Ah, yes! Do you like post-Maiden-like guitar riffs, clearly articulated bass lines, occasional groovy breakdowns, active drums, and unusually melodic screaming vocals? How about songs that speak to political alienation, government corruption, and the need for radical political and social change? If any of the above, you are going to love what London’s loud and passionate hardcore band Circle of Rage (COR) has to offer. I’ve been following these guys for awhile, admiring their commitment to making music that is accessible, heavy, and politically significant. I am currently listening to their tune Unnatural Selection, which gets my already raging brain into a deeper tizzy. Tommo is a tireless voice, literally and figuratively, that blows away most vocalists’ delivery of energy and profundity. You can’t help but want to talk with him (which I have done, by the way) about social issues once you hear his vocal rage. Mark, one of the the guitarists, shows tasty form and substance in this and most other COR tunes. At times as I listen to his riffs I smile and think of a modern iteration of Glenn Tipton, Adrian Smith, and Dave Murray. Not bad company! This is not your typical double picking drop D mindless chord-playing hardcore punk guitarist – his sweet flashes and knack for nailing quick hammer-ons and pull offs are just enough to balance otherwise speedy and funky chords. The rhythm guitar, bass, and drum work by Scott, Jackson and Xander move the feel of the songs along fantastically (although I’d like to hear wildly beaten open high hats a bit more).
Circle of Rage holds a special place in time and space. Not many artists I know of can combine melody, heaviness, rhythmic diversity, and political consciousness as compellingly as COR.
Download Unnatural Selection here for free.
Visit their webpage for more music, exceptional videos, and other information on the band.
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