Melbourne alt-metal titans Circles have released a new single Dig and announced their forthcoming EP The Stories We Are Afraid Of | Vol. 1.
The Stories We Are Afraid Of | Vol. 1 is the first instalment of an epic two-part EP, following Circles' second record, The Last One which garnered international recognition and domestic success (#4 TheMusic’s Album of the Year 2018, #3 AIR Independent Albums). The progressive giants continue to lead the path of the international djent movement with their upcoming release, furthering the incorporation of shimmering wavering pads, belting breakdowns and propelling percussion.
Dig continues on from where the previous single, Sleepwalking left off, portraying the process of piecing together existentialism and identity to rekindle a strong connection with oneself, which had previously dwindled to a flicker. Sleepwalking encompasses the realisation of the cathartic state and Dig marks the first steps toward change, leaving four more tracks to shape the meaning of the EP. Frontman Ben Rechter states:
The overarching theme of Vol.1 is one of a loss of identity and purpose, and trying to recapture a sense of wonder and passion for life that was once a core part of you. Musically, we went into these writing sessions with a focus on being more direct than on previous albums, steering away from crowding songs with heaps of different riffs for the sake of having more riffs that we personally like in there.
As one of Australia’s most successful international prog experts, Circles demonstrates their decade of experience in Dig with textured guitar riffs, high-octane drumming and potent, powerful vocals. Shining through the sandstorm of modern metal, Dig delivers dreamy delayed guitars, dynamic ancillary percussion and a massive metal spine built on the imperishableness of Rechter’s lead vocals. The culmination of powerful breakdowns, serrated guitar riffs and surreal pads leaves you choking on every breath before the final breakdown–the apex of Dig.
Rechter speaks further to the theme behind Dig:
“This is all about those first steps out of that dark hole. Your mind fights against you, and everything feels like it’s not going to work, but it’s not necessarily about success, at least not in the beginning. It’s about starting to change what you need to change, even if on the first day, all you can do is make sure you step outside and see the sun."
Dig was mastered by Luke Cinacotta (Karnivool) and mixed and produced by Circle’s own Ted Furuhashi, showcasing his prior experience on Twelve Foot Ninja’s debut album – Silent Machine.
Speaking to Maniacs upon the release of Sleepwalking, Rechter provided insight into the writing process, revealing
"Most of the writing for Sleepwalking was done during and between the first two lockdowns in Melbourne, so it was during a time that we were generally feeling uncertain about where we stood, as individuals and as a band. The song isn’t about those lockdowns, in any way, but we were definitely drawn to writing darker songs in that time, both musically and lyrically, so those frustrations and uncertainty were channelled into what’s probably the heaviest song since I’ve been with the band."
The Stories We Are Afraid Of | Vol. 1 lands on November 25th. Pre-orders are open now via the Wild Thing Music Store.
Dig has been added to our Metal Maniacs playlist.
