TERMINAL

CIRCLE are one of Finland's most known Psychedelic bands forming in 1991 and being very prolific releasing over 30 studio albums and close to 20 live records since that first release. So it is somewhat concerning that this 2017 release "Terminal" has been the last we've heard from them. Another reviewer mentions that one of the leaders Mika the keyboardist has turned his focus to making movies which has become his passion but I would have thought that Jussi the only original member would have kept this going. If they're done that was quite the run.

I have a half dozen or so of their albums after reading many reviews to see which era of their music most suits my tastes and it was hit and miss but man I have 4 studio albums from this band that I value highly including this one from 2017 called "Terminal". Add the previous record "Pharaoh Overlord" my favourite, then the early 00's with "Guillotine" and "Prospekt" which is where the Mika the keyboardist came on board along with an expanded lineup which they have kept in place.

The make it or break it for most will be the vocals here. I am so impressed with them even though I'm not big on some of the vocal styles they are done so well. We get Rob Halford-like vocals that bring classic rock to mind plus extreme ones of different varieties and then normal ones. Six tracks over 43 minutes. Nice. And this is a heavy record, not stoner rock heavy but more just a hard rocking album with upfront guitars and vocals like back in the day. A lot of Metal fans will enjoy this. Three guitarists and lots of distortion. I place this album with "Guillotine" and "Prospekt" in the sense they have such highs but I'm not in love with them but "Pharaoh Overlord" is that one I do love.

This is fairly consistent as well and while I used to be a pretty big JUDAS PRIEST fan it's those vocal-like tracks that I seem to like the least. The opener with the Finnish title is the longest at 13 minutes and with the extreme vocals in play it's quite the introduction to this band for those who haven't heard them before. He's screaming! The flavour changes here, even the vocal style switches to more of a Halford style 4 minutes in then back to the extreme. The title track has a HAWKWIND vibe to it, yes it's a rocker with somewhat normal vocals.

I like the vocal melodies to start and end "Saxo" they will be extreme in between. "Imperiumi" is more like JUDAS PRIEST especially the vocals which is interesting with him singing in the Finnish language. And the synths are such a welcomed touch here sweeping in creating atmosphere. "Kill City" is a driving piece with different vocal styles and like most tracks the subject matter is serious. The closer "Sick Child" is a highlight with what sounds like native vocal melodies at one point and just a heavy, mid-paced groove with vocals.

Easily a 4 star record for me and if this is their last album they went out on a high with the last two studio albums being some of their best works.