Russian Circles are a Chicago based post-metal trio whose music offers a wide range of colors and textures, which they execute with remarkable precision and imagination. Almost all their pieces are instrumental, having recorded only two vocal tracks thus far, one of which was Chelsea Wolfe's atmospheric contribution in the title track of 2013's Memorial. Their music can be best described as epic in nature. It is grand. They build a big sonic wave at all tempo levels, with pounding drums and bass, harsh, distorted, and loud guitar passages that tap into a lot of metal idioms. They construct sophisticated lyrical pieces packed with emotional resonance, but can also go subtle and build on lovely, contemplative tones. Whichever way they swing in any given song, the band has the musicianship and taste to not only make it work, but also keep each piece distinct, which adds to the stunning body of work they have generated thus far.
