Russian Circles

• Genre: Experimental
• Hometown: Chicago
• Russian Circles Website

About

The Chicago-born instrumental trio Russian Circles combine hard psyche-rock sentiment with metal musicianship to create a loud, at times sludgy, ambient journey in music. Formed in late 2004 out of the ashes of another all-instrumental band, Dakota/Dakota, by guitarist Mike Sullivan and former bassist Colin DeKuiper, the band recruited drummer Dave Turncrantz from St. Louis alt band Riddle of Steel. Making a name for themselves with their poignant debut, 2006's Enter, Russian Circles were signed by Suicide Squeeze Records shortly after its release. The trio tours extensively and boasts an extraordinarily high-energy, atmospheric live show. In 2007, Colin DeKuiper left the band, and for the recording of 2008's well-received Station, ex-Botch/These Arms are Snakes bassist Brian Cook took on the role.

- Jen Guyre