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The Gauntlet: Circus Maximus |
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Circus Maximus Album Review
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Tracklist
1. Sin
2. Alive
3. Glory of the Empire
4. Biosfear
5. Silence from Angels Above
6. Why Am I Here
7. Prophecy
8. 1st Chapter
9. Imperial Destruction
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Those who crave well-produced progressive metal will find much to like about this debut from Circus Maximus. The group's vocalist, Michael Eriksen displays a powerful set of lungs as well as an excellent range that is the perfect match for the group's style of creative musical wanderings. The record's leadoff cut, 'Sin', effectively melds Middle Eastern axe harmonies and tasteful piano accents with Dream Theater type arrangements, with Eriksen's adept vocals being the definite highlight of the track.
A symphonic nature is relayed via the dramatic elements espoused by keyboardist Epsen Storo during the introduction to 'Alive'. This song's soaring chorus in most assuredly an ear-catcher, as it is driven by a thrusting rhythm courtesy of drummer Truls Haugen and bassist Glen Mollen. Haugen's beats are at times highly technical, but he is a percussionist that knows when to lie off of the technical interplay and settle into a groove as well. His accents give the group's music just the right amount of color and shade, specially during the drawn out instrumental passages that you will hear in tracks like 'Glory Of The Empire' and the symphonic, nineteen minute epic 'The First Chapter', where Haugen settles into a marching snare pattern. With the popularity of soundtrack metal on the rise, majestic tracks such as this will no doubt strike a chord with fans of groups like Rhapsody.
The guitar riffing throughout the record is varied, alternating between Dave Mustaine thrash rhythms and more introspective chord voicings that make for a substantial pairing. Guitarist Mats Haugen is a skillful player that quite obviously has a well-versed command of the fretboard. With the soft introduction of 'Silence From Angels Above', you will discover that Circus Maximus have a strong sense of dynamics that makes all of the difference in making this album a sound listen.
Making for a good introduction to a talented act, 'The First Chapter' is an album that should resonate strongly with fans of thinking man's metal.
Review by: Erin Fox
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