Reviewed by: Craig Atkins

Published:  1 December 2011

lp: the identity

Local 5 piece ISAW have been at the forefront of the Adelaide Metal scene for the past 18 months and have unleashed their debut album ‘The Identity’, recorded at Deep Blue Studios and mixed and mastered by Forrester Savell at Sing Sing South Studio.  This production has quality all over it, a well-blended mix of all tracks that reminded me a lot like Pantera’s ‘Cowboy’s From Hell’, but with a more human element to the recording.

There are some albums that, as you first inspect the artwork and song titles, have you wondering what you are about to hear and what you’re going to get.  The artwork designed by vocalist Matt Kavanagh, is simplistic in its concept of 3 female android faces with intertwined wires at the end against a striking white background.  The concept is carried throughout the fold out booklet that includes lyrics to all tracks, which I personally find a bonus - I appreciate the chance to get inside the lyrics and their interpretation.

Instead of writing about all 12 tracks individually, I will give you my opinion of the CD as a whole and you can do with that as it is your want… I had not really listened to much ISAW previous to this album, so I wasn’t really sure what I was going to be in for - but within the first 2 second, I knew all right!!!  If you want a CD to wake up to in the morning, the opening track “Catch 22’ will do the trick, especially if you give it some juice!!

ISAW’s debut full length album is 12 tracks that stand right in front of you and demand attention, with intense growling vocals interlaced with melodic backing vocals. This is layered over crunching guitars and melodious riffs, along with strong drum patterns and tempo changes. Driving bass and harmonic leads are also interlaced through well-crafted and structured songs.  

The level of musicianship is evident throughout this recording, particularly in the thoughtfulness of structures and transition between the tempo changes. The elements of light and shade in the tracks are masterfully created.

For anyone who likes their music heavy and loud, this is one must have CD that your collection is screaming to have!