MEMORIAL

'Memorial' , Russian Circle's, latest 2013, probably was named as such, because it will bring back the memory of the 80's Heavy Metal sound, the kind like Judas Priest or Def Leppard or any of those bands. That style became such a cliche, that it was almost impossible, to tell one band from the other. That for me, is quiet a downer. I never learned to appreciate, that limited and common ground of songwriting (I'm not talking about performances or instrumental skills), these Metal dudes offered.

In my taste, they were quiet boring and anonymous, even with the oversized fireworks, "solos" and screams. So to be thrown back, in a couple of this record's songs to that period is no big thrill for me!...

Good thing, this happens only in two songs, and its so blatant, that it seems all like a joke, or, an up-front repetition of their favorite "riffs" of that decade. But as mentioned, it is all saved for good, by the rest of the songs, that are by far, more original and more interesting in the Russian Circle's proper language, which, has to be mentioned, when they are good, they are really good, in all aspects of musical composition, performance and a sometimes forgotten, but developing, originality.

Now, if you dig those Metal years, this album will be an easy 4 PA stars. I, who dislike these "roots" or "tributes", will rate it ***3 PA stars , and "I will butcher these two songs off and have a very good, very listenable and enjoyable, 2013, Russian Circles album", .

IMPORTANT,-except for the last song, this is a vocal-less album.