J-Man Isolation In Infamy is a relatively new technical death metal act from California, and their self-titled debut EP proves they are already a force to be reckoned with. Though there is certainly not a shortage of technical death metal bands out there, Isolation In Infamy is towards the top of the heap of modern acts seeking for more exposure through the great resource of the internet. The band has generously offered their EP for free legal download through the Death Metal Invasion blog (a blog certainly worth checking out for all extreme metal fans), and certainly deserve all of the exposure they can get. Fans of well-played modern technical death metal have no excuse for not checking out this one.

The music on Isolation In Infamy is modern technical death metal with touches of metalcore. I'm thinking something along the lines of Within the Ruins, Between the Buried and Me, or Suffocation. A few more melodic sections also hint towards legendary acts like Atheist, Death, and Pestilence. No, this isn't the most original EP you'll ever come across, but the strength of the compositions and musicianship are more than enough to compensate for that. The drumming from Mikey Wilson is particularly impressive - that man is simply a technical monster! Factor in the surprisingly excellent production and great cover art, and you have one of 2011's must-hear technical death metal releases. Isolation In Infamy could improve a bit in the originality department, but that's my only small gripe with this otherwise stellar release. 3.5 stars are well-deserved. I look forward to hearing some more material from these guys in the future!