Tag: circles

I think this is Circles’ fourth release, preceded by two full lengths albums and an EP. This release is a six tracker and is volume 1 of what presumably is the first in a series. I love this band and the progression they have undertaken in a relative short space of time. The songs this time are shorter as there are six taken up just over 23 minutes. Hell, we are nearly in full album Van Halen territory here (Diver Down if you were wondering).

The first song Wonder is freakin’ awesome! There is almost a funky vibe to the lyrical melody and the rhythm and groove are just stunning, with the right amount of crunch and riggings to drive it along. Bliss follows and boom another slammin’ killer track. I love the choppy groove and riff, and the heavy is brought in big time around the hook. Sleepwalking just brings the heavy from the get go with that lovely low end boom. The vocals are so good and the melody and hook are awesome.

Echo is a complete surprise because you think you are listening to a chart song. It has a great electro beginning, and the funky drum pattern is killer. The middle section just slays and fits so well with the vocal melody. Superb ending as well! Dig follows with a dirty, heavy, groove-laden opening, and the vocals are superb. The EP closes out with Reckoning, the longest track here and I just don’t want it to end. A stunning EP and a welcome return from a killer band. Looking forward to Vol 2.

10/10 from The Grooveman.

This is the Australian Tech Metaller’s third full album release, and I think the first to feature new vocalist, Ben Richter. The band deal in crushingly heavy riffs and grooves, and beautiful emotive vocals – with the occasional screamed sections. They have been around since 2010, and latched on to the whole Djent movement. The comparisons are obvious; from the polyrhythmic drumming, and the deep fat palm muted riffs. Similarities between Tesserract are abound, as the vocal styles are very similar, but I would say that Circles occupy a heavier space as Tesserract are moving away from the heavier stuff.

This is album feels as though it’s a huge step forward as the quality of the song writing and the playing has moved up a few gears. Ted Furuhashi’s playing is incredible on this album, and he is one of the genre’s unsung heroes. Tracks like Winter, and the beautiful Arrival, see Ted really stretching out. The heaviness of the Djent is strong on this one. Album closer, Alone With Ghosts, is one of my favourite tracks from this whole genre. I would gladly have paid for this track alone. Hopefully they will still be around to release more music, as they have been a tad quiet of late. Great band!

9/10 from The Grooveman.