Isolation In Infamy
Isolation In Infamy

May 2012
Released: 2011, Independent
Rating: 4.0/5
Reviewer: Waspman

Here in 2012, the technical death metal field is as crowded as it has ever been, as it seems more and more bands are competing to prove their instrumental mastery and follow in the technical footsteps of their forefathers like Cynic and the sadly missing Gorguts. The problem is, so many bands are so focused on proving how skilled they are, they forget to write songs that you can just enjoy and bang your head to.



With that said, I’m happy to report that California’s Isolation In Infamy are a welcome breath of fresh air, completely nailing the perfect mixture of technicality and pure head banging enjoyment. While the band is clearly no slouches when it comes to writing complex, intricate songs, they’ve obviously kept memorable riffs and straightforward aggression at the forefront of the minds as well. Each of the six tracks offered is crushing, with special mention going to the instrumental “Threshold” which is probably the best minute and a half of instrumental death metal I’ve ever heard.



As you’d expect from a technical death metal band, guitarists Andy Nelson and Shadi Absi are phenomenal players, effortlessly weaving their riffs and solos into a thunderous maelstrom of sound. Sadly, the production leaves Chris Audish’s bass somewhat muffled. Still, the star of the show is Mikey Wilson; his drumming performance is nothing short astonishing – I smell a cult legend in the making.



Oh, did I mention that this is an independent release? Kudos to the band for making this album sound as good as any label-backed release.



I’ll say without hesitation that these are the six best death metal songs I’ve heard so far this year; and I can’t wait to hear more from these guys. If you like death metal at all; these guys should be on your radar – check ‘em out!