ISIS was one of the most anticipated artists this year in Ilosaarirock, and so the YleX tent was packed with people waiting to see this rare occurrance, some of them perhaps not knowing exactly what to expect. Those who were in the know, were eager to experience the full beauty and mystery that ISIS’ music entails. The vocalist Aaron Turner possesses near-shamanistic qualities, because the crowd it seemed were falling into some sort collective trance during the hauntingly beautiful and subtle tracks.

Some sources name ISIS as THE post metal band, and others characterise their music as heavy progressive rock. Truth lies perhaps somewhere in between. Turner’s vocal output follows the same lines as the music: eerily graceful, yet stunningly brutal at times. The trance is disturbed and the listeners returned to the real world.

The band had energy enough to mosh throughout the whole gig, even during the sudden switches to slower, more tranquil speeds. The reflected lights painted the tent ceiling and the decorations psychedelic blue and created an oceanic atmosphere that suited the mood perfectly.

The gig left the audience dumbfounded, some perhaps confused, yet all yearning for more. Let us hope that we’ll see ISIS in Ilosaarirock some time again, even though the band is not exactly known for their frequent touring.

Translation: Jari Rytkönen

ISIS on NettiTV