Time to Burn is one of the many post-hardcore / atmospheric sludge bands emerging in the scene the past decade. Despite the vast number of new bands in this particular subgenre, they - hailing from France, a country that has always tended to experiment a little further in any type of art given - managed to seperate themselves from the rest.
This album is their last, longest and best album. By no means, I ain't saying that their previous efforts weren't good; but, this album is their magnum opus. They reached their peak with Is.Land. Music wise, although after a first listen someone might say it's just like any typical post-hardcore / atmospheric sludge band, after a couple hearings you'll soon realize that there's something really special about this band. There are melodic parts (for instance the instrumental intro or the interludes) , there are faster sections that make you bang your head or smash something, there are slow, crushing moments of let's-say-doom and a lot ambience creating an atmospheric soundscape.
As for the vocals, I'm left astonished every single time. Not only there's a range on the type of vocal approach, as there are some clean vocals - especially on the closer, "Land" -, but what amazes me the most is the passion and the straightforward way he opts to express his feeling. I love his screams, especially on Nayeli; these are not "screamo" screams; no bullshit; these are simply screams full of passion and feeling.
The production's also pretty decent with the appropriate noise, feedback etc. that fits perfect with the sludgy -yet atmospheric - music.
Overall, a nearly perfect album that I'd recommend to any fan of atmospheric sludge metal. Listen to the album and download it for free here.
Bandcamp
Recommended tracks: "Nayeli", "Emma Peel", "Tormenta", "Tsering Lhamo", "Land"
Rating:
4.75 / 5
