Isis, an influential post-metal band that broke up back in 2010, is being confused for the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, the terrorist group that claims responsibility for the recent murder of journalist James Foley. The unfortunate coincidence of names has resulted in many people mistakenly attacking the band.
There are two Isis groups, and one is a terrorizing so-called caliphate, brutally killing minorities in the regions they have captured. They claimed to have killed Foley last week, and US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says ISIS is unlike anything we’ve seen before.
The second Isis was a hardcore/post-metal band from Boston that performed from 1997-2010. The band was known for its innovation and creativity that “pushed the boundaries of heavy music.”
Isis drummer Aaron Harris told ABC News that “fans have emailed us that they’re reluctant to wear our T-shirts now and we’ve also gotten some off-color comments.” One fan, Riley Stearns, tweeted, “And it’s officially time to retire the Isis (the band) shirt from my wardrobe.” A representative from the band’s label said “It is an unfortunate situation and of course a few less than enlightened people are not seeing the distinction between an inactive band of musicians and a band of terrorists involved in current world affairs.”
The band’s last album, Wavering Radiant was arguably their best. The band announced their breakup pre-tour, saying they would complete the tour and scheduled EP before “officially” disbanding. Rather than any violent differences between members, the band broke up so as not to “push past the point of a dignified death” and that the band had “said all [they] wanted to say.” The bittersweet breakup was perhaps logical, but it certainly left fans wanting more. Bassist Jeff Caxide, drummer Aaron Harris, and keyboardist/guitarist Clifford Meyer realized later that they “wanted to continue playing music together after a period of time apart, despite all living in Los Angeles.” These three members went on to form the band Palms with Deftones singer Chino Moreno, who had been a long time fan of Isis.
Palms will be touring this fall.
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