maudlin of the Well - Leaving Your Body Map

You might recognize the name Toby Driver if you've been anywhere on the internet for the last couple of years. His highly-influential and highly-'avant-garde' project Kayo Dot have been garnering high acclaim since their album Choirs of the Eye (download it). But some not be familiar with his previous band maudlin of the Well. A full band of 'revolving door members' made odd prog metal drenched in jazz and folk detailing. Sure there are 'death growls' and double bass but there's also amazing melodic sections that will keep you interested for days. This album was a partner album to Bath. Which is also a wonderful record. Toby Driver claims to have written this whole album while doing some astral projection or whatever. I don't know if I believe that but hey...it's a great album. So go for it.

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Isis - Wavering Radiant

Metal is a broad term. Whether it's progressive or avant-garde or alternative or nu or whatever... But some bands skirt around the terms and dive into something else. Now Isis isn't exactly the weirdest music you'll ever her. But I find it almost impossible to put a label on it. Isis has quite a discography, it's subtly molded itself into something polished and refined since their debut, Celestial.

Wavering Radiant is the newest release from Isis. And it leaked a day ago. It is probably their best album to date. From tightly-knit pounding heavy sections to winding mellow passages this album flows magnificently. One thing that has improved is Aaron Turner's screaming. He added a sort of death metal touch and growl to morph his past 'hardcore' voice into something a little more fitting. The drumming is once again top notch as is the guitars and electronics. Another great album from a continuously great band.

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