What makes Live.04 by Isis notable?

Live.04 is notable for its raw representation of Isis's live performance prowess, receiving positive reviews in publications like Metal Hammer and Pitchfork. The album highlights the band’s ability to create atmospheric yet heavy music, solidifying their status as pioneers within the post-metal genre. Released in 2006, Live.04 captures Isis at a crucial moment following their critically acclaimed album, Panopticon. This live recording showcases the band's evolution into a more expansive sound while maintaining the core elements of their post-metal style, marking a transition between their earlier works and subsequent explorations.

Live.04 works well if you're into steady pacing for deep focus, immersive soundscapes for exploration and gradual builds that invite reflection.

How many songs are on Live.04?

Live.04 has 7 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Live.04

Isis · 2006

63 min · 7 tracks · progressive metal

A sprawling, immersive blend of heavy soundscapes and delicate melodies that evoke both intensity and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Gentle Time — Opening with an ambient soundscape that gradually builds into a powerful crescendo, this track exemplifies the band's unique blending of softness and heaviness.
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CFT — This track features intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts, highlighting the band's technical proficiency and their ability to maintain tension throughout extended compositions.
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Weight — Spanning over twelve minutes, this track showcases a masterful evolution from ethereal passages to thunderous climaxes, encapsulating the emotional journey of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

This live album showcases Isis's ability to blend heavy and melodic elements effectively, though it may not reach the heights of their studio work.

What we noticed

The album features extended tracks, with several exceeding ten minutes, allowing for gradual build-ups and dynamic shifts.
There are multiple sections within each track that alternate between heavy, distorted riffs and softer, melodic passages, creating a contrast in intensity.
The live recording captures ambient crowd noise and the band's interactions, adding an organic feel to the performance.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing for deep focus
immersive soundscapes for exploration
gradual builds that invite reflection
long tracks for sustained engagement
etherial textures for introspective listening

Maybe skip if you

prefer quick, catchy tracks
need constant high energy

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2006, Live.04 captures Isis at a crucial moment following their critically acclaimed album, Panopticon. This live recording showcases the band's evolution into a more expansive sound while maintaining the core elements of their post-metal style, marking a transition between their earlier works and subsequent explorations.
Stylistic neighbors: Pelican· Cult of Luna· Neurosis