Album Review: Russian Circles – Nine
Reviewed by Oli Gonzalez
Four years since “Gnosis” seems like a lengthy time for a follow up. Then again, Russian Circles have never been one to chase trends nor write music that’s in fashion. Staying in their lane of post-metal – an instrumental style that says more than lyrics ever could with crushing walls of distortion and intricate melodies – is amongst many reasons they have built such a fiercely loyal global following. Regular slots at niche yet esteemed festivals like Damnation, Dunk!, and Arctangent further solidifies their status and respect as leaders in the post-metal genre. Now, they’re back with their 9th studio album aptly named “Nine”. No pretentious titles; about as on the nose as possible. Just like the music…
“Nine” kicks off with ‘Borehole’. This is anything but boring though. Instead, the haunting dissonant tremolo patterns that guitarist Mike churns out are designed to invoke maximum panic and anxiety. Like a horror movie score! Yet when placed over the walls of distortion conjured up by Brian’s bass which locks in elegantly with Dave’s drums, this creates an intriguing concoction of sounds that just cannot be ignored! Whilst this certainly packs a punch, you feel like Russian Circles are holding back. They are. Until ‘Empath’ hits. A few seconds of Brian’s sludge infused bass acts as a warning sign. A warning for the deluge that’s coming. And when it comes, it’s glorious! Intense, dark, apocalyptic, how can a three piece band be this monsterously heavy?! Is monsterously even a word? Yes, yes it is…now.
The two opening songs explored thought-provoking melodies and intense darkened atmospheric passages . ‘Eluvial’ and ‘E2’ combine both; calmer more intricate openings before building towards deeply satisfying and cathartic crescendos that demand to be played on full volume! Go on, share this with your neighbours. They’ll love you! It’s not a formula that’s new to post-metal. But the way Russian Circles implement this pattern with their trademark level of musical complexity and tonal mastery makes them the standard bearer and level that all others are compared against.
Chemistry. A term thrown around far too often. Russian Circles have it in abundance though! It’s remarkable considering that, at times, it feels as though the trio are playing entirely different segments and going off on their own tangents. Yet there’s still that ineffable proverbial glue that binds all these elements together into one coherent package. Which is even more intriguing when you consider that the band is split between Los Angeles, Seattle, and Chicago. Kind of like having a band with members based in Scotland, Gibraltar, and Estonia!
After all of this, we need a break, right? Enter ‘Arletta’. Close your eyes, and you can picture yourself in the luscious Spanish city of Sevilla, such is the opulent and soothing melodies of the Spanish guitar! A welcome break from the chaos. Before that chaos returns in the shape of ‘Seventh Seal’. A bruising no-nonsense encounter that adds the exclamation point to the album, and provides a conclusion that leaves you craving more!
You can accuse post-metal artists of being too indulgent and refusing to get to the point. Not with Russian Circles though. “Nine” arrives, raises hell, and leaves with no danger of outstaying its welcome. “Nine” proves that the crown of post-metal kings truly belongs to Russian Circles!
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