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Vicious Circle is a long-running New Jersey based death metal quartet, and “The Art of Agony” is their second full-length release though they’ve put out several demos and eps over the last seventeen or so years. This is really a re-release of this album as it was first put out in 2004 by Neoblast Records. Evidently the band was recently signed by Crash Music who decided to put the album out there again, which was certainly a smart idea as 2006 is a good time for this type of very technical and brutal death metal, and “The Art of Agony” is sure to impress fans of this type of music.
Technicality abounds on “The Art of Agony”, which is an unbelievable improvement over their debut (which was 13 years ago). There are literally hundreds of riffs on this album, and each song goes through various major time shifts. Similarities to bands like Necrophagist and, at times, Despised Icon are apparent, though Vicious Circle is by no means copying anybody as they manage to maintain a very unique and depraved sound throughout the twelve tracks on this album. The production is pleasingly crisp, and it’s obvious from the start that these guys are playing their fucking hearts out. Drummer Dave Surran’s performance is simply awe-inducing, and the lead guitar work by Vinny DiBianca is lightning fast and definitely reminiscent of the mighty Trey Azagthoth. At times the frantic time changes and sheer multitude of riffs can be a bit distracting, but they don’t take it to ridiculous lengths like many of the overly technical death metal bands of today tend to do. The majority of the tracks here have a very schizophrenic feel to them, going quite nicely with the insane vocal delivery of Darrell Rapp. Alternating between a lower register growl that sounds a bit like Dave Matrise of Jungle Rot, and a maniacal, raspy higher pitched howl along with several spots of heavily modulated spoken word, Rapp screams of madness, violence, murder and blasphemy. Lead-off track “Dead Scent” is a perversely eloquent, and disturbingly detailed account of necrophilia, and “L.O.S.” an acronym for “Lord of Shit”, is a harrowing song about religion and mankind from the point of view of a recently crucified Jesus Christ. “I Remain in Filth” may be the most enjoyable track here, with a touch of melody, and obvious classic thrash influence. Things seem to be going well for Vicious Circle, and they’re a band that would be quite popular with today’s death metal fans if they simply had more exposure. Fortunately they have opening spots on several major east coast metal shows this fall with bands like Immolation and Sodom, and they are playing a couple of shows opening for Overkill. If their live show is comparable to their recorded performance, they will definitely be selling some albums and making some fans. Definitely recommended. | |
