Though Russian Circles’ last album was released in May of 2006, the melodic metal instrumentalists built mounds of momentum in 2007. Enter, that six-song, 44-minute album, was released in the United Kingdom, and the trio toured Europe with progressive radio rockers Tool.
After the group returned, it parted ways with bassist Colin DeKuiper. Temporarily taking his place is Brian Cook (formerly of Botch and currently of These Arms are Snakes), who will lend low-end riffs as the group records its follow-up to Enter.
Guitarist Mike Sullivan and drummer Dave Turncrantz continue as the band’s key components; Sullivan’s beautiful melodies often precede the heaviness of his own dissonant riffage and distorted hammer-ons and pull-offs as well as Turncrantz’s crashing, eruptive beats.
For their forthcoming full-length album, which is slated for release in Spring or Summer 2008 on Suicide Squeeze Records, Russian Circles are working with producer Matt Bayles (Mastodon, Isis, Minus the Bear, Botch). Cook will join Sullivan and Turncrantz for three stand-alone shows in November and December.
Russian Circles dates:
11/29 – Seattle, WA @ Neumo’s
12/13 – Chicago, IL @ Double Door
12/15 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s, Jr.
Russian Circles: www.russiancircles.net
Suicide Squeeze: www.suicidesqueeze.net