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Stone Circle - Self Titled Album Review







Intelligible progressive metallers from Brighton release their sophomore self-titled album through Terrorizer magazine, which can be picked up for free with the latest issue, as well as being available through the usual music outlets, such as Spotify, iTunes and Google Store. Although on the face of it, seven songs doesn’t seem much, believe me when I say they cram a lot in to each and every song, in the best way possible!..

Opening song `Beekeeper’ chugs to life with demonic vocals, intricate dynamic guitars and a hell of a lot of ethereal atmospheric vibes – you could say this is a ‘buzz’ worthy opening that will take you through a musical exploration and will leave a ‘sting’, especially with the shift half way through taking a more darker turn, as well introducing powerful clean vocals which help give more depth and emphasis. There are many elements and transitions here, but it is executed with such precision and style making it flow and remain coherent...

‘Easter Island’ was the first song they released through a lyric video. The opening is a much calmer affair than previously, showing off a different side, before progressing into a superb ambient instrumental mental jam with short bursts of dark growls, before the stand out resonant clean sections come in, to contrast the fierce vocals, which are a definite highlight. The structure is well placed, with plenty of instrumental interchangeable tempos which are delivered wonderfully, making it nothing short of epic!

The latest release from the album, ‘Mary Celeste’ opens on a delicate ambient intro, which is quickly diminished by a death/doom metal injection. Further into the song it contains an insane solo which will go down a storm live! The clean vocals really shine through and give it that ethereal feel once more, which they do so well throughout the album.

Closing song, appropriately named, ‘Final Thought’ sees the use of truly beautiful elaborate acoustic guitar work which progresses perfectly and elegantly, with a hopeful feel, which makes this a very thought provoking song to simply allow you to be possessed by its reflective tones and emotions. About three minutes and thirty seconds in the progression reaches full strength with all instruments kicking in, and although it remains for the most part instrumental, it reaches great heights which musically speaks wonders, before we get the appearance of soft mellow vocals which are ever powerful. Building more aptitude a few minutes later they reach full throttle again with guttural vocals and fast complicated riffs, adding more depth to this complex beauty!

Each of the seven songs are long episodes of intelligent construction, and although they can be enjoyed majorly at first listen, to truly appreciate this album, it will require further listens to unveil the true craftsmanship, layers and mix of genres that they possess on their second offering more so. Although predominately they are a progressive metal band, they aren’t limiting themselves to this solely, as the album has a lot of death metal and doom vibes and even stoner rock in places. This is for serious music lovers, who should be able to really appreciate the bands talents and composition skills. Although they have released the album at the tail end of 2014, this has still made it into the must hear 2014 releases for me, and they have paved the way for their presence in 2015, being a serious contender to keep an eye on in 2015!
 
Check out their new video for, 'Mary Celeste' which is currently my pick for feautured video!
 
 
 
Also the band have recently been announced to play MammothFest 2015 in Brighton for the third time running, so be sure to check them out! You can get tickets now here: http://www.mammothmetalfestival.co.uk/

Comments

  1. Just had my first listen...brilliant album!

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    Replies
    1. Glad you took a listen and enjoyed it! It is indeed! Cheers! Carina

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