Released 20 years ago this October
Drawing Circles
Textures · 2006
48 min · 10 tracks · death metal
A complex fusion of progressive rhythms and aggressive metal textures, intricately layered to create an immersive listening experience.
Top tracks — play these first
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Regenesis — This track exemplifies the band’s signature blend of heavy riffs and intricate melodies, showcasing both their technical skill and emotional range.
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Stream of Consciousness — With its extended runtime, this track allows for a deep exploration of dynamics and themes, making it a standout piece that encapsulates the album's essence.
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Touching the Absolute — The closing track features an expansive soundscape that combines relentless heaviness with atmospheric elements, reflecting the band's artistic ambition.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Textures blends technical proficiency with emotional depth, making this album a notable entry in progressive metal.
What we noticed
- Vocals alternate between harsh growls and clean singing, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the record.
- Several tracks incorporate atmospheric interludes that provide a breather from the aggressive instrumentation, such as in 'Illumination'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- wave-like pacing with intricate details
- immersive headphone experience required
- reflective moments in soundscapes
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification tracks
- prefer straightforward, catchy tunes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Drawing Circles is Textures' second album, released in 2006, following their debut, Polars. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their unique sound within the Dutch metal scene and expanding their audience with a more polished production approach.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Denying Gravity
The lyrics shift from introspective musings to a powerful declaration of self-assertion, marking a pivotal transition in tone.
This structural pivot underscores the internal conflict faced by the speaker, transforming vulnerability into strength through assertive language.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Drive 2:26
- 2 Regenesis 4:57
- 3 Denying Gravity 5:15
- 4 Illumination 1:56
- 5 Stream of Consciousness 6:48
- 6 Upwards 6:06
- 7 Circular 5:13
- 8 Millstone 3:42
- 9 Touching the Absolute 8:07
- 10 Surreal State of Enlightenment 3:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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