Influential Post-Metal Band Isis Mistaken For Terrorist Group
One of progressive metal's most influential underground bands has been confused with a terrorist group. The band, Isis, has reportedly been mistaken for ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), leading to "off-color comments" being sent the band's way.
Formed in 1997, Isis is considered to be one of post-metal's more important bands, releasing masterpieces such as 'Oceanic' in 2002 and 'Wavering Radiant' in 2009. Isis unfortunately disbanded in 2010, but the band's Facebook page is still active to support the current musical projects of former Isis members. Perhaps most notably, three of the members formed the band Palms with Deftones frontman Chino Moreno.
You wouldn't think that underground heroes who have been apart for four years would make headline news, but ABC have just reported on confusion between the band and the terrorist organization, the latter of which is best known recently for the horrific beheading of American journalist James Foley.
It certainly caught us off guard," Aaron Harris, the band's former drummer, tells ABC News. "Fans have emailed us that they're reluctant to wear our T-shirts now and we've also gotten some off-color comments. Just like our fans, we've been watching the news in disbelief. We haven't commented on it because we haven't been an active band since 2010, even though our music does live on. We maintain our Facebook page to keep people up-to-date on our current musical projects."
A representative from Ipecac Records also spoke about the identity crisis. "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." According to the rep, sales of Isis shirts have not dropped due to the confusion.
To eliminate further confusion, Isis have changed their name to 'Isis the band' on their Facebook page.