Russian Circles - Empros

Rarely do bands of any genre get heavier with time. Most bands are looking to experiment more, branch out, and the idea that bands get heavier with age is a myth that all bands tell their fans with each passing album.

Russian Circles on the other hand are a band that actually has gotten heavier with each album. Maybe heavier is the wrong word but the band has moved from great post-rock band to an almost elite post-metal band. Geneva was an incredible step in Russian Circles expanding their sound and making their craft tighter and better then ever. So how would the band return? Where would Empros fit in a discography already full of amazing albums?

The answer is Empros would continue the evolution of Russian Circles. 309 kicks off the record with a killer face melting riff. Brian Cook's bass playing continues to be stellar and intriguing. 309 is the heaviest opening track Russian Circles have delivered yet. The track is heavy but really cold and I was afraid that I was trading a rich sounding record for a heavy sound record. Mlàdek quickly put those fears to rest.

Empros is the perfect combination of post rock epicness with a metal tinge. Every guitar riff is perfectly placed whether it's a mind shredding lead line or a delayed undertone carrying the melody. Brian Cook's bass lines fill each hole and gap perfectly while Dave Turncrantz's drumming is, as always, solid.

Russian Circles have delivered another great record and Empros is the best post rock album I've heard in 2011.