Released 13 years ago this October
Memorial
Russian Circles · 2013
36 min · 8 tracks · post-metal
A dynamic blend of heavy, atmospheric instrumentation that weaves intricate melodies and crushing rhythms into an immersive auditory experience.
Top tracks — play these first
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Deficit — This track exemplifies the album's balance between aggression and melody, featuring soaring guitar lines that build towards a cathartic climax while maintaining a haunting atmosphere.
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Burial — Burial stands out with its gradual build-up and emotional intensity, showcasing the band's ability to create immersive soundscapes that evoke deep feelings of loss and reflection.
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Memorial — The title track encapsulates the overarching themes of remembrance and mourning, blending delicate instrumentation with powerful crescendos that leave a lasting impact.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Memorial showcases intricate compositions and dynamic shifts, solidifying its place in post-metal.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a gradual build-up in 'Memoriam', layering guitars and drums before reaching a heavy climax.
- Tracks often shift dynamics, with sudden transitions from quiet, atmospheric sections to intense, crushing riffs.
- The final track, 'Memorial', features an extended outro that gradually fades out, creating a sense of closure.
- 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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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- immersive auditory exploration
- patient crescendos and releases
- cathartic moments of reflection
- dynamic shifts in intensity
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer standalone radio hits
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2013, Memorial is Russian Circles' fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed record Empros. At this point in their career, the band solidified their signature sound, characterized by expansive instrumental compositions and a focus on emotional depth, further establishing them as prominent figures in the post-metal genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pelican· Isis· Cult of Luna
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Memoriam 1:28
- 2 Deficit 6:41
- 3 1777 7:20
- 4 Cheyenne 4:24
- 5 Burial 4:43
- 6 Ethel 4:02
- 7 Lebaron 4:36
- 8 Memorial 3:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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