• Record Label: Ipecac
  • Release Date: May 5, 2009
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 32
  2. Negative: 3 out of 32

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  1. Oct 1, 2010
    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.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.
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  2. KC
    May 19, 2009
    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.
  3. GiselleB
    May 7, 2009
    10
    Fantastic Album!
  4. adam
    May 8, 2009
    10
    Best album of the year one of the best in this decade and maybe just the best isis has ever been.
  5. Oct 14, 2015
    10
    When a band's philosophy centres around the same basic premise, one in which they are encouraged to retread and retry, you feel that band should actually retread and retry, and that they truly understand postmodern art.
  6. Oct 15, 2015
    9
    An amazing album from the master of Post Metal.
    Following the success of Oceanic and Panopticon, Wavering Radiant takes you to a musical journey that does not disappoints.

Awards & Rankings

Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 21
  2. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Wavering Radiant works as a single piece of music rather than a series of songs, and it is cohesively played by an ensemble that is more interested in the dark majesty of metal than its potential for expressing anger.
  2. 80
    Songs are still suite-sized, but this is the toughest and catchiest Isis record since their 1999 debut full-length, "Celestial."
  3. To attempt to rank Wavering Radiant within the Isis discography is to miss this point. Fans of earlier releases will likely be disappointed but if this record proves anything, it's that Isis are a fully-functioning organism, slowly moving towards something not yet known by the listener and perhaps not even the band themselves.