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Wavering Radiant
by
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Wavering Radiant Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 32 Ratings

  • Summary: The fifth album for the Los Angeles rock band was produced by Joe Barresi.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. 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.
  2. No Ripcord
    90
    As snobbish as that may sound, you have to lose yourself in Wavering Radiant to hear and feel the big picture.
  3. Alternative Press
    80
    Though the length of the songs can prove to be daunting, the album is arguably one of Isis' finest moments. [Jun 2009, p.105]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Dusted Magazine
    80
    Wavering Radiant is strong enough on musical merit that decade-strong devotees deservedly ought to join new converts in welcoming the latest Isis album into the world.
  5. Drowned In Sound
    80
    It’s a proper album, in the sense that a divide is made at four of seven, the title track a segue between halves – its makers clearly bear download culture little respect, constructing their latest so that it’s best experienced as a whole, bridging arrangements as vital as the blustering bombast and constitutional inflections of grandly designed standout pieces.
  6. AllMusic
    80
    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.
  7. Uncut
    60
    Theirs is a sophisticated, finely nuanced sound, lynchpin Aaron Turner's vocals notwithstanding. [Jun 2009, p.88]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. postmodernpanda
    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 vastlyafter 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.    … Expand
  2. 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.
  4. GiselleB
    May 7, 2009
    10
    Fantastic Album!
  5. mmbah55
    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 bandWhen 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.… Expand
  6. 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 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.… Expand
  7. Nekrah
    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    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.    … Expand
  8. ChampiodiPi
    Jul 14, 2009
    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 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.… Collapse

Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Best Album of 2009

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