There are not many progmetal bands on Frontiers Records’ roster, but with Circus Maximus they surely brought in a great band in the genre. Up to now this Swedish band has released two excellent CDs: 2005’s “The 1st Chapter” and 2007’s sophomore album “Isolate”. Fans of the band had to wait almost five years for album # 3, but “Nine” (strange title for a third album, BTW) was surely worth waiting for, as it is more of the same, with even more impact and a crystal-clear, heavy sound. With The Magnificent, vocalist Michael Eriksen proved that he can easily change genres, but his first love is progmetal and what a killer vocalist he is! Also hats off to the other four guys, with a special mentioning for composer & guitarist Mats Haugen. That Frontiers took interest in this band in the first place is probably due to the fact that melodies are so important for this progmetallers. To be honest, I don’t know many progmetal bands that succeed so well in combining power and melody. So, hats off for these five piece and their wonderful (crucial?) third album. FYI: a video (interview with the band) is added as a multimedia bonus to the release. Like I already said: 2012 is the year of prog, in all its guises and divisions … (CL)
 

---

Members' opinions

post your opinion

snoe (on 12/02/13) I've never been a huge fan of this band, but now we're talking! Yes, this is a brilliant release. Michael Eriksen is a divine singer. They were once being advertised as the "New Wave of Norwegian Progressive Metal" and now they ARE the stronghold of Norwegian Progressive Metal. They got rid of the timidity and have become a mature band. The focus on a more song based album, is the proof of that. They've become heavier, while not losing any of the progressive song structures. Not a single weak track on this album, with the main attraction being "Last Goodbye", THE song of 2012!   rkblues (on 26/08/12) WOW!!!! This is some seriously good music....love the guitarwork and cool technical parts right in the middle of these melodic songs...killer album.   USDHEAD (on 30/07/12) In a word: brilliant! Music to lift the spirits on a dull day.   the umpire (on 17/07/12) Oh yes! Terrific album.   victoryzine (on 10/07/12) Near perfection. Complex yet melodic and catchy prog. A masterpiece.   Metalrob4662 (on 9/07/12) One of the best Albums of the year thus far..incredible songs, I've been playing it almost everyday since I got it! Superb Melodies, guitar riffs and awesome keys and of course Mikes vocals are astounding I love the mix of AOR/Prog/Rock/Metal My favs are Architect Of Fortune 3. Namaste 4. Game Of Life 6. I Am 7. Used 8. The One 9. Burn After Reading 10. Last Goodbye A Classic!   STEELER (on 5/07/12) now we're talking!!! this album is awesome!! more heavy than the first 2 i'll give this album 10 stars but we have just 6 so here it is!!!! album of the year!!!!   Modulator (on 4/07/12) Another great release from CM! My only little complain is the power of snare drum. It's too quiet for my taste...   Nirre (on 2/07/12) Masterpiece.   Guario (on 2/07/12) I'm a huge fan of the band from the beginning but I have to say this "Nine" is their best album. I love this new poppish approach flirting with classic prog metal sound... And what a singer Michael Eriksen! Not a filler, only great songs.. My favourite are: "Reach Within", "I Am", "The One" and the masterpiece "Last Goodbye".   WOLF 359 (on 2/07/12) Two words - 'Last Goodbye'.   YNGWIEVIKING (on 2/07/12) For once i'm fully agree with CL. After STATUS MINOR and their huge ,,ouroboros" in may...CIRCUS MAXIMUS with their third album confirms 2 things that we already know , since their two first albums were killers , CIRCUS MAXIMUS is an indeniable force formed by a fabulous bunch of talented musicians and Scandinavia is the new leading land for providing original groundbreaking PROG METAL bands...After PAGAN'S MIND last year with ,,heavenly ecstasy", early June CIRCUS MAXIMUS released the perfect Contemporary Prog Metal album with a perfect balance between : Hi-tech playing/AOR melodies/Sharp riffs/Pop ambiances...With a guitar Shredder who play some tasteful/marvelous solos , concise but chops-terrific and mind-blowing...Full marks for Mats Haugen !!! The other players are equally prodigious the Bass/Drums couple is working special well and , uncommonly in this kind of music it’s mixed upfront . The Keys are reponsable for the "whole-ever changing-textures" asset ace…And his solos reminds me the good/old Kevin Moore time ! Concerning the vocalist Michael Eriksen , his past amazing performances with CIRCUS MAXIMUS , AEON ZEN or with THE MAGNIFICENT were already been enough eloquent…But I think , even if he singing bloody great , we could perceive from time to time a slightly indolent attitude…Don’t get wrong , i think he is one the best singer out there and i really love this album , but his crooning zen attitude is certainly the cause for this feeling of secure/cosy delivering… Anyway , this record , stands as one of the best album for 2012 , and the clever alternation between Modern ProgPop and pure Scandinavian Melodic Metal is the perfect ingredient for this already successful CD…”Game Of Life”/”Namaste” are quite direct but “Burn After Reading” is truly an epic whirlwind and “Reach Within » or "Architecht Of Fortune" are also more than beautiful…So I think you get my thoughts now :This album is recommended strongly to everyone , you are searching for a smart and sophisticated PROG METAL album with some stellar guitar solos , acrobatic licks but mostly some subtle melodies !!! The album of the month for JUNE 2011…Run fast to purchase this Jewel NOW ! PS/I'm the only one,to see the events evocation of the twin towers disaster thru the cover of ,,nine" ? (originally written for www.metal-temple.com) *****3/4   Jarryguo (on 2/07/12) Finally CM reachs the first division!! Perfect progressive AOR metal !!! "Last goodbye" what a song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Elival (on 1/07/12) A killer album and Michael Eriksen sing like a God. But... Swedish band? They are a Norwegian band I believe.

 

---

Post your opinion

You have to be registered and logged in to post your opinion. Log in.