Russian Circles – Nine (Review)

What is the best way to climb high mountains? Besides keeping your eyes firmly fixed on the goal, you need a good starting point. If that starting point is poor, or rather, poorly chosen, getting started becomes unnecessarily difficult. Bands that have been around for a long time and have built up a fairly extensive back catalogue can have a similar effect. There are simply too many albums to choose from, opinions on that very selection are too diverse, and one of the biggest problems is surely: “Where do I start?” With Nine, Russian Circles are releasing their ninth album, and it is making a case for itself as a possible starting point for new listeners.

“Borehole” and “Empath” roll through the front door, sometimes at a brisk pace, sometimes more leisurely, and set the tone for the trio’s new album. Kurt Ballou has produced the record once again. Since [celebrating its tenth anniversary this year], he has been shaping the post-metal trio’s ideas into sound at his GodCity Studios. Ever since the aforementioned producer has been behind the controls, the sound has noticeably moved further towards metal than towards the “post-” prefix. It has a strong live feel to it and is stripped down, though this does not diminish its impact. “Seventh Seal” and “E2” are every bit as dynamic as they are brutal, making them prime examples when it comes to describing the sound of Kurt Ballou and Russian Circles.

The crescendo is one of the defining elements of the post-metal genre. “Eluvial” and “Meridian” form the epicentre of Nine. Eight and a half and seven minutes, respectively, of what one understands post-metal to be: atmosphere, a carefully built arc of tension, and a finale that either resembles the view from a conquered mountain peak or the deep breath after a long ascent. “Arletta” offers something of a brief moment to let the mind wander before “Seventh Seal” brings the album – much like its predecessor – to an end with a “chunk”, both figuratively and literally.

So, is Nine a good new entry point into Russian Circles’ discography? One of Russian Circles’ strengths is that there is no ONE album that defines the band. There is no album in their discography that towers above all the others. For more than 20 years, the band has managed to consistently release music that is at least very good. Consistency and conviction without repetition and without contradicting their own identity. Nine stands firmly and confidently within this tradition and will be a good starting point for some new fans looking to approach the mountain range that is Russian Circles’ body of work.

Thomas Transcended

From: Herten (Germany)
Favorite Artists: Nine Inch Nails – Depeche Mode – Converge
Best Show: Envy@Gebäude 9 (Cologne)
Other Endeavors: Author at Plattentests.de