Isole
Forevermore

Formed back in 1990 with the moniker Forlorn, the group never managed to emerge in the European doom scene until 2004, when they adopted their current name and started anew, successfully releasing their first album in 2005: "Forevermore". Released by the label I Hate Records, this album represents an unmovable point of classic Swedish doom. The influence of Candlemass is more than evident, especially from the "Nightfall"/"Ancient dreams" period, but Isole have managed to rework the old doom tradition into a truly remarkable epic vision, making the songs undoubtedly slow and suffocating but also epic and evocative, thanks to an extraordinary compositional ability.

However, "Forevermore" is, in the reviewer's opinion, the least successful of the four albums released by the group. Although the decadent and truly doom essence is already very present, some tracks do not seem fully accomplished. This is the case with "Premonitions", one of the band's worst tracks.

Desperation and suffering never abandon us in life. The title track affirms this with conviction and represents one of the most beautiful and touching pieces written by the band. A continuous crescendo of emotions that culminates in a sharp drum/guitar pairing. This great ability to evoke dark situations with an oppressive heaviness and slowness is also evident in the elephantine "Beyond the black", which alternates sustained parts with whispered interludes that further crush the spirit. In a scenario of total desolation, the concluding "Moonstone" continues the existential journey filled with pain and hardship thanks to a precise and impeccable rhythm section and the deep and unmistakable vocals of Daniel Bryntse.

Isole represents one of the best doom acts circulating at the moment, thanks to many years of experience that allowed the band to hone their skills on stages across Scandinavia. The influence of Candlemass, and Solitude Aeturnus is tangible, and it is inevitable to draw inspiration from these groups that have made the genre famous. But the band has managed to rework everything into an absolutely personal style, and this "Forevermore," their first album, already hints at the great class of the Swedes.

1. "The Watcher" (7:49)
2. "Deceiver" (7:56)
3. "Age Of Darkness" (7:08)
4. "Forevermore" (6:06)
5. "Premonitions" (7:06)
6. "Beyond The Black" (10:14)
7. "Moonstone" (11:52)