Isis, "In the Absence of Truth" (Ipecac Recordings)

On its fourth full-length, this L.A.-by-way-of-New-England quintet creates expansive soundscapes with beautiful atmospherics. This is heavy-metal jazz ("Not in Rivers, But in Drops"; "Garden of Light") or psychedelic metal (the soaring "Holy Tears" and the intergalactic spacescapes of "Firdous e Bareen"), with the dynamics of a pummeling three-guitar onslaught.

They may sound a lot like Tool ("1,000 Shards"), except the lead vocals (when they exist) are buried in the mix. The lyrical vocal passages are rather subdued and are more part of the overall aural effect. They are also of the howl 'n' growl variety. Occasionally, the vocals are sans lyrics and more akin to abstract sounds that turn into growls (the engaging and meandering "Wrists of Kings").

However, these guys have definitely not forgotten their heavy-metal roots, as evinced on the very, very leaden "Over Root and Thorn." The most gorgeous tune, "Dulcinea," has a delicate and exotic Middle Eastern vibe that seems inspired in equal measure by Don Quixote's lover and an idealized vision of desire.

Isis brings the heavy-metal thunder Saturday to the Launchpad, 618 Central Ave. S.W. Oxbow and Intronaut open the all-ages show at 8 p.m. $15. 764-8887. Get tickets.

On a side note: U.K. shoegaze trio Jesu were scheduled as direct support for Isis' two-month U.S. tour; it would have been the band's first time in the States. However, due to issues with work visas, the band members are stuck in England and not allowed in this country. Their management is working with U.S. Customs officials to secure work permits, but the situation won't be resolved in time for the Duke City date. Check for a review of Jesu's just-released CD "Conqueror" in a later column.

Listen to "Dulcinea"

Whole Wheat Bread, "Punk Life" (Fighting Records)

This trio from Jacksonville, Fla., is reminiscent of Living Colour but with deeper punk-rock roots. These guys deliver hip-hop punk rock with hooks to spare. And Aaron Abraham is a demon on the guitar.

This six-song EP opens with three originals, including an ode to ganja ("Grass") and the self-proclaimed "ghetto punk" of "Symbol of Hope," which rails against societal inequalities with a little help from Jason Navarro of Suicide Machines.

The guys go crunk 'n' punk on the last three: cover versions of Lil Jon's "No Problem" and "I Don't Give a (Blank)", as well as Bone Crusher's "Never Sacred" (the best of the lot). These tunes share the same rap intro before the guys get in the flow; they also add some new verses they wrote to the raps.

Whole Wheat Bread headlines an all-ages night of punk at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Launchpad. Against All Authority, the Summer Obsession and Rory share the bill. $8 in advance at Natural Sound or Get tickets. Also, $10 at the door.

Evolocity, "Evolocity" (Nuerra Records)

This Phoenix five-piece has a hard-rock sound with an alterna-rock crunch that's appealing and familiar but not distinctive enough to separate it from the crowd. Often over the course of 13 songs (not including the intro) there's excess but not in a good sense; they try to cram too much in. The producer (the band co-produced) should have shown a little more restraint.

A prime example is the anti-war diatribe "Troop Support" that rambles across so many genres and midsong breaks I lost count; sometimes too much isn't a good thing.

That said, there are some good tunes on this disc. First single "Too Far" has a great hook but is far too short; "Duh Wayne" has a great sax break; and tribal percussion drives "Natural Drag."

"Quick and Easy" and "Set You Free" are infused with an industrial tinge, while a staccato beat, funky bass line and a pseudo-rap make "Cockeyed."

The best song is the evocative closer "Pyramids," which transports you to some Mideast casbah.

Evolocity shares the Launchpad stage with Coalition, the Ground Beneath, Deaf Pedestrians and Random Order at 9 p.m. Monday. $5. 21 and over only.

Listen to "Too Far"