Russian Circles is a Post-Rock/Post-Metal Band from Chicago and Seattle, USA
The members are: Dave Turncrantz, Mike Sullivan, Brian Cook
Russian
Circles along with Pelican are one of the genres leading Instrumental
Rock Bands. They have won acclaim from fans and critics alike for their
dynamic blend of highly
anthemic Post-Rock/Post-Metal style of riffs. They have released a
string of acclaimed albums over the last 9years or so. With their last
album – Empros – released in 2011 being their most critically acclaimed
work to do date.
That is all going go change with their latest opus – Memorial.
Memorial
is an 8-song collection of great tracks, which runs for around 38 mins
or so. It features Russian Circles at their heaviest and most creative.
They have created a beautiful
world all told through musical emotions. The album features the perfect
balance between blissful and calm Post-Rock melodies matched against
the louder and heavier Post-Metal riffs we all come to expect from this
great band.
First
track – Memoriam – is a 90-second soothing track staring with a
haunting Post-Rock score. The song sets up the mood on what to expect.
It is a quiet reflective track
outlining the importance of the quieter sound of Russian Circles music.
The
next track – Deficit – is where the album finally comes kicking and
screaming into life as it features Russian Circles at their magnetic
best. Loud epic riffs matched against
the brutal onslaught of tribal like drumming. This song has a real
hypnotic feel to it. Russian Circles have included a more dramatic
approach to their music. They add different layers of sound with each
passing second before unleashing one epic final assault
for you to take notice and admire. A very powerful track indeed.
Russian
Circles have never been afraid to experiment with their sound on past
releases and Memorial is no different. They incorporate different sounds
and noises to give the
album a life of its own. This is Russian Circles at their majestic
best. They are masters of stirring human emotions against their music.
The album cover is a true reflection on the albums passion and mood that
awaits the listener.
The
band is stronger and more focused than ever before. They still manage to
include a few surprises on this beautifully structured album. None so
more on excellent tracks
1777, Burial and Lebaron. All proving what excellent storytellers
Russian Circles actually are. They have real talent for including a real
sense of danger to their music especially on 1777. A song that makes
you feel your life is in imminent danger. A thrilling
and adventurous song to awaken your senses to.
However,
the band leaves the best song on the album until last. The brilliant
and emotionally driven classic – Memorial – features Chelsea Wolfe on
vocals. This song is one
of the finest tracks Russian Circles have written and including Chelsea
Wolfe is nothing short of genius. As Chelsea’s sultry vocals gives this
song a real heartbreaking edge to it. Chelsea’s voice conveys every
human emotion possible. Now add Russian Circles
piano-based Post-Rock persona and this is a track that will make you
think of both the sad times and happy times you have experienced in your
life. Very powerful indeed.
The
album is superbly produced from start to finish. You can feel every
emotion and riff that Russian Circles throw your way. Memorial is not
only Russian Circles finest work
it is quite possibly the finest instrumental rock album of 2013.
A brilliant achievement from a groundbreaking band.
Thanks
to Sargent House and Rachel for sending me a copy to review. Memorial
will be available to buy from Sargent House Records from October 28th 2013.
Check the Band from Links Below
