ENTER

This is the first full album (having released an E.P. previously with some of the same songs as this album on it) by the band Russian Circles. This is typically a band with only 3 members, but the sound is such a full sound for only 3 members. The style is somewhere between Post-rock and Post-metal in that most of the songs are heavy. The sound is somewhat similar to Pelican, only I think it is a little more accessible. It doesn't have the wall of sound style that is typical of Pelican, but is more inventive and less formulaic.

The musicianship is great and so is the production. There are some technical passages and some great hooks throughout. The sound is a little too similar, but there is more variation than what you would hear from other post rock or post metal bands like Yndi Halda or Pelican, probably leaning more towards the Mogwai sound, but consistently heavier. A few of the tracks are a little bit less heavy like "Micah" and "You Already Did", but even they have a degree of heaviness to them.

In my own personal opinion, I find the music on this first album quite enjoyable. I like the weightiness of the feel, a little dark with occasional bursts of light. I would have preferred a little more variety, but the songs do get better after repeated listenings and it is easier to pick out differences in the tracks than it is with Pelican's music.

In all, it's a good start for Russian Circles, who would become more adventurous as time goes on. Lovers of post rock and post metal should find plenty to love here and should listen to this band. They have toured with Pelican, Tool, and several other heavy well-known bands. Excellent addition to any prog rock collection. 4 stars.