“(The long path to) knowing oneself“
Coming up to 20 years since their first release, Russian Circles 8th studio album Gnosis releases this Friday. The “prevailing conditions” of 2020 forced Russian Circles off the road and into home studios, perturbing their creative process, but with seven other studio albums under their belt, they were not going to relent. In interviews, bassist Brian Cook explains the writing process was freer and without artificial deadlines. When it came to putting the record onto reels, drums were tracked with the whole band present and playing along – thus, the history of the record is checkered, combining both distant, carefree writing and close performances. Gnosis delivers a solid slab of heavy instrumental rock with fearsome production, and is crisp and unbloated, if a bit unremarkable within their discography.
Gnosis features six proper tracks that sit well within Russian Circle‘s remit – focused instrumentals (and one interlude) that channel post rock and metal. If they’ve changed over the years, Circles are sounding mightier and mightier. At Gnosis‘ most intense moments, it’s a hair lighter than black metal, which is still ruddy heavy. You might well find your socks knocked off. Indeed, it’s not just pure volume, as the production constantly honours their origins as a three-piece. As such, the bass does much of the heavy lifting, the drums are far beyond standard post rock expectations, and guitars are multi-tracked sensibly to build full walls of sound without losing sight of the small-band atmosphere.
On this release, the shorter tracks are the stronger ones – “Betrayal” disregards of the slower build ups and thunders straight into full blast beat territory and remains engaging throughout. It’s a bit unfortunate that opener “Tupilak” starts with an uninspired section – perhaps it felt good in the studio, but now the only interesting things going on are the drums. Its second half gets down to the fun and crunchy riffs, with massive bass stepping in and out between dissonant guitars. Title track “Gnosis” is similar in that its first half builds less suspense than you might hope, but the latter half is still compelling. “Bloom” is the slow-burn closer, endearingly post-rock towards its climax, certainly in the way you’ve heard before, but probably in the way you’d love all the same.
Gnosis adheres closely to Russian Circle‘s known formula, as well as adhering to their limitations. I’ve no doubts this sounds immense live, but next to the rest of Circle‘s catalogue, it’s unambitious for the studio experience. I recognize too that ‘innovating’ around post rock and metal traditions is very difficult, given the incredibly broad sonic grounds they already roam. Upon reflection it doesn’t seem as though I have personally moving the goalposts, but Gnosis still falls short, as their newfound heaviness comes at the expense of catchy moments and dynamics. Still, this record remains a good introduction to Russian Circles, and a solid continuation of their craft.
6.5/10
Gnosis is out this Friday via Sargent House and can be pre-ordered here.