ISOLE "SILENT RUINS" (NAPALM RECORDS)

ISOLE formed under the name Forlorn (not to be mistaken with the Norwegian Forlorn) back in 1990 with two sole members, Crister and Daniel. Several demo tapes were recorded in the 1990's, including Waves of Sorrow in 1994 — a recording still revered by Epic Doom Metal fans.
After a few years of turmoil, in which the band suffered from myriad line-up changes, I Hate Records approached them in 2003. With a newly signed contract and much motivation, the band saw it fit to adopt a new moniker, thus becoming ISOLE. During this time, ISOLE secured a permanent line-up with which to record their first full-length for the Swedish label.
ISOLE’s debut album “Forevermore” was released in early 2005 and followed up with a 7", “The Beyond”, in early 2006. The next album, “Throne of Void”, released in the summer of 2006, delivered an even darker sound than its critically acclaimed predecessor.
ISOLE embarked on a festival tour, including appearances at Germany’s Doom Shall Rise III and The Netherlands’ Doom Day, as well as touring in their native Sweden and The Netherlands with bands like Reverend Bizarre, Thee Plague of Gentlemen, and Grand Magus.
The next step in Isole’s journey was the release of ”Bliss of Solitude”, which was recorded, mixed, and produced at Studio Apocalypse by the band themselves. The mastering was done by Thomas Nilsson, and Peter Sallai provided the finishing touches with his magnificent yet eerie cover artwork. „Bliss of Solitude“ received overwhelming positive feedback from fans and critics alike.
However, Isole did not fall prey to idleness and continuously worked on new material for their forthcoming release “Silent Ruins”. According to guitarist Crister, the tracks relate the story of someone waking up without any recollection of how the world came to an end. Each of the songs provides this person with more details and memories that lead to a devastating conclusion. Musically, Isole ventured into new territories by incorporating more variation and increasing the pace of the songs. Nevertheless, the darkness and desolation remains evident in the songs more than ever before.
Once again recorded and mixed at Studio Apocalypse, ISOLE's fourth release, "Silent Ruins", continues to forge forth in the tradition of the previous albums. The Swedes indulge in their heart-sickened and somber brand of Doom Metal that only finds solace in a perfectly placed portion of deadly black epic. Profound compositions, hypnotic arrangements, and heavy flowing riffs, that not unlike molten lava slowly yet inexorably pull the listener down into its depths, are the core elements comprising this album. Gustavo Sazes (Firewind, Serenity) lends his artistic know-how to graphically convey a feeling of utter despair and isolation, while Peter In de Betou (Amon Amarth, Draconian, Arch Enemy) takes on the darkly work's mastering responsibilities. Rarely before have hopelessness and despair found such an elegant and becoming sound, making "Silent Ruins" a dark jewel that will not only appeal to the die-hard Doom Metal fan.