Alotus - Circle

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...Perfect Circle, recently formed by and based around the lead singer of Tool, released this debut album in May. I have seen very few reviews of it anywhere, so here's my take. Over a year or so, I have got very much more into hard rock, but I still like it to be good music and not just a shouting competition, yet it has to be loud enough to not sound poncy. Perfect Circle fit that bill excellently. Tracks range in speed and tempo, but Mr. Tool's distinctive voice and lyrics bring an tasty essence of originality to each one. Particularly impressive is the single release "Judith" - combining some wonderfully tuned vocal loops with some excellent guitar riffs, forming a song of mastered quality. If you like hard rock, Tool, or maybe into regular rock and feeling brave, then buy this album. You will not be disappointed. And if you are, then I... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Atmospheric, eerie, original
Disadvantages: Maybe too unconventional for fans of the first album

...I was expecting this album to be a bit heavier, especially after hearing A Perfect Circle's debut, and Tool's albums. There isn't that much on the album that could be described as 'metal' at all, in fact.. However, it is very beautiful and dark, and there are some pretty weird, experimental moments. The opener 'The Package' is definitely a highlight of the album, with its clattering percussive sounds and melancholy melody, stretching out over nearly eight minutes. Shortly after is the album's stand-out, 'The Noose', probably the most beautiful piece of music Maynard James Keenan has ever sung on. Both tracks are brooding, eerie alt. rock that are always a step away from the conventional, commercial music you hear on mainstream radio. However, the album takes a lighter turn in the middle, with a couple of acoustic numbers... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Its perfect.
Disadvantages: No, really, its perfect.

...I was browsing through my very small catalogue of very poor reviews, and to my suprise I realised that I had reviewed A Perfect Circle's first album, Mer De Noms, but not their second. I'm sure I will be cursed for my sins, so im trying to rectify the problem before the man upstair catches on. Anyway, this sophomore release from A Perfect Circle is a monster of sorts. Its soft, mellow, light, dark, brooding, heavy, hard. Its anything you want it to be. Thirteenth Step is the soundtrack to life, which isnt a huge energetic rollercoaster. No, life is reflective and calm....until something smashes you in the face and laughs as your dreams and hopes crumble. Thirteenth Step is decieving. It may seem all flowery and joyuss on the outside, but an evil beast lurks within. This is Satan if he were to discover the art of dance and practice... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful