In the Fishtank 14 cover

Released 20 years ago

In the Fishtank 14

Isis · 2006

24 min · 3 tracks · progressive metal

A haunting exploration of soundscapes where heavy riffs intertwine with delicate melodies, creating an immersive auditory journey.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Low Tide — This opening track sets a meditative tone, gradually layering textures that evolve from quiet introspection to powerful crescendos, embodying the album's exploration of dynamic contrasts.
  • →
    Delial — Short yet impactful, this piece highlights Isis's ability to create tension through minimalist instrumentation, showcasing their restraint while still delivering emotional depth.
  • →
    Stolen — The longest track on the album, it encapsulates the essence of Isis's sound by weaving intricate guitar lines with atmospheric elements, making it a profound listening experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases Isis's experimental approach with strong composition and craft, though its impact remains niche.

What we noticed

  • The EP consists of three tracks, each over six minutes long, allowing for extended instrumental passages and gradual build-ups.
  • The first track features a slow, ambient introduction that transitions into heavy, distorted riffs, creating a stark contrast in dynamics.
  • Improvisational sections are present throughout, with shifts in tempo and mood that challenge conventional song structures.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Low Tide 9:29
  • 2 Delial 3:54
  • 3 Stolen 10:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata