Year: 2024
Total Time: 38:15
Label: Non Serviam Records
The Greek Black Metal scene has firmly established itself as one of the most formidable and distinguished in the global underground music landscape nearly since its inception. Beyond the internationally renowned stalwarts such as ROTTING CHRIST, VARATHRON, and NECROMANTIA, a wealth of new and promising bands has steadily risen from the depths, carrying forward the torch of a scene marked by raw passion and uncompromising artistry. Among the notable figures frequently encountered in this evolving landscape is Nick S. (also known as Nikos Sidiropoulos), a prodigious talent whose involvement in several projects – including SORGELIG, LEECHES, INSANITY CULT, and NEFARIOUS DUSK – has left a lasting imprint. With the collaboration of course of other exceptional members in all the aforementioned projects, particularly Apostolos Kotouzas (ISOLERT, Thlipsis, SORGELIG), Filippos Papatheodorou (INSANITY CULT, SORGELIG), and Panagiotis Tsigklifis (ISOLERT, SORGELIG), whose haunting vocals add an intense dimension!
When news broke of ISOLERT’s latest release, their third full-length album, «Wounds of Desolation», anticipation was justifiably high. Yet, even with such lofty expectations, this album manages to surpass them. It stands as a pristine example of what Black Metal is capable of achieving when handled with both reverence for tradition and a fearless approach to innovation. Clocking in at 38 minutes, the album spans seven tracks and one instrumental, striking a perfect balance in length and intensity. Even before the music begins, the cover art sets the tone with its dark, evocative imagery, drawing the listener into a world of profound melancholy and tragic grandeur.
From the first note, ISOLERT make it clear that they mean business. The instrumental opening is a prelude to the barrage of aggression that follows, and once «The End of Beauty» begins, the listener is engulfed in a vortex of dark energy. With a brutal combination of scorching guitar work and soul-piercing vocals, the album conjures a sense of overwhelming misanthropy, urging a deep introspective journey. The lyrical themes, as far as one can interpret, delve into both the outer and inner realms, touching on existential struggles and personal torment, all conveyed with a raw emotional intensity that permeates the entire record.
Sonically, «Wounds of Desolation» is a formidable force. It delivers an unrelenting cascade of sound, an intricate tapestry of aural textures that shift seamlessly between chaos and controlled melody. The production strikes a perfect balance, allowing each element to be heard with clarity while maintaining the organic, unpolished atmosphere essential to the genre. The songwriting showcases both finesse and ferocity, with transitions from furious tremolo-picked sections to slower, more contemplative passages that reveal a deep understanding of pacing and dynamics. Tracks like «Flesh.Torn.Asunder» and «Where Dreams Die» exemplify the band’s ability to marry intensity with melodic sophistication, while the closer, «Reflections of Nothingness» leaves the listener with a haunting sense of desolation and finality.
This is an album that not only respects the roots of Black Metal but elevates the genre to new heights. ISOLERT have crafted a work that is both timeless and innovative, seamlessly blending the cold, harsh elements of traditional Black Metal with modern sensibilities. Their ability to weave dark, atmospheric soundscapes with moments of breathtaking melodic brilliance is truly remarkable. «Wounds of Desolation» is, without question, one of the standout releases of recent years, not just within the Greek scene but across the Black Metal genre globally. For those seeking a transcendent listening experience, this album is nothing short of essential.
Rating: 9/10
Editor: Antonis Braikidis
Related Link: ISOLERT – Bandcamp Page
