Isis, Celestial

Isis, Celestial (Hydra Head-2000)

I still think this is a new sound as there has been so few albums to do this so well. At the time it was called Sludge metal, doom, post metal and many others but it really is just loud rock music at the end of the day.

So ok it is not quite Little Richard but still it is just drums, bass and guitar. In 2000 the music world was being blasted by the likes of Limp Bizkit and Korn and others on the fringes of the metal world we all trying to copy that down tuned bass tone.

Isis were not easily led and with a fairly minimal idea for an album made one the the best metal albums in the 00s. The start of the first track gives and idea what is going on here. Sounds of someone typing on a computer keyboard. Sounds like someone hacking into something, could it be in the future or...

Well track one quickly leads into "Celestial (The Tower)" and the guitar noise begins. more like really big riffs that span the whole spectrum of sound. Like a machine digging away at the earth throwing up chunks or rock and dirt. Scratchy guitar parts add into the atmosphere. Singer Aaron Turner appears with screaming vocals that can barely be made out over the sound of the band. He says the album deals with the erosion of privacy as technology advances.

As track two "Glisten" thunders in you can feel as if the album is being made to hurry up a little, that feeling as if the connection will go. Leading back to what the album is about very well. The band work well together in delivering the big riff like noises. "Swarm Reigns (Down)" feeds off the rest of the album well. Now you feel a sense of desperation in the music. The dynamics on this album are fantastic, you really do feel something on each track. Something you just didn't get back in 2000 with other metal bands.

"De constructing Towers" yet again changes scope in the music, more of a jazz feel to it, guitars and drums are frantic. They keep on rolling as if no purpose, like covering up something. Ending with a single acoustic guitar. The music is so good you feel as if it really must have been done before but not to these ears.

With the end near "Collapse and Crush" sounds like its title, big slow doom guitars and strong guttural vocals accompanying the band. All the time still having the chugging guitar sound. This track goes into a nice clean guitar sound and at the right time too. You welcome it with open arms. The track does build slightly heavier but nothing like before. As I say the feel of this album is just amazing. "Gentle Time" closes the album with guitars and riffs that if sped up I feel would still sound the same.

Back in 2000 I was lucky to see some great metal bands like Pantera, Slayer and Metallica. But I was more exited about seeing this band in 2001. They don't sound that much different live as well. But the power and the simplicity is remarkable. With the world turning to baggy jeans and chains it would have been easy to miss this album. Not now as here it is, thanks to this blog a chance to hear an album that will never age or be cool.

Celestial is easily available but if you get the chance get the double album with the add on EP as this was to be a double album when recorded. One year later the second part was released "SGNL>05" is just as epic and essential. I may even review it later on.

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Silver Ginger Five, Black Leather Mojo

Silver Ginger Five, Black Leather Mojo (2000-Mercury Japan)

Made by the Wildhearts front man Ginger in 1999 and on a Japan label the album was intended to be his first solo album. He had worked with others just before this project like Alex Kane on the Stop Thinking album and the Supershit 666 superband. But this was all cards on the table, only he could make it work or not.

Well it is a funny one as I think he did do something with the album and that was to headline a large venue in London without even having the album out in the UK. It was a Japan only album for quite a while so any fans who wanted it had to pay quite a bit for a Japan import.

The album opens with what I would say is a solid first track “Sonic Shake” has all the ingredients you need for an air guitar fuelled three minutes. Big loud riffs that sound bigger as it gets louder, the drums are tight and the quality is here. The production is spot on and is need to hear all that is going on.

Second track “Divine Imperfection” Continues the riffs, simple and fun. The song has such a great sing a long feel to it, helped with the harmonies and great lyrics. “Anyway but Maybe” comes crashing out of the speakers like a roller coaster that is coming off its rails. Big drum fills and bass that can easily take the roof off. Remember that production? Here it is, after that nice big build up you get Gingers vocals. Great lyrics and all the things needs for me it is a stand out track. 

A little bit of a change in pace “Girls are better than Boys” and “Brain Sugar” help provide more of the glam rock n roll that we all love. The two songs are very infectious and are nowhere near a filler track.  The latter track takes you back to sing along with even more great lyrics.

Again a little change in “Monkey Zoo” it is an all out hard rock song with that has touches of alt rock but still keeps the melodic sound of the album. The track has big keyboards to help give an orchestra sound to it. It is a slow song but never loses any attention.

“Inside Out” is a nice little acoustic number, catchy and melodic it is a nice campfire sing a long number.  The track sounds pretty much a throw away song but after a few listens it is a firm favourite.  It is one of those tracks that could be a big hit on the radio, say if it was on a film or TV show. Nice wee guitar solo here keeps the hands waving.

An all out rocker in “I Wanna be New” nothing fancy but loud rock music and a nice track to lead into one of Gingers oldest songs. Written for a Wildhearts album it has never seen the light till this album. “Church of the Broken Hearted” could make a Bon Jovi fan shed a tear. But add in the the big church Choir he is going for it in a big way. It is a good song and played very well great soloing that would make Slash gulp.

Overall this is a fantastic album and a real mix of rock music styles. With the music business in 2000 being much about Nu Metal bands many rock bands were pretty much not getting a look in. Same with this album it was not picked up by a UK label and even when it did come out it was on a small independent with no promotion. 

I think if this was given a good shot by the right record company there is no reason why it could not have done so much more. It had all the things needed for a classic rock album and easily provided all rock fans something to enjoy. I saw the band live once and it was a real treat. A second album was written but shelved due to lack of interest. 

Black Leather Mojo is easily available but try get the 2CD copy as it has extra demo tracks from the missing second album. 

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