By the time "Isohaara" (2002) was released, CMX had already abandoned the idea of becoming a full-time studio band and started touring again. The album was considered slightly heavier than its predecessor, and the guitar riffs of "Minne paha haudattiin" were compared to the music of Timo Rautiainen & Trio Niskalaukaus and Kotiteollisuus. The album's lyrics concentrated less on mythology and religion and were closer to traditional rock lyrics, albeit keeping a dark, melancholy tone. Although less present than on "Dinosaurus Stereophonicus" (2000), progressive influences hadn't been totally abandoned: The band uses a child choir on the title track and the uptempo rocker "Pohjoista leveyttä" contains a harmonica solo.