It’s been the realm of post-metal that I’ve had my eye on for some years now with varying amounts of surveillance given how up and down the style tends to be, and this year has been no different. Cult of Luna has really been the only band that has provided any sort of post-metal that isn’t sharing their domain with doom or black metal. That is until I dove into what Third Island has cooked up for us right here as they deliver yet another interesting work.

The world of this style has long been interested because of the thick atmospheres and the many different flavors that can be brought to life here in so many different manors, but it really does feel like the great vast majority of bands combine it with something like black or even doom metal in order to make it worth listening to. That, though, hasn’t stopped the likes of Third Island who have been a real treat to listen to as they continue to hone their sound in order to become an act that must be heard by any fan of post-metal, and it’s here with “Unspeakable” that they’ve clearly peaked on every aspect. While the atmospheric aspects of the style aren’t as prevalent here, it’s every other facet that the style has become known for which Third Island employs gloriously. The whole of “Unspeakable” is a tour de force of straightforward material the likes of which we don’t get to see as often as we should especially in the quality that we’re treated to here as Third Island doesn’t know how not to deliver. It’s an amazingly textured listen that has so much excellence to offer, and it’s with each passing track that this band continues to show us their expertise evolving in such a way that I really wasn’t prepared for. This is far from an immensely exquisite performance, but there is no doubt whatsoever that Third Island has put on a real class display of talent with this album and it should definitely be heard by anyone who considers themselves a fan of this kind of music.

There’s plenty to dig into here as Third Island clearly know what they want to do, how to do it, and execute in such fashion that is nigh on interesting to witness. “Unspeakable” has plenty of excellence to throw around, and it’s every track here that presents something more interesting than the last.

LISTEN to “Unspeakable” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Third Island on Facebook here.