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Rating:
THE REVIEW
The prog-metal undergrowth is inexhaustible!
It indeed feels like we're back to the times of “Images and Words” when the metal market appeared to rediscover a certain way of combining technique and feeling in the service of ambitious compositions capable of moving within multiple genres.
The Norwegians Circus Maximus belong to this new prog-wave that, thanks to the recent successes of Symphony X and Pain of Salvation, gives new life to a genre always followed by fans, even here by me. After all, the strength of compositions like the opener “Sin,” powerful, dark, modern in sound, between oriental suggestions and pompous openings, or like the epic “Glory of the Empire,” blessed by almost folk arrangements, between flutes and acoustics, and with a class-pomp vein worthy of certain Arena, stands there testifying to the real value of ours. The shadow of Kamelot seems to hover over the acoustic-ballad “Silence from Angels Above,” while the two final tracks close the album with a bang: the title-track, martial and symphonic, almost cinematic, articulated in its 19 minutes, seems to pay the right tribute to their muses, while “Haunted Dreams” plays hide and seek with the specter of Queensryche!
The guys all seem very young, hence some naivety; but the quality of their offering is beyond question, good for the aficionado and the newcomer alike!
Recommended 5/5
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Summary by Bot
Circus Maximus’ debut album delivers a powerful mix of prog-metal influences and ambitious compositions. The album blends technical skill with emotional depth reminiscent of prog-metal classics. Highlights include tracks like "Sin" and the epic title track. Though the band shows some youthful naivety, their quality shines through, appealing to both new listeners and longtime fans. Overall, a highly recommended album with a 5/5 endorsement.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Circus Maximus
Circus Maximus is a Norwegian progressive metal band formed in Oslo in 2000. Known for a melodic, technical approach, they released The 1st Chapter (2005), Isolate (2007), Nine (2012), and Havoc (2016).05 Reviews
Other reviews
By Giorrrrrgio
The foundations for a great band are all there, I hope (and believe, all in all) that the band will also find a way to distinguish itself a bit more from their predecessors.
An album I feel like recommending to fans of more straightforward Prog metal, without too many frills.
