#25 - Top of 2019

Isole - Dystopia (Hammerheart Records)

Going to number 25 of the best albums of 2019, we have the seventh outing from Swedish Doomsters Isole, aptly named "Dystopia". Previously featured in the best Doom & Epic albums of the past decade with Dystopia's predecessor The Calm Hunter, their newest effort might be their tightest release yet. Through the past 15 years and 7 albums, Isole have evolved their sound while succeeding in creating an epic atmosphere. Daniel Bryntse's clear and sorrowful vocals play an important role in conjuring the perfect doom feeling throughout the album. The opening track, "Beyond the Horizon" has a memorable chorus both lyrically and melodically, though it doesn't take long for the album to take a heavier turn, with songs like "The Beholder" and its "oriental-like" riffs, the interesting addition of rough brutal vocals blending with the menacing chimes of bells in "You Went Away" or the darker "Galenskapens land" telling the eerie tale of the land of madness in Swedish. In "Dystopia",  dark undertones of  heavy doom guitars dominate all the songs blending with lyrical themes that take the listener on a journey through tales of sorrow and loss!

94.1/100


Below is the official video for "Beyond the Horizon"