Panopticon (album)

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Panopticon
The album cover shows an aerial photograph of an American city, washed with a distinct blue hue. The band name and album title are visible, relatively small, halfway up the left side of the art.
Studio album by
ISIS
ReleasedOctober 19, 2004 (2004-10-19)
RecordedParamount Studios, Los Angeles, California, June–July 2004
GenrePost-metal, sludge metal, progressive metal
Length59:03
LabelIpecac (CD)
(IPC-057)
Trust No One (vinyl)
(TNO027) (Europe)
Robotic Empire (vinyl)
(ROBO 041) (US)
Daymare Recordings (CD)
(PTCD-1012) (Japan)
ProducerIsis, Matt Bayles
ISIS chronology
Oceanic
(2002) 		Panopticon
(2004) 		In the Absence of Truth
(2006)
Vinyl edition cover
The cover of Robotic Empire's vinyl edition.

Panopticon is the third full-length album by

Los Angeles, California based post-metal band ISIS, released by Ipecac Recordings in 2004. The album's title is derived from philosopher Jeremy Bentham's panopticon prison ideal and philosopher/historian Michel Foucault's later allegorical appropriation of the concept. The liner notes also include quotes from technology writer Howard Rheingold and futurist Alex Steffen; as a concept album
, Panopticon's focus is on the proliferation of surveillance technologies throughout modern society and the government's role in that spread.

Critical response to Panopticon was generally very warm; as it followed 2002's critically acclaimed

metal
– which had been the hallmarks of their earlier material – and continued along the trajectory of post-metal, achieved by heightened use of melody and clean vocals.

On April 29, 2014 a deluxe version of Panopticon, remastered by Mika Jussila, was released by Ipecac Recordings. It contains extra music in the transitions to and from "Wills Dissolve," adding 10 seconds to the overall running time of the album.

Writing, recording and release

Writing for the record began in September 2003, soon after Isis had relocated from Boston to Los Angeles. According to guitarist

Mike Gallagher, “we started working on ideas for songs and sounds as individuals, in pairs or as a whole group until we were able to shape the ideas into songs that we were all happy with and could stand behind”.[1] While some tracks originated from "little jams" the band would do at sound check, the majority of the album was created in time dedicated to writing new material.[1] Gallagher adds that “[m]usically speaking, Panopticon came out a couple of ideas that had been kicking around in our heads for some time, but the bulk of it was composed after we decided that it was time to do a new record. The writing process consisted mostly of an individual starting the core of an idea for a song at home then either pairing off with someone else or bringing it to everyone where it was worked on and refined until everyone was satisfied”.[1] According to Jeff Caxide, this process was significantly different from that of previous Isis albums, as “everyone wrote a lot on this record. There is not one song that could be credited to one person”.[1]

According to Turner, the album's inception and sound were organic, rather than engineered: “[w]e were interested in exploring ambient spaces a lot more—and these things tend to dictate a longer structure. It wasn't a conscious decision on our part; I guess it's just the nature of the style we write in.”[2]

After having worked with members of 27 as guest musicians on previous full-length Oceanic, for Panopticon Isis turned to Justin Chancellor, bassist of tour-mates Tool. According to Turner, “he was one of the first names on the list. He's in a band that we all mutually respect and we felt like he was a person that understood what we were doing and could maintain a focus on what we were trying to attain. But he also has some interesting facets of his own musical personality that we thought would blend well with our style.”[2] Wavering Radiant, Isis' 2009 final album, features Adam Jones, also of Tool, as a guest musician.[3]

Recording took place at Paramount Studios,

digipak packaging.[9] It entered the US Billboard Independent Albums chart on November 6 at number 47 and remained there for a week; this represented Isis' first chart exposure in any capacity.[10]

In support of the album's release, Isis toured extensively. Their world tour took in a long stretch in the United States, dates in Australia, a spate in Japan with

minimalist art.[12]

A

Michael Gallagher attested to it being an intentional allusion.[15] Two tracks from Panopticon – "Grinning Mouths" and "In Fiction" – were featured in the 2007 Flemish film Ex Drummer.[16]

Theme

Panopticon blueprint by Jeremy Bentham, 1791

The album's central concept is that of its namesake, the

it has been used to describe the Internet. The liner notes also quote technology writer Howard Rheingold and futurist Alex Steffen,[4]
speaking of their concern with the proliferation of surveillance throughout modern society and how that constitutes a "panopticon society".

Both Foucault and Bentham are quoted in the liner notes, and Turner is forthcoming about their influence; both as political commentary and polemic material.

I can see why Bentham found the design to be inspirational and possibly rewarding, but it also strikes me as this completely insidious and manipulative idea at the same time, a way of controlling and segregating individuals – which is the focal point of Foucault’s essay.[2]

One thing that I was referring to is maybe a certain controlling force, the modern parallel of it would be the US government and specifically its administration. If you want to look at it from that perspective then there is a certain kind of a central power and they're using the technology to further their means of surveillance. It's a different sort of construction but the same idea: there's a central controlling force and they're using multiple tools in the case of the internet in sort of surveying and directing the focus of their populous.

Aaron Turner, interviewed by Andreas Kohl[1]

Although reviewers have read political intonations into the album's ostensible themes,[18] deeming it “unashamedly prog in its ambition and dimensions”,[19] Turner is reluctant to admit to such an agenda. "I'd hesitate to call the record 'political' because Isis has never taken a public political stand on anything. At the same time, it's intended to draw a parallel between the system that Bentham created and what's going on in the world right now".[2] Likewise, he notes that the album is “absolutely not about a political agenda. I always try to write about stuff that is specific to my life during the time I write an album. And I try to find things that I'm emotionally and intellectually attached to. We've never been a political band. But right now politics are such a great importance. You can travel everywhere and you simply cannot ignore them. And so this is one of the main things that have been occupying my mind during the creation of this record. So beyond these things just being interesting themselves they have a lot of relevance to what's going on in the world right now [...] I think these things are relevant to everybody's lives and specifically to me and this band and what we experienced through living in this country over the last couple of years. And also I think my lyrics are so abstract and fragmented sometimes that I feel like those things are a better representation of what I'm writing about than printed lyrics might be.”[1] Despite his denial that Panopticon is politically motivated, Turner does refer to the then-incumbent George W. Bush administration's tenure as a source of inspiration; about how Bentham's essay bore relevance to “hit home in terms of how [it] is treating its own citizens outside and within the country.”[2]

Wikisource has original text related to this article:

Beyond the macroscopic, Turner has admitted that this album is more personal than previous releases. “This record is a lot more organic [than Oceanic] to me. It indeed is a lot more focused in a way that it is a lot more coherent than Oceanic was. I do feel that it has a wider emotional feel because it is a lot more personal stuff of myself behind it in the content. I don't really know how this comes across in the music. There is a lot more things in it that I was dealing with while writing the record and since, let's say Celestial for instance. It's hard to say actually.”[1]

Pitchfork Media's Brandon Stosuy characterized it as “satellite spy” photography.[22] Turner noted that the connection between the artwork and the theme was “certainly intentional”, further stating that he “wanted it to be something that was subtle, but not obvious straight away.”[11]

Sound

In describing the album's sound, critics often referred to bands operating on similar sonic strata as Isis.

Sigur Ros,[24] Pink Floyd, The Cure,[19] Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Ride by various reviewers.[22]

It also becomes obvious that from the time of our first demo we've been constantly going into that direction through becoming more and more atmospheric, having the textural elements becoming more and more to the forefront and obviously becoming more melodic with each release.

Aaron Turner, interviewed by Andreas Kohl[1]

Many reviewers compared the album with Isis' seminal previous record, Oceanic,[25] often noting a 'progression'. Turner himself stated: “I do agree that it is a natural progression from Oceanic. It absolutely is an evolution and a step forward.”[1] Sonically, compared with Oceanic, “the drums and vocals are submerged, the riffs intricately monolithic” and there is an increased prominence lent to electronics and synths;[22] this led to it being characterised as “a little more polished”.[21]

As with all Isis releases, the lyrics are almost indecipherable;[21] something of which Turner is conscious, as well as its implications. “Even if you are a native speaker it is sometimes impossible to figure the lyrics out properly. I'm conflicted about that from time to time. But then I always think that I'm giving enough with the text that's included, the artwork and the imagery that gives people some clue to get into it. But leaves it open ended in a certain degree about the intention behind it. [...] While making an album it also is music first for us and lyrics second.”[1] Writing for Decibel, Andrew Bonazelli noted that although only 30 percent of the lyrics were understandable, they were “extremely thoughtful”.[26]

"Altered Course"
"Altered Course" was described as one “of the most emotionally engaging rock songs of a decade, or more”.[27] This excerpt contains the transition from the introductory movement into the early crescendo.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Many critics tied the album's conceptual roots with its sound; it was described as “[evoking] a sense of creeping voyeurism”.[22] Some noted, though, that this notion is ‘subverted’ by the album's sound.[18] As Mike Diver of Drowned in Sound explains in a glowing review, “['Panopticon' is] a misleading title; nothing terrifying emerges from the multiple layers of sound. Indeed, as far as Isis records go, this is positively joyous”.[27] Similarly, its feel, likened to contemporaries Pelican's 2005 record The Fire in Our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw, is described by Andrew Bonazelli as ‘triumphant’.[26]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Pitchfork
8.4/10[22]
Rock Hard9.5/10[30]
Sputnikmusic[31]
Tiny Mix Tapes[18]
Uncut[23]

The critical response to Panopticon was generally very warm; some offered extremely high praise, whilst others deemed it average. Although it was not lambasted by any major publications, several deemed it slightly inferior to Oceanic, released two years previously. As Michael Chamy noted in his review for the

Pitchfork's Brandon Stosuy held it to be a “stronger record” than Oceanic.[22] Isis' next album, 2006's In the Absence of Truth, was met rather less fondly by both critics and the band themselves.[33][34][35]

Reviewers agreed that “those with long attention spans will find [the album] utterly rewarding”;

Pitchfork Media branded the record "stellar classical music".[22] This contributed to “the record [being] imparted with a completely new melodic sense [making the album] their most friendly and accessible work to date”.[32]

Nick Green highlighted "Wills Dissolve" as a standout track,

Aaron Harris' heavy drumming keeping the mast pointed through the crushing turbulence”.[24] Opener "So Did We" was deemed, throughout the entire Isis back catalog, “second only in visceral satisfaction to [Celestial's] 'Celestial (The Tower)'”.[26] Dissecting that track further, the Punknews review found that "[t]he structure of repeating themes with an underlying 'storyline' is more like the classical Aristotelean narrative than a song; with no conventional verses, choruses or anything else familiar to be found."[32]

The album also received a mixed review from Pat Long of Uncut, who summarized the album as "Red-eyed ambient metal droning" and questioned the relationship between its themes of surveillance and the nature of the mostly instrumental music itself, despite concluding that "those with long attention spans will find [this album] utterly rewarding."[23] Mike Diver of Drowned in Sound was unequivocal in his assessment, stating: "[t]hat this is the metal record of the year is indisputable".[27] Decibel went on to rank Panopticon as the 33rd best album of the decade,[26] while Sputnikmusic ranked it the 74th best, the latter's Channing Freeman writing that the album "was free of the gimmicks that plague the genre, and even though countless other bands would beat their formula to death, Panopticon still stands head and shoulders above other albums of its kind."[36]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Isis

No.TitleLength
1."So Did We"7:31
2."Backlit"7:43
3."In Fiction"8:58
4."Wills Dissolve"6:47
5."Syndic Calls"9:39
6."Altered Course" (instrumental; featuring Justin Chancellor)9:58
7."Grinning Mouths"8:27
Total length:59:03[4]

Personnel

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Kohl, Andreas (October 1, 2004). "Interview with Isis". Southern Records. Archived from the original on June 29, 2007. Retrieved September 21, 2008.
  2. ^
    Decibel (2). Archived from the original
    on August 10, 2007.
  3. ^ "Isis Prepare 'Radiant' New Album". Kerrang! (1245): 11. January 24, 2009.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Panopticon (CD liner notes). Isis. Ipecac Recordings. 2004. IPC-057.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  5. ^ "PRIMER: Aaron Turner Revisits Isis' Entire Catalog". Self-Titled. Pop Mart Media. June 4, 2010. Archived from the original on August 10, 2011. Retrieved May 10, 2011.
  6. ^ "Ipecac Recordings – Isis". Ipecac Recordings. Archived from the original on March 31, 2009. Retrieved April 11, 2011.
  7. ^ "Discography". Robotic Empire. Archived from the original on June 8, 2011. Retrieved April 6, 2011.
  8. ^ "ISIS – Panopticon 2xLP". Trust No One Recordings. Archived from the original on March 22, 2012. Retrieved April 6, 2011.
  9. ^ パノプティコン (in Japanese). Daymare Recordings. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved April 6, 2011.
  10. ^ "Panopticon – Isis". Billboard. Retrieved April 6, 2011.
  11. ^ a b Donnelly, Justin (2005). "ISIS feature interview". Blistering. Archived from the original on October 22, 2006. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
  12. ^ Epstein, Dan (February 2005). "The Art of War". Revolver. Archived from the original on January 1, 2008. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
  13. ^ "Interview with Jeff Caxide". Global Domination. November 25, 2004. Archived from the original on August 22, 2010. Retrieved August 27, 2008.
  14. ^ Wang, Lee (December 12, 2006). "Isis: Clearing the Eye [DVD]". PopMatters. Retrieved December 28, 2010.
  15. ^ Jaschke, Magnus (November 2005). "Interview Isis/MGR". Creative Eclipse. Archived from the original on February 20, 2012. Retrieved June 30, 2011.
  16. ^ "Credits". Ex Drummer official website. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  17. ^ Bentham, Jeremy (1787). "Preface". Panopticon; or the Inspection-House .
  18. ^ a b c d Grigsby. "Isis – Panopticon". Tiny Mix Tapes. Archived from the original on May 17, 2008. Retrieved December 28, 2010.
  19. ^ a b c Terry, Nick (December 2004). "Isis – Panopticon". Decibel (3). Archived from the original on October 21, 2006.
  20. ^ Grow, Kory (2004). "Isis". CMJ (129): 10. Retrieved July 2, 2011.
  21. ^ a b c d e Kergan, Wade. "Panopticon – Isis". AllMusic. Retrieved December 28, 2010.
  22. ^ a b c d e f g Stosuy, Brandon (November 8, 2004). "Isis: Panopticon". Pitchfork. Retrieved December 28, 2010.
  23. ^ a b c d Long, Pat. "Red-eyed ambient metal droning". Uncut. Archived from the original on September 29, 2006. Retrieved December 28, 2010.
  24. ^
    Austin Chronicle
    . Retrieved December 28, 2010.
  25. ^ Savage, Milton (May 13, 2009). "Isis: Wavering Radiant". Drowned in Sound. Archived from the original on May 16, 2009. Retrieved May 23, 2009.
  26. ^
    ISSN 1557-2137
    . Retrieved March 24, 2011.
  27. ^ a b c d e Diver, Mike (October 1, 2004). "Isis – Panopticon". Drowned in Sound. Archived from the original on October 10, 2012. Retrieved December 28, 2010.
  28. ^ "Isis - biografia, recensioni, streaming, discografia, foto". OndaRock.
  29. ^ Deutschland, Ox Fanzine, Solingen. "Review". www.ox-fanzine.de.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  30. ^ "ISIS - Panopticon". ROCK HARD Heavy-Metal-Magazin.
  31. ^ robertsona (August 28, 2009). "Isis - Panopticon". Sputnikmusic. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
  32. ^ a b c d Aubin (October 19, 2004). "Isis – Panopticon". Punknews.org. Retrieved December 28, 2010.
  33. ^ "In the Absence of Truth". Metacritic. Retrieved April 11, 2011.
  34. ^ Bennett, J. (June 2009). "Five Alive". Decibel (56): 68–73.
  35. ^ Noah (June 8, 2009). "Interview: ISIS' Aaron Turner and Jeff Caxide!". Playground Boston. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011. Retrieved September 29, 2010.
  36. ^ "Sputnikmusic - Top 100 Albums of the Decade (75 – 51) « Staff Blog".

External links

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