated to Los Angeles. ... Cult of Luna are a Swedish progressive doom/post-metal band. ... Callisto is a christian Finnish band incorporating elements of Doom Metal and Hardcore punk creating a sound similar to the likes of (early) Isis and Cult of Luna. ...

The music of Isis is not suitable for mainstream release or commercial radio playtime due to extensive song length and niche appeal; as guitarist Michael Gallagher states, "we've never tried to be on the radio, and we've never tried to please others. We've simply done whatever we've wanted to do, and we've all decided to be happy with the results."^[27]

Intellectual elements

Turner has gone on record saying "I like the idea of preserving at least a little shred of mystery and making the band to be more an entity—without hopefully sounding too pretentious — as a work of art [than a traditional rock band]".^[11] There is a definite attitude that art and music are interchangeable and synonymous to the band; he feels that "the songwriting and the artwork come from the same place".^[11] This logic relates to visual and aural aspects as well as overt intellectualisation, through literary references and driving philosophies.^[1]^[24] Books such as Don Quixote, House of Leaves, Labyrinths and the philosophies of Jeremy Bentham all play a role in shaping the themes of Isis' releases.^[9] Image File history File links Aaron_Turner_on_the_cover_of_Alarm. ... Image File history File links Aaron_Turner_on_the_cover_of_Alarm. ... Aaron Turner is an influential musician, graphic artist, and founder of label Hydra Head Records. ... (IPA: , but see spelling and pronunciation below), fully titled (The Ingenious Hidalgo Don Quixote of La Mancha) is an early novel written by Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. ... House of Leaves is the debut novel by writer Mark Z. Danielewski, published by Pantheon Books (ISBN 0-375-70376-4). ... This article is about the maze. ... Jeremy Bentham (IPA: or ) (February 15, 1748 O.S. (February 26, 1748 N.S.) â€“ June 6, 1832) was an English jurist, philosopher, and legal and social reformer. ...

There is an overt intention of progressing heavy music present in Isis' output; a desire to further the intellectual cause that pushes them forward.^[21] This is evident within the clear progression of their sound from release to release, their influence on heavy music, and their acceptance in art circles where other metal bands are not so readily embraced. Their stated goal is "not to break away from the scene that [they] came from, but to expand upon it".^[11] Publications such as Terrorizer attest to how Turner has completed his goal, explaining that "Aaron Turner has loosened hardcore from its geographical roots, and in the process created an intimate, yet immeasurable vision all of his own".^[28] Turner has complained that "metal in general has long been unjustly maligned as solely the province of knuckle-dragging meatheads [...] That said, there's never been a group of musicians like there is now, who are helping to advance the form."^[22] This article or section may contain original research or unverified claims. ...

Themes

Most of Isis' releases revolve around a theme.^[8] While each release has its own unique theme, many of the major releases interconnect. Turner has stated: "we wanted to have albums that weren't just grab-bags of songs but rather a cohesive experience from beginning to end, from the music to the lyrics to the layout of the record."^[24]

For more detailed perspectives on these themes, refer to the specific entries linked below.

No Isis contains an explicit diegesis, or story arc, instead focusing on themes rather than stories. As such, releases are defined by some as "pseudo-concept albums".^[19] The band see lyrics as important, but at the same time, Turner does not feel it necessary to enunciate every word.^[9]^[29] Instead, any connections made are mainly conjecture, and the formation of a theme takes into account the album artwork, previous albums, track titles and the use of metaphor just as much as lyricism. For instance, there is an ongoing preoccupation with water, obvious in the artwork of Red Sea, Oceanic and Panopticon. Oceanic tells a convoluted tale involving love, incest and suicide by drowning.^[30] This relates to the theme of the all-powerful female, present lyrically in every album except Panopticon. Turner does not explicitly acknowledge an "overtly feminine theme"; however, he does state: "I just think it's interesting to include that as part of what we do, simply because metal, especially, is considered to be this very male-oriented, testosterone-driven art form, and I feel like it's important to recognize the other side of our nature. As manly as we might or might not be, we have to acknowledge that there is a feminine part of our persona, and that the world isn't made up of absolutes. To achieve balance, you have to recognize every facet of yourself and everyone else around you."^[19] "There are certain themes which reoccur in my work just because of what I'm interested in and what is aesthetically pleasing for me", says Turner. "The idea of futuristic utopias and dystopias is probably something that does consciously and subconsciously return time and time again [...] and sometimes I just can't help the fact that these themes creep into my work whether it's conscious or not".^[31] The other two ongoing motifs in the lyrics and artwork are that of towers and mosquitos; overall, the overarching feeling is one of being watched; of being overpowered and overwhelmed. Mosquito control is the task of managing the population of mosquitoes to reduce their damage to human health, economies, and enjoyment of mosquito-ridden areas. ... Diversity 41 genera Genera See text. ... The control tower at Schiphol airport. ... An expansion of the sound pioneered on the Mosquito Control EP, the Red Sea EP offers a slight evolution toward the direction Isis would begin to take with their first full length, Celestial. ... Celestial is Isis third solo release and first full length. ... SGNL>05 is an EP released by Isis which acts as an extension to their earlier full-length, Celestial. ... Oceanic is an album by post-metal band Isis, released September 17, 2002. ... Panopticon is Isis sixth solo release and third full length. ... Panopticon blueprint by Jeremy Bentham, 1791 The Panopticon is a type of prison building designed by English philosopher Jeremy Bentham in the late eighteenth century. ... In the Absence of Truth is the fourth studio album by Los Angeles, California-based post-metal band Isis. ... Artistic Rendering of Hassan-Sabbah Hassan-i-Sabbah (in Persian: Ø¨Ù† ØµØ¨Ø§Ø or ØØ³Ù† ØµØ¨Ø§Ø) (circa 1034 - 1124), or The Old Man of the Mountain (Arabic Ø´ÙŠØ® Ø§Ù„Ø¬Ø¨Ù„), was an Iranian Ismaili missionary who converted a community in the late 11th century in the heart of the Elburz Mountains of northern Iran. ...

Panopticon was an overtly political release, and arguably the clearest statement made within their music as of yet.^[8] It displayed fears of surveillance and of tacit governmental influence; its namesake, the panopticon, was Jeremy Bentham's concept for a prison system in which all the prisoners can be viewed by one guard in a central tower, without being able to know whether they are being observed or not. Bentham described the Panopticon as "a new mode of obtaining power of mind over mind, in a quantity hitherto without example."^[32] Quizzed on government conspiracies, Turner states: "I do believe that each and every day our government and the huge corporate entities of this country lie to us about numerous subjects. In this respect we are all victims of a huge conspiracy—most of those in power are only concerned with the advancement of their agendas and have no qualms about deceiving and hurting the American people."^[1] Surveillance cameras An helicopter flying over Lille, France, watching for possible rioting after the 2007 presidential election Surveillance is the monitoring of behavior. ... Panopticon blueprint by Jeremy Bentham, 1791 The Panopticon is a type of prison building designed by English philosopher Jeremy Bentham in the late eighteenth century. ... Jeremy Bentham (IPA: or ) (February 15, 1748 O.S. (February 26, 1748 N.S.) â€“ June 6, 1832) was an English jurist, philosopher, and legal and social reformer. ...

After constantly explaining concepts and story outlines to interviewers and fans, Turner has chosen to keep the thematic basis of In the Absence of Truth quiet. "Through explaining the last two albums time and time again, I just started to become weary of the topic, and I started to feel like I was losing my connection to the music and the lyrics simply from having repeated it so many times, and for me, personally, it's really important to maintain that connection as much as possible. I feel there's a lot of emphasis these days placed on explaining everything in such a fashion that there's really nothing left for the listener or reader to explore themselves. It's all spelled out," Turner continues. "So it's interesting to leave some of that stuff open-ended so they have do to a little bit of legwork themselves."^[19]

Members

Audio samples:

"Poison Eggs" (1998) ( file info) — play in browser (beta)
- "Poison Eggs" shows the cathartic, aggressive sound of early Isis material, heavily rooted in doom metal. Turner's distinctive growl can also be heard.
"Carry" (2002) ( file info) — play in browser (beta)
- "Carry", from 2002's Oceanic, demonstrates the archetypal post-metal sound of Isis, replete with the quiet-loud dynamic. It must be noted that this climax occurs after four and a half minutes of build-up.
"Altered Course" (2004) ( file info) — play in browser (beta)
- "Altered Course" displays the less aggressive tone of 2004's Panopticon, the sound being created by atmospheric layering of guitar and Justin Chancellor's guest appearance on bass, and the impact owed to the dominant drumming of Harris.
"Dulcinea" (2006) ( file info) — play in browser (beta)
- "Dulcinea", from 2006's In the Absence of Truth, shows a new, metallic style, as well as new elements of tribal drumming.
Problems playing the files? See media help.

Image File history File links Isis_-_Poison_Eggs_(Edit). ... Software development stages In computer programming, development stage terminology expresses how the development of a piece of software has progressed and how much further development it may require. ... Image File history File links Isis_-_Carry_(Edit). ... Software development stages In computer programming, development stage terminology expresses how the development of a piece of software has progressed and how much further development it may require. ... Image File history File links Isis_-_Altered_Course_(Edit). ... Software development stages In computer programming, development stage terminology expresses how the development of a piece of software has progressed and how much further development it may require. ... Justin Chancellor (born November 19, 1971) is an English-born musician; currently the bass player for Tool and formerly of the band Peach (GB). ... Image File history File links Isis_-_Dulcinea_(Edit). ... Software development stages In computer programming, development stage terminology expresses how the development of a piece of software has progressed and how much further development it may require. ...

Current

The electric bass guitar (or electric bass) is a string instrument played with the fingers by plucking, slapping, or using a pick. ... Left: Rosa Hurricane, a heavy metal-style solid body guitar. ... A drum kit (or drum set or trap set) is a collection of drums, cymbals and sometimes other percussion instruments arranged for convenient playing by a single drummer. ... Aaron Turner is an influential musician, graphic artist, and founder of label Hydra Head Records. ... A singer is a musician who uses his or her voice to produce music. ...

Past

Collaborators

Oceanic is Isis fifth solo release and second full length. ... Justin Chancellor (born November 19, 1971) is an English-born musician; currently the bass player for Tool and formerly of the band Peach (GB). ... Tool is an American progressive rock band, formed in 1990 in Los Angeles, California, when drummer Danny Carey joined the rehearsal of his neighbor, singer Maynard James Keenan, guitarist Adam Jones and bassist Paul dAmour, when nobody else would show up. ... Panopticon is Isis sixth solo release and third full length. ... Image File history File links Isis_-_Altered_Course_(Edit). ... Agoraphobic Nosebleed (abbreviated as ANb) is a grindcore band formed in 1994 in Massachusetts, United States. ... The Melvins, 2002 (Kevin Rutmanis (left), Dale Crover (center), King Buzzo (right)) The Melvins are a rock music band, usually a trio, with singer/guitarist Buzz Osborne (aka King Buzzo) and drummer Dale Crover being constant; several bass guitarists have been through the group. ...

Side projects

Old Man Gloom is a post-hardcore, alternative metal band originally formed in New Mexico, United States, but now based in Massachusetts. ... Lotus Eaters is the name of a current experimental, acoustico-electric group which features Aaron Turner (Hydra Head Records, Isis, Old Man Gloom), Stephen OMalley (Sunn O))), Khanate, Burning Witch), and James Plotkin (Phantomsmasher, OLD). ... Red Sparowes is a Los Angeles band with members of Isis, Neurosis, Halifax Pier and Pleasure Forever. ... MGR is an abbreviation of Mustard Gas and Roses, the name of Isis guitarist Michael Gallaghers instrumental solo project. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Discography

Image File history File links O548014. ... Image File history File links Isis_Mosquito-Control. ... Mosquito control is the task of managing the population of mosquitoes to reduce their damage to human health, economies, and enjoyment of mosquito-ridden areas. ... Image File history File links Isis_Red-Sea. ... August 24 is the 236th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (237th in leap years), with 129 days remaining. ... Year 1999 (MCMXCIX) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar). ... An expansion of the sound pioneered on the Mosquito Control EP, the Red Sea EP offers a slight evolution toward the direction Isis would begin to take with their first full length, Celestial. ... Uwe Schmidt (aka Señor Coconut; born in Frankfurt, Germany) is a German DJ and producer of electronic music. ... Image File history File links O145099. ... The Sawblade EP (also called the Buzzsaw EP) is a handmade CD-R made by Isis for their tour with Neurosis and Candiria, limited to 200 copies (the first 40 with red blade inserts, the remaining 160 with black). ... Hydra Head Records is an independent record label which was set up in New Mexico by Aaron Turner in 1993. ... Image File history File links Isis_Celestial. ... is the 93rd day of the year (94th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Celestial is Isis third solo release and first full length. ... Image File history File links Isis_SGNL05. ... March 6 is the 65th day of the year (66th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar. ... SGNL>05 is an EP released by Isis which acts as an extension to their earlier full-length, Celestial. ... Neurot Recordings is an independent American record label founded by members of Neurosis and Tribes of Neurot. ... Image File history File links Isis_Oceanic2. ... September 17 is the 260th day of the year (261st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For album titles with the same name, see 2002 (album). ... Oceanic is an album by post-metal band Isis, released September 17, 2002. ... Ipecac Recordings is an independent record label based in Orinda, California. ... Image File history File links Isis-live_1. ... Recorded on September 23, 2003 at the Fillmore in San Francisco, California, Live. ... Hydra Head Records is an independent record label which was set up in New Mexico by Aaron Turner in 1993. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Isis_Oceanic-Remixes. ... July 7 is the 188th day of the year (189th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 177 days remaining. ... shelby was here 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Oceanic: Remixes & Reinterpretations is a compilation of remixes of songs from Isis album Oceanic, originally released in 2002. ... Hydra Head Records is an independent record label which was set up in New Mexico by Aaron Turner in 1993. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Isis_Panopticon. ... October 19 is the 292nd day of the year (293rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... shelby was here 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Panopticon is Isis sixth solo release and third full length. ... Ipecac Recordings is an independent record label based in Orinda, California. ... Image File history File links Isis-live_2_vinyl. ... Recorded on March 19, 2003 in Stockholm, Sweden, Live. ... Hydra Head Records is an independent record label which was set up in New Mexico by Aaron Turner in 1993. ... Image File history File links O400971. ... Recorded on December 7, 2004 at the Launchpad in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Live. ... Hydra Head Records is an independent record label which was set up in New Mexico by Aaron Turner in 1993. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Isis-LiveIVCover. ... Live. ... Hydra Head Records is an independent record label which was set up in New Mexico by Aaron Turner in 1993. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Isis_and_Aereogramme-In_The_Fishtank_14. ... In The Fishtank 14 features Isis and Aereogramme. ... Aereogramme are a Scottish alternative/progressive rock four-piece. ... Image File history File links In_the_absence_of_truth. ... October 31 is the 304th day of the year (305th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... In the Absence of Truth is the fourth studio album by Los Angeles, California-based post-metal band Isis. ... Ipecac Recordings is an independent record label based in Orinda, California. ...

Chart positions

Billboard (North America) Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry. ...

Videography

Panopticon is Isis sixth solo release and third full length. ... Clearing the Eye is the first DVD release by the Californian post-metal band Isis. ...

References

^ ^a ^b ^c Aaron Turner interview. Feast of Hate and Fear. Retrieved on October 8, 2006.
^ Serba, John. Review of Oceanic. Allmusic. Retrieved on November 25, 2006.
^ Martinelli, Roberto. Review of Oceanic. Maelstrom Zine. Retrieved on November 11, 2006.
^ Ipecac Recordings. Isis. Press release. Retrieved on 2006-11-11.
^ Downey, Ryan J. (((Isis > Biography))). Allmusic. Retrieved on December 3, 2006.
^ Diver, Mike. In The Presence Of Truth: DiS meets Aaron Turner of Isis. Drowned in Sound. Retrieved on January 2, 2007.
^ ^a ^b Southern Records. Isis > Biography. Press release. Retrieved on 2006-11-11.
^ ^a ^b ^c Lee, Cosmo. Review of In the Absence of Truth. Stylus Magazine. Retrieved on November 26, 2006.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g Bonazelli, Andrew. Isis. Decibel Magazine. Retrieved on November 9, 2006.
^ An Interview with Donny, Rob, Benny, and Augie of Tides.... StonerRock.com. Retrieved on September 20, 2006.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Young, Craig. Isis. earpollution. Retrieved on November 23, 2006.
^ Chedsey, John. Isis discography and reviews. Satan Stole My Teddy Bear. Retrieved on October 19, 2006.
^ Bennet, J.. Transcription of a Rock Sound Review of Panopticon. Rock Sound. Retrieved on May 5, 2007.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Isis at Billboard.com. Retrieved on January 13, 2006.
^ ^a ^b Epstein, Dan. The Art of War. Revolver. Retrieved on November 9, 2006.
^ Revolver, December 2004 issue
^ Diver, Mike. Literally OMG: Isis to play Oceanic in London. Drowned in Sound. Retrieved on January 2, 2007.
^ Bennet, J. Isis: Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil. Rock Sound Issue 87, August 2006. 32-34.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d D'Andrea, Niki (2007-02-22). Covert Concepts: Inside the intellectual mystery metal of Isis. Phoenix New Times. Retrieved on May 12, 2007.
^ From the official Hydra Head Jesu Forum: "Justin will now also be mixing and producing an ISIS one off performance of Oceanic in its entirety, performed in London as part of the ATP festival in July 2006. This is to be a DVD release with other formats TBA." Retrieved on February 9, 2007.
^ ^a ^b Harris, Chris. Tool Opening Act Isis Say They're Ready To Be Booed By Meatheads. MTV. Retrieved on January 17, 2007.
^ ^a ^b ^c Caraminica, Jon. The alchemy of art-world heavy metal. The New York Times. Retrieved on October 20, 2006.
^ Jurek, Thom. allmusic ((( In the Absence of Truth > Overview))). Allmusic. Retrieved on February 8, 2007.
^ ^a ^b ^c Berrett, Chuck. The Inevitable Evolution of Isis. Slugmag. Retrieved on October 8, 2006.
^ Aaron Turner video interview. wenn's rockt! WebTV (German). Retrieved on August 26, 2006.
^ Thompson, Ed. Review of In the Absence of Truth. IGN. Retrieved on December 18, 2006.
^ Porosky, Pamela. Aaron Turner and Michael Gallagher interview. Guitar Player. Retrieved on September 6, 2006.
^ Ipecac Recordings. Isis: Biography 2004. Press release. Retrieved on February 9, 2007. (See specifically: Terrorizer January/February 2003.)
^ Locks, Jesse. Isis. Thrasher Magazine. Retrieved on December 23, 2006.
^ Combat Music Radio interview with Aaron Turner. Retrieved on February 11, 2007.
^ Pitchon, Avi. The Vision Divine. Terrorizer issue 124, October 2004. 20-22.
^ Bentham, Jeremy. Panopticon (Preface). In Miran Bozovic (ed.), The Panopticon Writings, London: Verso, 1995, 29-95.
^ Seldonhunt.com. Retrieved on February 2, 2007.

Feast of Hate and Fear was a print fanzine from 1990 through 1998. ... The All Music Guide (AMG) is a large, comprehensive and high quality metadata database about music. ... A news release, press release or press statement is a written or recorded communication directed at members of the news media for the purpose of announcing something claimed as having news value. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... November 11 is the 315th day of the year (316th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 50 days remaining. ... The All Music Guide (AMG) is a large, comprehensive and high quality metadata database about music. ... The Drowned in Sound logo Drowned in Sound or DiS is a UK based music webzine dedicated to new music. ... A news release, press release or press statement is a written or recorded communication directed at members of the news media for the purpose of announcing something claimed as having news value. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... November 11 is the 315th day of the year (316th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 50 days remaining. ... This article is about the online music and film magazine. ... Started in 2004 by Philadelphia-based publisher, Red Flag Media, Decibel magazine quickly emerged as the authoritative source for extreme music. ... It has been suggested that Billboard be merged into this article or section. ... January 13 is the 13th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... This is a hard rock magazine that comes out every month. ... This is a hard rock magazine that comes out every month. ... The Drowned in Sound logo Drowned in Sound or DiS is a UK based music webzine dedicated to new music. ... Rock Sound magazine launched in the UK in 1999 and has built up a great reputation for championing new music. ... The Phoenix New Times is a free, weekly Phoenix, Arizona newspaper, put out every Thursday. ... is the 40th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... MTV (Music Television) is an American cable television network headquartered in New York City. ... The New York Times is a daily newspaper published in New York City by Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Jr. ... The All Music Guide (AMG) is a large, comprehensive and high quality metadata database about music. ... August 26 is the 238th day of the year (239th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... IGN is a multimedia news and reviews website that focuses heavily on video games. ... Ipecac Recordings is an independent record label based in Orinda, California. ... A news release or press release is a written or recorded communication directed at members of the news media for the purpose of announcing something claimed as having news value. ... is the 40th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Thrasher is a monthly skateboarding magazine founded in 1981 and currently edited by Jake Phelps. ... February 11 is the 42nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 33rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

External links

Categories: Musical groups established in 1997 | American musical groups | Art rock musical groups | Post-rock groups | Post-metal musical groups | Doom metal musical groups | 1990s music groups | 2000s music groups MusicBrainz (MusicBrainz. ... Last. ... MySpace is a social networking website offering an interactive, user-submitted network of friends, personal profiles, blogs, groups, photos, music, and videos. ... The All Music Guide (AMG) is a metadata database about music owned by All Media Guide. ... Aaron Turner is an influential musician, graphic artist, and founder of label Hydra Head Records. ... Celestial is Isis third solo release and first full length. ... Oceanic is an album by post-metal band Isis, released September 17, 2002. ... Panopticon is Isis sixth solo release and third full length. ... Oceanic: Remixes & Reinterpretations is a compilation of remixes of songs from Isis album Oceanic, originally released in 2002. ... In the Absence of Truth is the fourth studio album by Los Angeles, California-based post-metal band Isis. ... Mosquito control is the task of managing the population of mosquitoes to reduce their damage to human health, economies, and enjoyment of mosquito-ridden areas. ... An expansion of the sound pioneered on the Mosquito Control EP, the Red Sea EP offers a slight evolution toward the direction Isis would begin to take with their first full length, Celestial. ... The Sawblade EP (also called the Buzzsaw EP) is a handmade CD-R made by Isis for their tour with Neurosis and Candiria, limited to 200 copies (the first 40 with red blade inserts, the remaining 160 with black). ... . The substitution or omission of any < > [ ] { } is due to technical restrictions. ... In The Fishtank 14 features Isis and Aereogramme. ... Recorded on September 23, 2003 at the Fillmore in San Francisco, California, Live. ... Recorded on March 19, 2003 in Stockholm, Sweden, Live. ... Recorded on December 7, 2004 at the Launchpad in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Live. ... Live. ... Clearing the Eye is the first DVD release by the Californian post-metal band Isis. ...

Contents

History GA_googleFillSlot("encyclopedia_square");