US post-metal heroes Isis have transcended far enough through the labels of 'promising newcomers' and 'bonafide cult icons' to stand on the very cusp of 'seasoned pros' in 2009, and if there was ever an album to consolidate their position as one of alternative music's leading proprietors of true avant-garde heaviness, then 'Wavering Radiant' just might be it. While never quite reaching the dizzying progressive heights of 2002's immense landmark 'Oceanic' or even the scope of last album 'In The Absence Of Truth', this is still a hugely fulfilling beast that slowly and sumptuously works its way towards a thrilling climax.

    Be it the subtly psychedelic undertones of 'Ghost Key', with a space-hopping intro that could almost have been sucked from an Ozric Tentacles record, the drifting instrumental title track or the climactic bombast of 'Threshold Of Transformation', 'Wavering Radiant' is a journey through the kind of blissful sonic ambience that few bands can muster with such seamless energy. Aaron Turner's voice effortlessly glides between guttural growls and harmonious singing throughout, and his pitch-perfect notes are underlaid by some nifty guitar work and thumping bass rhythms that tie everything together nicely. It's not a genre-smashing masterpiece, but hot damn it's a fun ride all the same.

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