Album Review: The Circle - Metamorphosis
Reviewed by Neil Bolton
Now, aesthetics are obviously very important to Germany’s The Circle. The look and feel of this project seems to be forefront in the minds of the band. They go as far to call their type of death, black, doom metal “Art Metal”.
Well this is all well and good but the most important matter is the music, can it back up these imaginative ideals?
Fortunately the answer is “yes”, and they do this very well!
'Metamorphosis' is a four track concept album with a playing time of twenty eight minutes. It is based around the concept of the changes a person might feel going through life, confronted by betrayal, separation, and death.
Their music does have a subtle blend of dark thoughts and art that blend together to make an interesting atmosphere. Clever guitar work and death growls float towards the listener, and, even though there is aggression in this music, it feels warm and friendly. A hypnotic rhythm is prevalent here, and the death snarl does not shake this feeling. This track has a doom type shroud over it, and it contains delicate moments, and moments of brutal heaviness. A clean vocal joins the growl and blends very well also. A soaring guitar sees the track to its conclusion and you await more.
The second number 'Chapter II Despair' begins with a classical guitar kind of sound, with the metal drum beat following shorty after. There is an interesting mix once again with the black metal element standing a little more prominent in this track. The well used blast beat seems a little fresher accompanied by these clean vocals. A quiet spoken word section proceeds a magnificent riff that leads back to the death vocal of before.
The third chapter 'Wrath' has a ghostly wind blowing until the blast beats start again. The excellent guitar work soon joins the drums and bass when the vocals once again arrive and complete the metal picture. Clean and growl once more keep the tone interesting and the musicianship only adds to this interest.
The 'Salvation' chapter is the final section here and is just as good as the music you have already experienced. Strings, keyboards and the familiar metal elements from before mix well. The guitar work does stand out as very accomplished once more.
The Circle have set out to create a full package of sight and sound, incorporating artwork, short films and excellent music. Mission accomplished.
