HOMELAND

Red Circuit are back with 2009's 'Homeland', which follows in the same vein as their 2006 debut, with the only notable difference (though not entirely noticeable) being a new guitarist, a new bassist, and a much more polished sound in both songwriting and production.

What we have here is some high-quality melodic metal. Sometimes referred to as progressive metal, Red Circuit's music lacks the over-ambitiousness often associated with the genre, and instead focuses on hooks and catchy choruses. Full of breathtaking guitar work and tasty keyboard melodies, 'Homeland' is an incredible album that demonstrates why progressive metal doesn't always need to be 20-minute songs with 16/9 polyrhythmic time changes.

As on their previous album, despite overflowing with excellent musicianship, the main focus of the album is vocalist Chity Somapala, who's powerful and soaring voice really gives the band its own identity. And with only one song exceeding the five-minute mark (and only by mere seconds), each track here is short and sweet, without needing the repeated number of listens progressive metal songs usually require. This is best evidenced in songs like 'Homeland', 'Absinth', 'See the Light' and 'Canonize Your Sins'.

'Homeland' is a strong sequel to a strong debut. Catchy, heavy, and not a filler song in sight. A must-have for any metal fan looking for that hidden gem that never gets the recognition it deserves.

Homeland reminds me of Threshold, more than anything else--both the style of music and the sound of the vocals. Progressive metal, with more emphasis on metal than prog. Red Circuit's from Germany, and the vocals have a bit of the same accent you find in other German metal bands. The songs are all consistently 4 or 5 minutes long. Total album length is under 50 minutes. Production value is high.

There's not much variation between songs, which is disappointing because they're at their very best when they mix soft with heavy, like they do on You Can Sleep While You're Dead and on Sun of Utopia. Those are both 4-star songs. The soft sections are disappointingly fleeting; it would have been a much stronger album had they changed things up more.

Still, it's an enjoyable album, and strongly recommended for fans of Threshold and similar bands. 3 stars.