Russian Circles
Memorial

A slow and inexorable descent into the recesses of the psyche. A long and tortuous journey that takes us straight to the heart's center, where everything converges and bursts forth. Explosive and angry, the new album by the Americans Russian Circles is pure ecstasy and violence, to which even those least accustomed to the band's sound will find irresistible.

Memorial starts off quietly, with a slow and delicate introduction. A minute and a half to prepare us for the cosmic journey, the lava rock boulders that will come crashing down on us, planting themselves in the chest and never letting go. A slap in the face that is "Deficit", a magmatic and intense instrumental piece of true and intoxicating post metal. The guitars explode loudly and heavily, surpassing the sound barrier, while the fiercely beaten drums implant in our brain like a rusty bullet.

The unexpected strings in "1777" make this track one of the most surprising on the album, epicness mixed with catharsis and unease. The legacy of Isis, Neurosis, and even earlier Katatonia is all condensed in these seven minutes of pure genius and emotion, showcasing all of Russian Circles' ability to layer melodies, suddenly accelerate into a brake-free race, then slow down, braking and opening our eyes to a momentary sweetness.

"Cheyenne" gives us just enough time to catch our breath before venturing into the thick and frightening darkness of "Burial". Here no one is saved. No one will find an outlet towards the light, an opening to the sky. Everything is damnedly dark, nothing can be seen and fear overwhelms our soul. It has been years since an instrumental track instilled such strong anxiety, such tangible anguish, a series of terrifying yet rewarding emotions.

Trapped in the circle of violence, we don't know how to escape. But when the solo of "Ethel" starts, we can't help but think that perhaps, deep down, being a prisoner of Russian Circles' music is not so bad. The intense melody calms us, eases our anxieties and fears, allowing us to soar in the post-rock atmosphere of this track.

The circle closes, and this time nothing can make us leave. But we don't want to leave, enchanted and captivated by the shadowy beauty of this album. And when everything is about to end, when the vortex of volcanic violence and rocky austerity is about to overwhelm us, a woman's voice reaches our brain synapses, a voice distant with angelic traits. The dark lady Chelsea Wolfe appears like a ghost in the last unforgettable piece of this album. And we, astonished by the magnificent music that surrounds us, remain motionless, lying on the cold and damp ground of our circular prison.

Russian Circles have found inspiration like never before. They have reached maturity and, by climbing the steep mountains depicted on the cover of this "Memorial," have managed to touch the sky with a finger. A very high level for this band, which, in a year densely populated with great returns and pleasant surprises in the metal realm, strides forward and surpasses almost everyone.