See full show review with all photos by Jess Rechsteiner at New Noise Magazine here

I have seen Russian Circles at least three times in the past, however never at a show with only two bands playing one of which being the up-and-coming super group Mutoid Man. Around two or so years ago Nick [Cageao] had told me that he was working on a new project with Ben Koller (Converge) and Stephen Brodsky (Cave In). He showed me some demos of the soon to be Mutoid Man and based on their demos I could tell immediately that this band would be special.

Mutoid Man played for about forty-five minutes, and refused to spare even the slightest moment. Knowing that each of these individuals are seasoned musicians and watching it be on display in their stage presence was my personal favorite part of watching their set. Brodsky had an intense energy on the stage that poured out through his bodily movements, facial expressions, and guitar playing. Every time I watch Ben Koller play drums, he reminds me of a fierce animal with an unquenched appetite. His hits are both precise and hard. Nick Cageo, the bassist of Mutoid Man, was holding up the low end of things with a classic Black Sabbath-Iron Maiden type influence. My favorite part about Mutoid Man is that their style ranges anywhere from groove, to metal, to outer space. I am very eager to see where this band goes next. To my understanding they are currently working on their next full length to be released via Sargent House.

As Mutoid Man was wrapping up and leaving the stage the crowd was filled with excitement for Russian Circles to do what they do best. As I mentioned earlier, this was not the first time I had seen Russian Circles, and I knew going into it that I most likely would not be disappointed.