Returning for their third outing, "Curse the Son" blends Stoner, Sludge, and Doom Metal into a smooth experience that is uniquely their own. Maintaining a somber tone that soaks into your bones, ISOLATOR manages to sound both lonely yet comforting. The vocals are crisp and clean, while the Sludge guitars dirty everything back up for a funky contrast. This is Keefe's studio debut, and he brings a layered depth that gathers the other elements together in a way that previous albums sorely lacked; this isn't to say they weren't good albums, but I think experience and fresh-blood brought a positive change to the band and makes this 40-minute EP shine.

The title track starts off with a slow Jazz section that eases you into the track before it gets heavy and drops some claustrophobic riffs. Thick and sweet like maple syrup, it is a fine blend of technique and sound that sets you up for what comes next."Callous Unemotional Traits" is distinctly reminiscent of 80s BLACK SABBATH. High-pitched vocals and that echoing reverb that SABBATH liked to use lend a sweet classic feel to this track. "Sleepwalker Wakes" has an ethereal quality - like a man waking from a dream - and it fits the title really well. I felt like a man half-asleep, stumbling through a veil of dreams that faded as time passed.

"Hull Crush Depth" is appropriately claustrophobic - like a submersible sinking too deep into the abyss of the darkest ocean pit. The vocals have a desperate undertone that blends into hellish growling. "Gaslighter"has more vocal harmonies going on than the other tracks, and a steady rhythm that flows well with smooth transitions. The ambient noise is hard to identify instrumentation or vocals, but it works well to maintain the tone without letting go of the steady subdued intensity. "Aislamiento" (meaning "isolation") takes its time building up for 2 minutes before the lyrics begin. More of that Jazz/Blues creeps back in, making for a good blend with the Stoner elements and is made cloyingly heavy with the Sludge distortion.

"Side Effects May Include..." brings more distortion to the vocals and a reflective tone reminiscent of MARILYN MANSON or ALICE IN CHAINS. Blending riffs and chords from previous tracks, layered vocals, and other elements from past songs, it makes for a great wrap-up. After the music cuts, we hear the band members talking about their recording for a few moments, including the line "that's Rock 'N' Roll" - and I couldn't agree more.

If I had to describe CURSE THE SON, it would be slow, groovy Stoner Metal with the heaviness and distortion of Sludge and a mistress on the side named Blues. It is a combination that always surprises me with how well it works together. I highly recommend listening with headphones in a room by yourself and just sinking into it.