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I dread reviewing Isole. This is not because they make bad music. In fact, far from it. It's because whenever I listen to Isole for long periods of time, the only thing that results is depression. That's how potent their music is. Few bands capture the monotony and hopelessness of deep depression like they do. In their melodies lie pain and despondency. Not only are their vocals morose and booming (not to mention much improved!) on Born from Shadows, but the solemn vocal harmonies make the music even more somber and frankly sometimes difficult to listen to.

It's an effect like this that turns so many people off. Understandably, most people don't want to sit down and feel sad when listening to music. But what is the point of art but to convey emotion? I can see even the most depressed doomster veering away from Isole, but that's because their music has the power to make its listener weep like nearly no other band. This is something worth overcoming, as there's a certain calmness to feeling the saddest emotions. People avoiding this music altogether are missing out on deep feelings that few bands can convey.

Isole's blend of early My Dying Bride with the epic, sprawling, Solstice-esque sound is just as captivating as it is sobering. Within their sadness is much of the pummel you'd expect from more hard-hitting doom bands known for chugging riffing rather than atmosphere. Isole combine the two styles into an undeniably epic style, but one that you really shouldn't listen to after being dumped by your girlfriend. This is slit your wrist upwards metal in the greatest way.