Isis are the leading band in the post-metal movement pioneered by the likes of Neurosis, and it's with their third album 'Panopticon' that the style really comes together. Based somewhat in the nineties post-rock of Mogwai and others (gotta love music critics and their ridiculous coining of genre titles), this music represents a mix of tempos, styles and emotions, all thrown together into drawn-out tracks that are just that little bit too unpredictable to prevent the listener from ever getting too relaxed, even in the frequent softer moments.

This works excellently as background music, but is certainly not confined to such duties, though I was glad to hear the hardcore shouting kept to a minimum. The louder and heavier musical sections, though bordering on cacophonous, merge perfectly with the atmospheric textures in a manner I didn't expect to hear pulled off so expertly, and the musicians are all talented without showing off about it.

1. So Did We
2. Backlit
3. In Fiction
4. Wills Dissolve
5. Syndic Calls
6. Altered Course
7. Grinning Mouths