Can't really give too many first impressions because side A is track one which is like a 40 second intro followed by the first 3 singles.
Mini review after about 3 full play throughs (plus playing Quartered a few times on repeat). As a RC super fan this is an ever so slight step down for me, especially from Guidance which I feel is my favorite (or maybe 1A with Empros being 1B). But I mean its Russian Circles. You know em. You love em. If you didn't like them before this won't convince you and if you do love them then you're gonna leave satisfied. Drums are as massive as ever. Bass tone is dumb thick. Guitar is in your face. Not as much synth as the last couple records and not too many surprising moments. I think Arluck and Quartered are the stand out tracks for me. I can't say enough good things about Quartered. They just step up to the plate and flex arguably some of the hardest riffs of their careers for 6 minutes straight.
Yeah you get it, this is as heavy they've sounded in terms of music AND generally oppressive atmosphere in a good while.
This is exactly what I from a Russian Circles album. Nothing against the more gentle parts of their repertoire, but i'm here for the riffs and this album delivers. Probably the first album since Station that has got my attention immediately.
Just wrapped up my first listen and god damn this is tight. It doesn’t supplant Guidance or Station as my top two favorites, but I’d say it’s right on par with Memorial and Empros. My favorites are Milano, Kohokia, and Quartered.
After a few listens I think Guidance is still my favorite but this is fucking phenomenal. Pumped to see these guys in October for the first time since they opened for Coheed in 2013.
Finally listened yesterday. It’s punishingly heavy at times. I love it so much. Kohokia, Sinaia, and Quartered are my immediate favorites
Radio 1's Rock Show with Daniel P Carter - Russian Circles in session - BBC Sounds The BBC Maida Vale session is up: Vorel, Quartered, Arluck, and Afrika