10 Bands Who Released Genre Defining Second Albums

Isis were an underground band led by the talented Aaron Turner (vocals / guitar), who from their inception in 1997 through to their break up in 2010 built up a steady cult following. Their fine reputation extended quickly from their roots in the east coast hardcore scene, to worldwide acclaim as they hit the road on high profile tours, supporting the likes of Tool and Mogwai.

They also helped pioneer the sub-genre sound of post-metal, a term used to describe rock / metal songs with long sections of instrumental parts, repetition, and a structure that does not follow a classic path of verse-chorus-verse. Isis expanded on the blueprint laid down by other such bands as Neurosis and Godflesh, who themselves were a big inspiration for Aaron Turner. Isis’ first album Celestial was released in 2000 on Neurot Recordings, but it was with their sophomore release Oceanic in 2000 that Isis really left their mark on the world of rock.

The record is considered to be an absolute classic of the post-metal genre, featuring unusual elements of atmospheric and ambient soundscapes to compliment the aggression, which saw them cross over to reach a wider audience. Oceanic was a turning point in the career of the band, that would also end up being a hugely inspirational and ground-breaking release. Influencing not just a whole host of bands to experiment with their own interpretations of the style, but also a whole avant-garde music scene that has since developed worldwide throughout the 2000s.