Wavering Radiant - Isis
  • Band Name: Isis
  • Record Label: Ipecac
  • Release Date: May 5, 2009
Metascore
79 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. Pitchfork
    85
    Easily the band's most accessible effort, hipsters and headbangers will likely agree it's also their most intricately imagined.
  2. Slant Magazine
    90
    Whether trading in power chords or atmospheric overlays, the band excels at transforming emotions into thrilling sounds, palpable awe, and tangible dread. This is metal played at its arresting best.
  3. NOW Magazine
    100
    Isis’s four previous full-lengths have clear story arcs, but Wavering Radiant’s themes are open to interpretation, giving it added appeal. Close to perfect.
  4. No Ripcord
    90
    As snobbish as that may sound, you have to lose yourself in Wavering Radiant to hear and feel the big picture.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. postmodernpanda
    10
    after the atmopsheric sludge that they perfected three albums prior, continuing along that path would have been a sub-par move from a vastly superior band. And Isis just can't have that. Apparently, they discovered that subtle nuances can be just as effective as the walls of sound they are accustomed to, and the combination of these two factors make for the most interesting listen yet. Small, "tool-isms" stand alongside the mammoth riffs of Aaron Turner and co.
    Also, Aaron's vocals are spot on throughout all of this record, balancing his shouts with the cleans perfectly.
    The best Isis record ever. What a send off.    … Full Review »
  2. ChampiodiPi
    2
    When a band's philosophy centres around the same basic premise, one in which they are encouraged to retread and retry, you feel that the band is desperately treading this same path hoping that luck instead of providence, that hope instead of prudence sees all the peices fit and that "elusive masterpiece" may be stumbled upon. There is nothing in this world as loathsome as try-hards with scant ability hoping to get lucky, and this is where we find Isis. Never managing to top their début with the same trite idea and same conventions and structure appearing again and again. Isis are the proverbial Sisyphus curse, condemning their fan base to endure the same nonsense for all eternity but ironically lap it all up oblivious to the bands all too obvious flaws.… Full Review »
  3. KC
    9
    Awesome band. Remind at times of Frodus, Helmet, and Tool. I'm new to Isis, but have been quickly hooked by them. Excellent musicians writing intriguing and rocking songs. I don't mind the growl at all, as some reviewers have ragged on; it doesn't seem affected or cliche, but more sincere and tastefully used between actual singing, which itself is a nice compliment to the music.… Full Review »
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