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In The Absence Of Truth
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In The Absence Of Truth Image
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 28 Ratings

  • Summary: This fourth LP for the metal band follow's 2004's acclaimed 'Panopticon' as well as an opening slot on Tool's latest tour.

Top Track

Holy Tears
He was patient Slow descent, chills the bones His wait maybe long Still he carries on Always reaching for her Always breathing for her Lifting his... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. AllMusic
    90
    In the Absence of Truth is as solidly explosive and as adventuresome as Panopticon, but their elemental control over the music is greater, therefore creating a more even production.
  2. Blender
    80
    Even if the high-minded concepts prove elusive, no worries. [Nov 2006, p.138]
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  3. Alternative Press
    80
    It's certainly a leap further into the ethereal weirdness that defined 2004's shoegaze- and electronics-inspired Panopticon. [Nov 2006, p.192]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Prefix Magazine
    75
    Theirs is music brimming over with passion first explored, then exploded.
  5. cokemachineglow
    65
    Underwhelming.
  6. Village Voice
    50
    In the process of adding new facets to their sound, Truth winds up reinforcing self-imposed limitations.
  7. Uncut
    40
    The lurch towards conventionality has exposed Isis' limitations: their paucity of melodic ideas, the pompous drumming, the lack of wit or soul. [Jan 2007, p.100]
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See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. mmbah55
    Oct 14, 2015
    10
    If you don't like this album, you have no taste in music. And this is AFTER their incredible vocalist is brought to trial. Seriously, thisIf you don't like this album, you have no taste in music. And this is AFTER their incredible vocalist is brought to trial. Seriously, this album is the bridge between perceiving **** "screamo" and actual talent.… Expand
  2. VinceH
    Dec 7, 2006
    10
    Brilliant music. The 2 most common criticisms I've read of this album is that "Isis is doing the same thing over and over" or the album Brilliant music. The 2 most common criticisms I've read of this album is that "Isis is doing the same thing over and over" or the album is "boring". These couldn't be further from the truth. Granted, it takes a certain kind of listener to get into Isis (not to be a dick, but come on...instrumental music requires different ears than a 3 minute pop song). The melodies are better (something Isis has been getting better at with each release) than ever, the production is great (not too shiny and sparkly, but not crappy like their first stuff either). In this genre of music (in which there are lots of talented bands), Isis consistently is the best and this album proves no different. If you like this, I also recommend Jesu if you haven't heard of them. They are opening for Isis on their upcoming tour and will be huge soon.… Expand
  4. Adam
    Feb 8, 2008
    10
    astonishing from start to finish my favorite band since radiohead and sigur ros words do no justice with this release my best album of 2006 astonishing from start to finish my favorite band since radiohead and sigur ros words do no justice with this release my best album of 2006 and maybe since 2004s panopticon.… Expand
  5. E.Gomez
    Dec 7, 2006
    9
    Mood altering ambient prog-metal. Isis is godlike intrepid sublime.
  6. Devyn
    Apr 12, 2007
    9
    this album has a great mellow vibe to it and a amazing climax effect in almost every song. This is one of their best albums in my opinion.
  7. John
    Mar 30, 2007
    8
    I actually prefer this over "oceanic". "in the absence of truth" is more atmospheric; the soundscapes are deeper and darker and the songs I actually prefer this over "oceanic". "in the absence of truth" is more atmospheric; the soundscapes are deeper and darker and the songs seem to shift at appropriate timings instead of repeating the same things over and over again like their earlier stuff (not that they don't still, but less so). i found "panopticon" to be rather boring by the end. with this go i feel energetic all the way through. i could easily listen from start to finish, and it feels alot more ambient if you're more into the post-rock aspect of isis than their status as a metal outfit like i am.… Expand
  8. ChampiodiPi
    Jul 14, 2009
    1
    Formulaic, tired, trite, boring, soulless, stargazing pretentious tommyrot. Unnecessary, redundant. Isis flog a dead horse which committed Formulaic, tired, trite, boring, soulless, stargazing pretentious tommyrot. Unnecessary, redundant. Isis flog a dead horse which committed suicide after their only slightly less awful début Oceanic and this is BEFORE their God awful vocalist is brought to trial.… Collapse

See all 15 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

98
#98 Most Shared Album of 2006

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