Russian Circles have one of the more promising discographies in recent memory. Each release explores new territories, and such is the case with their fifth album Memorial, where the band build upon their strengths as musicians.
Opener ‘Memoriam’ lulls the listener into a false sense of security before unapologetically pummeling them with the likes of ‘Deficit’, with Mike Sullivan’s almost hollow riffs sticking the listener with a cold and broken atmosphere. Memorial is very much an album that emanates the feeling of a harsh blizzard through its many soundscapes, and one that the Chicago three-piece pulls off without fault.
The record ebbs and flows between light and dark, without the transition ever coming off as unwarranted. Drummer David Turncrantz follows this pattern with his drumming by playing on both sides of the spectrum.
However, it’s Brian Cook (past member of Botch and These Arms Are Snakes) that is a real highlight, with his bass creating a wall of noise for both Sullivan and Turncrantz to work off. ‘Ethel’ marks the more delicate side of the record where Cook takes a step back, pushing Sullivan into the spotlight before both return in full force for the sinister sounding riffs of ‘Lebaron’.
‘Praise Be Man’ from their 2011 record Empros contained the subtle use of vocals that, while deviating from the typical Russian Circles formula, actually came as a surprisingly effective conclusion to the record. These vocals have been reused to a greater effect on Memorial, with guest Chelsea Wolfe’s somber voice on the album’s title track acting as a final reprieve for the listener – bookending the album gorgeously.
Russian Circles have arguably crafted their finest work yet with Memorial, a serious contender for metal album of the year.
Listen to ‘Deficit’ by Russian Circles here:
