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Russian Circles

Enter (2006)
Flameshovel Records

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Contributed by: BenAndThieves
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Published on June 16th 2006

There was once a time when being in an instrumental rock band meant being completely ignored within the underground music community. Thanks to bands like Russian Circles however, that is no longer the case. Epic, dense, and powerfully emotive, Enter is easily one of the most musically accomplished releases to come along in recent memory.

Each of the album’s six tracks are wide open soundscapes that are both dynamic and meticulously composed. One of this band's most striking features is their ability to seamlessly transition from crushing heaviness to delicate calm several times over within a single song. Album opener “Carpe” and title track “Enter” begin with subdued quiet passages that slowly build into monstrous walls of sound that envelope the listener. On “Death Rides a Horse” however, the band blasts off with a triumphant, galloping `80s metal riff; the kind Metallica only wishes they still knew how to write.

Russian Circles blend a wide range of genres and sounds effortlessly with breathtaking soft/loud dynamics in such a way that is entirely their own. Similar to fellow Chicago band Pelican, their music is able to make a strong emotional connection with audiences without ever having to say a word. Highly recommended.

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cheddar (July 23, 2009)

I thought this album was absolutly amazing. I enjoy russian circles as a whole much more then bands like pelican, explosions in the sky, etc. Not to discredit those bands either, they're great! This was the first album by them I heard and it kept my attention from start to finish. When i listen to this album(and just like the other ones station and upper ninety) there is really no need for lyrics, I can imagine a story in my head as if they were actually singing about something. Honestly getting blazed and listening to this record, just letting my mind go wild is an amazing feeling and expierence.

Inspection12e (June 18, 2006)

Awesome CD.

Anonymous (June 18, 2006)

not bad, but not on par with pelican or mono.

Anonymous (June 17, 2006)

im listening to this cd right now - its amazing, i cant take it out of my record player.

fans of beautiful music (mogwai, explosions in the sky, pelican, etc), meet your new favorite band.

plus, they're named after a hockey drill. what's not to love?

Anonymous (June 17, 2006)

buh-buh-buh-boring.

inagreendase (June 16, 2006)

That's right, 3 years later and people are still talking about the infamous Wade Boggs song; probably because that shit was legendary.

Anonymous (June 16, 2006)

These guys are great but Dakota/Dakota was way better.

Anonymous (June 16, 2006)

I love russian chicks

Anonymous (June 16, 2006)

I've seen this band live a few times and they are fantastic. I doubt I'd ever actually spin one of their records, but if you get a chance to see them on tour, do so.

-Ken

Anonymous (June 16, 2006)

there is no way to see this band without moving, that is, listening to this music moves you, in multiple senses of the word

video_cognito (June 16, 2006)

I saw them open for Melt-Banana last year. They were fucking amazing.

Anonymous (June 16, 2006)

Remember Dakota/Dakota? That was the shit. I remember when punknews had a contest that involved writing lyrics to those songs and the Wade Boggs song won. Fuck yeah.

FreddieFreeloader (June 16, 2006)

I have only heard good things about this band, i need to check this cd out.