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Review: Circadian Rising - Drowned in Exile
Circadian Rising
www.myspace.com/circadianrising
Drowned in Exile

Label: Independent
Year released: 2009
Duration: 40:44
Tracks: 4
Genre: Death Metal

Rating:
4/5


Review online: February 22, 2009
Reviewed by: MetalMike
Readers' Rating
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Rated 3.4/5 (68%) (5 Votes)
Review

I am conflicted. To call Circadian Rising’s self–released EP Drowned in Exile Death Metal cannot even begin to sum up the treasure trove of metal contained therein. There are equal parts of Death (the band)–style raspy vocals, Maiden–inspired solos, a bludgeoning rhythm section and blistering, technical riffs. Drowned in Exile is more of a Heavy/Death hybrid with some prog/technical elements (in the form of quick time changes and slower parts) thrown in.

Singer/guitarist Jeff Kasmala lists Chuck Schuldiner as one of his primary influences and he’s practically channeling the late Death front man here. Raspy yet understandable vocals are the order of the day and good thing, too. He has obviously put some thought into his lyrics, which are mainly about dark, inner struggles (no gore–for–sake–of–gore themes.) He and lead guitarist Brandon Ruggiero can really play as well. The solo in "Cycles of Agony" just burns and the acoustic intro on "Fallen From Grace" is a perfect lead in to the rest of the song. All four tracks are very heavy with tons of speedy riffing broken by slower passages and changes in tempo. While that may sound jarring, the songs are very well written and flow smoothly from beginning to end.

Circadian Rising have really impressed with this release. The band’s Myspace page indicates they are planning to record a full–length album this year and I, for one, am eagerly looking forward to it. Do yourself a favor: if you enjoy Death (the band)–style technical Death Metal or just Heavy Metal in general, visit Circadian Rising’s Myspace page and pick this up. You won’t be disappointed.

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