Meticulously bold and unwavering.

Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, instrumental heavy metal band Russian Circles released their eighth studio album titled Gnosis, a turbulent whirlwind of voracity, force and heart. The cutting sounds, pointed riffs and biting edge say it all without having to say anything. This post-metal/instrumental rock band has nailed it once again creating a fierce work of beauty and aggression out of silence.

“Tupilak” is a push and pull with impassioned guitar riffs that create a fevered backing to the unabating drum fragments. A careful toeing between caution and danger quickly settles on the ledge as guitarist Mike Sullivan and bassist Brian Cook shred through the confines of playing it safe before sloping into broody ascension.

“Conduit” is a transgression in and of itself. This track transports and communicates in a way that is particular, fierce and idiosyncratic. It pushes past all preconceived notions by bulldozing through any and all heard before sounds to bring a fresh take to post-metal with heavy doses of industrial rock.

“Gnosis” with a nod to the album title itself, leads with a deep and growling bass line followed by an ever increasing drum line that supports the endless circle of introspection. The high quality syncopation between this duo creates a progressive and telling piece.

“Vlastimil” is an ensemble that bursts with vibrancy and energy. It holds a mounting urgency that is expressed through sharp and savory guitar licks and an alternating drum course. It is a track that is merciful and ceaseless right until the very end where it finally collapses into suitable exhaustion.

Gnosis is satisfyingly brutal. It is an album that swims in the waters of murky despair and scathing honesty. It is a welcomed intrusion that seeps and sows with foreign concepts as it toys with the analytics of feeling.