Isole – Anesidora

Sweden’s Isole return with their eighth studio album, “Anesidora.” This offering dives deep into the well of traditional Swedish doom metal, delivering a melancholic soundscape rich with mournful melodies, crushing riffs, and Daniel Bryntse’s signature clean vocals – with a few unexpected growls thrown in for good measure. Let’s embark on this sorrowful journey, track by track, and see if “Anesidora” strengthens Isole’s reign as doom royalty or leaves us longing for something more substantial.

A Track-by-Track Exploration of Gloom:

• Prologue (1:51): The album opens with an unsettling soundscape. Eerie chanting and swirling ambience create a sense of unease, hinting at the emotional depths to be explored.
• Act I: The Devil in a Conical Flask (10:36): The album explodes with a classic doom assault. Slow tempos, downtuned guitars, and Bryntse’s sorrowful vocals paint a picture of despair. The lyrics, steeped in symbolism, suggest a dark pact made for unholy power.
• Act II: Nova Nativitas Mundi (9:33): A brief moment of grandeur emerges. The tempo increases slightly, allowing space for a soaring lead guitar melody to intertwine with the distorted riffs. Bryntse’s vocals maintain their melancholic quality, hinting at a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. The lyrics explore the construction of something new, possibly a twisted utopia fueled by dark forces.
• Act III: Agios! The Cosmic Temple of Satan Reborn (10:33): The album descends deeper into the abyss. Blast beats erupt momentarily, adding a touch of urgency to the otherwise slow and oppressive atmosphere. Ominous samples and distorted guitars create a sense of dread. Bryntse unleashes a surprising burst of guttural growls, adding a layer of demonic fury. The lyrics delve into the construction of a temple dedicated to the dark power, solidifying the protagonist’s descent.
• Epilogue (5:18): A sense of chilling closure descends. The music fades into a desolate soundscape of distorted drones and faint whispers. The lyrics, if present, remain shrouded in mystery, leaving the listener contemplating the fate of the characters and the consequences of their choices.

Verdict: 3.5 out of 5

“Anesidora” is a masterclass in traditional doom metal. Isole crafts a dense atmosphere of sorrow and despair, perfectly capturing the essence of the genre. The songwriting, while adhering to the slow-burning nature of doom, offers enough variation to keep the listener engaged. Bryntse’s clean vocals are a melancholic highlight, perfectly conveying the emotional weight of the music. The occasional use of blast beats and growls adds a welcome touch of aggression, showcasing the band’s ability to explore the darker corners of the genre. The production is raw and lo-fi, perfectly complementing the album’s bleak atmosphere.

A minor caveat: Listeners unfamiliar with doom metal’s glacial pace and melancholic mood might find “Anesidora” a bit too slow and repetitive. The reliance on traditional tropes might feel derivative to some doom veterans. The cryptic lyrics, while intriguing, might leave some listeners wanting more concrete details about the narrative.

However, for fans of traditional Swedish doom metal seeking an immersive and emotionally draining experience, “Anesidora” delivers the goods. Isole proves their ability to create a desolate soundscape that is both beautiful and unsettling. This album is a testament to the enduring power of slow tempos and sorrowful melodies, leaving a lasting impression long after the final note fades.