Circles – The Compass
Australian newcomers Circles' debut mini-album "The Compass" is nothing if not ambitious; mixing Industrial-sounding synths, solid metal riffs and vocals that range from Opeth-esque growls to Brandon Boyd-style crooning, it's impressive stuff, if a little schizophrenic and ostentatious at times.
Opener 'The Frontline' starts promisingly with some quirky keyboard sounds and syncopated chugging and then vocalist Perry Kakridas comes in with some totally unexpected vocals. Initially sounding a little cheesy, Kakridas' vocals were of some concern but, once the surprise at hearing such clean and melodic vocals has worn off, it actually works quite well and he turns out to be a versatile frontman.
Circles' signature style is more refined on track 2 'Clouds Are Gathering', which incorporates a strong melody while still maintaining an incisive heaviness and 'Act III' jumps in with both feet, then surprises by suddenly going mellow to heavy and back again.
'Eye Embedded' starts with the kind of syncopated rhythm that would lead to sprained ankles were you to attempt dancing to it, 'The Design' is full of surgically precise, staccato riffs and a hint of Killswitch Engage, while final track 'Ruins' starts with a soothing arpeggiated melody and is by the far the most straightforward track on the album.
Definitely worth checking out if you're into the melodic side of progressive metal.