The Isolation Process – “Underneath It All” (stream) (Premiere)

“Underneath It All” is a fine indication of what the Isolation Process are all about: moments of tranquil mediation interrupted and crushed by tumultuous post-metal. Eschewing tired build-ups and meandering passages in favour of verse/chorus structures, The Isolation Process balances melancholy and metallic power with the same poise as fellow Swedish bands like Khoma or Katatonia. Vocalist/guitarist Thomas Henriksson is the most immediate draw, and his towering clean vocal melodies, in direct contrast with the weight of his riffs, will undoubtedly bring Katatonia’s Jonas Renkse to mind. Saying that, Henriksson does have distinct inflections of his own, and throughout The Isolation Process – produced, recorded and mixed by Michael Nordström (Switch Opens, Lingua, Jesaiah) and mastered by Magnus Lindberg (Cult of Luna, Khoma) – he delivers a dynamically striking performance backed by the rock-solid rhythm section of Anders Carlström (bass) and Patrik Rydbrand (drums).