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Hard to believe that Eternal Deformity started out as a Doom Metal band back in 1993. Hailing from Poland, home of quite a few great acts such as Lux Occulta, Thy Disease and Vesania, they became a much different breed of cat over the years. It's no surprise to find them signed to the home of originality, Code 666, for a three records deal.

A look at the cover art and you know that Frozen Circus won't be a middle of the road type of album. Classified as Circus Metal, the members have called themselves appropriately: Announcer (bass and vocals), Illusionist (keyboards), Lion Tamer (guitars), Juggler (drums) and Knife Thrower (guitars). Now perhaps you'll find those names kind of "funny" but at least they aren't as queer as Wig Wam on Napalm Records' roster. The circus references are mostly found in the keyboard parts which otherwise are more symphonic or discrete and in the vocal expressions. The vocal range goes both ways - clean vs. harsh. Melodic clean arpeggios, heavier riffs and many solos can be heard and some are very crazy like the ones and the end of "Crime", one of the best tracks on this disc. It is not mentioned in my infos, but the guys did a great cover of Depeche Mode's "Little 15", another good moment on Frozen Circus. Another unspecified gem is the female back vocals present on a couple places like on "So Silent" and "Unholy Divine".

Most of this music tends toward a melodic /progressive type of metal in general and I would have wished for something more flamboyant and crazy, reflecting their circus passions. Maybe their following albums will take this side to the next level. Something to keep our eyes on.