Isis' latest album “Wavering Radiant” left me a bit dubious after a first dig, but I always appreciated this band more live, so I’m looking forward to seeing if their new work will work its magic once again on stage.

First, supporting band Mothlite has the hard task of warming up a very demanding public. They’re surely valid musicians, with a sound full of atmosphere that is quite heavy in places. I’m considering getting their album, it would make a pleasant background depending on mood, but to be honest live, they could hardly handle a full show without losing the audiences attention in my opinion. Their half hour set is just about the right length to appreciate them.

If you have never seen Isis live, I guess a word about the crowd populating Koko tonight is in order. There’s no colourful kids or crowd surfing, at a first glance this audience is probably composed of a majority of musicians, here to listen carefully and judge mercilessly. Quite scary if you’re really not that good. And on this particular occasion, I decided to call in my more technical sidekick Captain Morgan for help with the review, so thanks to the Captain for his precious cooperation and his sober enthusiasm on the night in question!

But here comes the moment of truth, the one band we’ve been waiting for, ladies and gentlemen, Isis. Will they deliver once again? The first and last time I saw them was at Neumo in Seattle, still with the aforementioned Captain, and they blew both of us away: I hope this is going to be as good, if not better.

Isis are still using the Neurosis style, light and dark vocal approach; the band has developed a much more textured sound these days, experimenting with a treble guitar in places. The set is varied – obviously “Wavering Radiant” is heavily showcased (and yes, it is way better live), but with smatterings of their excellent albums “Panopticon” (2004) and “In the absence of truth” (2006). The 2009 Isis machine has become a very slick sounding machine, positioning the band at the forefront of the atmospheric metal scene that the crowd has assembled for.

Although totally conquered by their superior musical talent and creativity, I remember not being too keen on the singing that night at Neumo; however, even the vocals seem to blend effortlessly with their sublime atmospheres tonight. Love them or hate them, you really couldn’t find a flaw in this gig. OK maybe the lights, but that’s just because I have a camera in my hands. Brilliant. Absolute quality. And if you were into Isis before, be prepared: they’re getting even better.

Isis are not a typical rock band where you might like one or two tracks, there are not hit singles, they will never be mainstream. They do what they do, their crowd digs what they do, and you get the impression that both parties wouldn’t have it any other way.