Viewing: russian circles - View all posts

Mike Sullivan Interview with Guitar.com Magazine 

New Russian Circles Track "Seventh Seal" Available Now 

WATCH “SEVENTH SEAL”

PRE-ORDER NINE

Russian Circles “are back to hypnotize headbangers” (Revolver). This Friday, they will release their new album, Nine, via Sargent House, and today they present, “Seventh Seal.” 

Following the hypnotic “Eluvial” and “Empath,” “Seventh Seal" is the album’s dark closer. Taking inspiration from Cliff Burton-era Metallica’s penchant for pairing melancholic classical guitar passages with the blunt force trauma of their heaviest tracks, on “Seventh Seal,” the stark beauty of guitarist Mike Sullivan’s nylon string solo composition ushers in the band’s most unapologetically straightforward metallic assault.

Russian Circles’ North American Headline tour is also now on sale. Check out the full list of dates below.

ALL TICKETS ON SALE NOW

SIGN UP FOR ALBUM & TOUR NEWS

Rave reviews for Russian Circles singles "Eluvial" and "Empath" 

“One of the heaviest singles the band has ever put out.” - The Needle Drop

“Beautiful instrumental metal I think a lot of you are going to get something out of.” - The Needle Drop

"This is the soundtrack to the apocalypse.” - Vice

VICE TRACKS OF THE WEEK

"Powerful instru-metallists Russian Circles are back to hypnotize headbangers with a ninth full-length, appropriately dubbed Nine. To celebrate the announcement, the trio have delivered a damned heavy taste of things to come via first single 'Empath.’” - Revolver

REVOLVER NEWS

"a song that takes all the tunneling ferocity of extreme metal and drives it into your chest without the easy reprieve of a chorus. This doesn’t feel like tension that goes nowhere but a concentrated freak out, replete with a breakdown riff that would make hardcore kids knock each other out in the pit with glee. It’s brilliant.” 
- Consequence

CONSEQUENCE TRACKS OF THE WEEK

"the track, and video, are undeniably Russian Circles, packing atmosphere and heaviness together with equal skill.” - Metal Injection

METAL INJECTION NEWS

Russian Circles release new track "Eluvial" 

WATCH “ELUVIAL”

PRE-ORDER NINE

"Vast, searching post-metal.” – Stereogum

“Absolutely crushing.” – The Needle Drop

"Powerful instru-metallists Russian Circles
are back to hypnotize headbangers.” – Revolver

Russian Circles, “exemplars of post-rock and post-metal” (Pitchfork), present “Eluvial,” the second single/video from their new album, Nine, out August 28th via Sargent House.

Arriving on the heels of “Empath,” which “showcases the evolving toughness of Russian Circles’ sound,” (Consequence), “Eluvial” is Nine’s grand centerpiece.

Russian Circles’ North American Headline tour is also now on sale. Check out the full list of dates below.

All tickets are on sale now

Sign up for album & tour news

RUSSIAN CIRCLES ANNOUNCE 'NINE'. WATCH/HEAR THE FIRST SINGLE 'EMPATH' OUT TODAY + HEADLINE TOUR FALL 2026 

Russian Circles new album "Nine" is coming out August 28th via Sargent House. 
Pre Save/ Stream/ Pre Order

Watch/Stream new song "Empath"  video by Madeline Hampton

 

Photo by Maarten van Helden

The North American Headline tour in support of NINE just announced. Support from Pelican for fist leg September 25 - October 13 and  Primitive Man support second leg from November 4 - 21st. Tickets on sale June 26, 2026 at 10am.  

Russian Circles & Pelican Europe 2026 

The Russian Circles & Pelican Spring tour in Europe starts May 8th. All tickets are on sale at the link below.

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

May 8 - Desertfest - Oslo, NO
May 9 - A Colossal Weekend - Copenhagen, DK
May 11 - Gruenspan - Hamburg, DE *
May 12 - Live Music Hall - Köln, DE *
May 13 - P8 - Karlsruhe, DE *
May 14 - dunk!festival - Zottegem, BE
May 15 - Sonic Whip - Nijmegen, NL
May 16 - Desertfest - Berlin, DE
May 18 - Arena - Vienna, AT
May 20 - MeetFactory - Prague, CZ *
May 21 - Technikum - Munich, DE
May 23 - Sonic Rites - Helsinki, FI

* with FOTOCRIME opening

Design by Andrew Maruska

Premier Guitar - Russian Circles Mike Sullivan Rig Rundown 

"After a devastating theft in 2021, the metal band’s guitarist rebuilt his tone empire around some life-changing loans."

“Chicago post-metal band Russian Circles had to battle their way back to gear heaven. Back in 2021, the bulk of the band’s gear was stolen while on tour, so they had to embark on a years-long rebuild of equipment. As a result, many of the items you might’ve seen in guitarist Mike Sullivan’s Rig Rundown back in 2017 are long gone.”

"PG’s Chris Kies met up recently with Sullivan at the band’s Chicago practice space, where they’ve resided for nearly 20 years. Check out some highlights from Sullivan’s new, resurrected rig below."

Russian Circles Announce 2026 Europe Dates with Pelican 

🚨JUST ANNOUNCED🚨

Russian Circles will be playing European shows and festivals in 2026 with Pelican joining them on all dates. 

May 8 - Desertfest - Oslo, NO
May 9 - A Colossal Weekend - Copenhagen, DK
May 11 - Gruenspan - Hamburg, DE
May 12 - Live Music Hall - Köln, DE
May 13 - P8 - Karlsruhe, DE
May 14 - dunk!festival - Gent, BE
May 15 - Sonic Whip - Nijmegen, NL
May 16 - Desertfest - Berlin, DE
May 18 - Arena - Vienna, AT
May 20 - MeetFactory - Prague, CZ
May 21 - Technikum - Munich, DE
May 23 - Sonic Rites - Helsinki, FI

Tickets on sale now

Metal Injection: New Russian Circles Material in the Works For A 2026 Release 

"Russian Circles is eagerly anticipating their next creative chapter, which is set to surface sometime in 2026. In a recent interview with New Noise Magazine, drummer Dave Turncrantz gave fans a glimpse into the band's creative state of mind: "It's about time that we — It's been, what, three years since the last record? And I think we're planning on trying to get something out by next year."

"That last record, Gnosis, dropped in 2022 and was met with critical acclaim, praised for its raw power and nuanced compositions. Now, with the band three years removed from that release, anticipation for what comes next is steadily mounting."

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

New Noise Magazine Interview: Russian Circles' Journey Through the Unknown 

“Russian Circles have long been at the forefront of instrumental post-metal and post-rock, pioneering a path through uncharted sonic terrain with a blend of crushing weight and ethereal grace. From their earliest days in Chicago’s experimental underground to their current status as globe-trotting instrumental ambassadors, Mike Sullivan (guitar), Dave Turncrantz (drums), and Brian Cook (bass) have elevated three-piece dynamics to an art form. Their music, a unique blend of prog expedition and metal maelstrom, defies easy categorization yet remains unmistakably their own, thanks to meticulous layering, dynamic mastery, and a steadfast commitment to genuine expression.”

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE

Russian Circles US Tour Begins in September 

Russian Circles will be playing their final Gnosis shows in the US before they begin their next album. Blackwater Holylight is joining them for the majority of the dates and their longtime tour mates Young Widows for the last two in Nashville and Chicago. 

TICKETS AVAILABLE FRIDAY 10AM LOCAL

RUSSIAN CIRCLES US 2025 
Sep 11 Detroit, MI - Magic Stick +
Sep 12 Lakewood, OH - The Roxy +
Sep 13 Columbus, OH - The King of Clubs +
Sep 14 Pittsburgh, PA - Spirit Hall + 
Sep 16 Buffalo, NY - Rec Room +
Sep 17 Allentown, PA - Archer Music Hall +
Sep 19 Boston, MA - Royale +
Sep 20 Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer +
Sep 21 Brooklyn, NY - Warsaw +
Sep 22 Washington, DC- 9:30 Club + 
Sep 24 Nashville, TN - Mainstage at Eastside Bowl *
Sep 26 Chicago, IL - Thalia Hall *

Support
Blackwater Holylight+ 9/11- 9/22
Young Widows* 9/24 - 9/26

Russian Circles Re-Press 'Gnosis' & 'Memorial' LPs 

Russian Circles Gnosis and Memorial LPs have been re-pressed with new limited variants of orange/black splatter and silver/black splatter and are now available for pre order in their online stores. Both variants will be on on sale during their June tour dates while supplies last. Album shirts in stores only.

PRE-ORDER GNOSIS AND MEMORIAL HERE

RUSSIAN CIRCLES EUROPE 2025
June 18 Liege, BE - OM *~
June 19 Wasquehal, FR - The Black Lab ~
June 21 Clisson, FR - @hellfestopenair
June 23 Zürich, CH - Rote Fabrik ~
June 24 Lausanne, CH - Les Docks ~
June 25 Marseille, FR - Espace Julien ~
June 26 Lyon, FR - La Rayonne ~
June 28 Viveiro, ES - @resurrectionfest

Supports
* Deafheaven
~ Ultha

Russian Circles Wrap US Tour to Glowing Praise 

Russian Circles have just wrapped up their 2025 US tour. Check out a great live review below and don't miss them in Europe in June.

“Last night, the Gothic was packed for Russian Circles and Pelican. Denver showed up in full force for this sold-out show, and I was stoked to catch my sixth Russian Circles experience.”

"Having caught Russian Circles five times before, starting in 2006 at the tiny Sokol Underground in Omaha, NE, I’ve watched their live show evolve over nearly two decades. Back in 2006, it was just three dudes on a dimly lit stage, relying purely on the power of their sound, and only one full length album under their belts."

“Fast forward to last night, and while the musical core remains the same, the experience has transformed. The light show has become as much a part of the experience as the music itself. Each song now has its own visual identity, with lighting that enhances the intensity of their music, and makes their show just that much better.”

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Mike Sullivan of Russian Circles at Rancho De La Luna 

Hiwatt caught up with Mike Sullivan last year in Joshua Tree, California at the legendary Rancho de la Luna Studio, owned by the equally legendary Dave Catching.

Mike kindly plugged into a DR504 stereo rig and played the title track off Russian Circles' most recent record "Gnosis". Watch the full video above.

Russian Circles Announce European Dates with Special Guests 


Russian Circles is heading to Europe this summer. Ultha will be opening all of the club shows with special guests Deafheaven for the show in Leige.

Tickets on sale Friday, Jan 31 at 11am CET HERE

RUSSIAN CIRCLES EUROPE 2025
June 18 Liege, BE - OM *~
June 19 Wasquehal, FR - The Black Lab ~
June 21 Clisson, FR - Hellfest
June 23 Zürich, CH - Rote Fabrik ~
June 24 Lausanne, CH - Les Docks ~
June 25 Marseille, FR - Espace Julien ~
June 26 Lyon, FR - La Rayonne ~
June 28 Viveiro, ES - Resurrection Fest

Supports:
* Deafheaven 
~ ULTHA

Russian Circles Announce 2025 US Tour with Pelican 

Russian Circles will be touring the U.S. in 2025. Pelican will be joining them on all dates. Tickets on sale Friday, November 15th, 10am local time. All dates below, tickets available HERE.

RUSSIAN CIRCLES & PELICAN TOUR 2025
March 3 St. Louis, MO - Delmar
March 5 Denton,TX - Rubber Gloves
March 6 Austin, TX - Mohawk
March 8 Tucson, AZ - Wired Fest at Rialto Theatre
March 9 Los Angeles, CA - The Regent
March 10 Santa Ana, CA - The Observatory
March 12 San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
March 13 Sacramento, CA - Ace of Spades
March 15 Portland, OR - Revolution Hall SOLD OUT
March 16 Seattle, WA - Showbox
March 17 Boise, ID - Knitting Factory
March 18 Salt Lake City, UT - Metro Music Hall
March 19 Englewood, CO - Gothic
March 21 Omaha, NE - Slowdown
March 22 Minneapolis, MN - Fine Line SOLD OUT

Russian Circles European Tour with REZN Begins October 9 

Russian Circles' European tour with labelmates REZN starts in Berlin October 9. The Madrid show has been moved to a larger venue now at Copernico. Shows are selling out so get your tickets soon.

ALL TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

RUSSIAN CIRCLES & REZN EUROPEAN TOUR 2024
Oct 9 Berlin, DE - Astra
Oct 10 Koln, DE - Kantine SOLD OUT
Oct 11 Munich, DE - Keep It Low Festival SOLD OUT
Oct 12 Prague, CZ - Archa
Oct 14 Vienna, AT - Arena
Oct 15 Bologna, IT - Estragon
Oct 17 Metz, FR - La Bam
Oct 18 Antwerp, BE - Desertfest SOLD OUT
Oct 20 Gothenburg, SE - Monument
Oct 21 Oslo, NO - Parkteatret
Oct 22 Stockholm, SE - Slaktkyrkan
Oct 24 Copenhagen, DK - Vega SOLD OUT 
Oct 25 Aalborg, DK - Lasher Fest
Oct 26 Hamburg, DE - Uebel & Gefaehrlich
Oct 27 Maastricht, NL -Samhain Festival* SOLD OUT
Oct 29 Birmingham, UK - O2 Institute2
Oct 30 Glasgow, UK - Slay
Oct 31 Belfast, N-IRE - Limelight 2
Nov 1 Dublin, IRE - Button Factory SOLD OUT
Nov 2 Manchester, UK - Damnation Festival
Nov 3 London, UK - EartH
Nov 5 Paris, FR - Le Trianon
Nov 6 Rennes, FR - L’Antipode
Nov 7 Bordeaux, FR - Krakatoa
Nov 9 Porto, PT - Amplifest * SOLD OUT
Nov 10 Madrid, ES - Copernico
Nov 11 Barcelona, ES - Salamandra

*no REZN

Russian Circles 20 Year Anniversary US Shows Begin 

The first leg of Russian Circles' 20th anniversary US tour starts this Saturday 9/7. We hope to see you out there. Second leg will be announced shortly for early 2025.

ALL TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

Sept 7 Chicago, IL @ Metro + * SOLD OUT
Sept 8 Milwaukee, WI - Vivarium *
Sept 11 Grand Rapids, MI - Pyramid Scheme *
Sept 12 Pittsburgh, PA @ Spirit Hall *
Sept 13 Baltimore, MD @ Union Craft Brewing *
Sept 14 Queens, NY @ Knockdown Center / Desertfest NYC

AVAILABLE NOW: RUSSIAN CIRCLES - EMPROS VINYL RE-ISSUE 

The ‘Empros’ reissue is now available at record stores everywhere.

Two new variants, remastered audio, an embossed cover and redesigned inner sleeve. Grab a copy in our online stores at Hello Merch and in Europe at Evil Greed.

ORDER EMPROS VINYL RE-ISSUE

Both variants will be on sale on upcoming tours in the U.S. and Europe. All dates below.

Sept 7 Chicago, IL @ Metro + *
Sept 8 Milwaukee, WI - Vivarium *
Sept 11 Grand Rapids, MI - Pyramid Scheme *
Sept 12 Pittsburgh, PA @ Spirit Hall *
Sept 13 Baltimore, MD @ Union Craft Brewing *
Sept 14 Queens, NY @ Knockdown Center / Desertfest NYC

Support from:
Pelican +
Djunah *

RUSSIAN CIRCLES & REZN EUROPEAN TOUR 2024
Oct 9 Berlin, DE - Astra
Oct 10 Koln, DE - Kantine
Oct 11 Munich, DE - Keep It Low Festival
Oct 12 Prague, CZ - Archa
Oct 14 Vienna, AT - Arena
Oct 15 Bologna, IT - Estragon
Oct 17 Metz, FR - La Bam
Oct 18 Antwerp, BE - Desertfest
Oct 20 Gothenburg, SE - Monument
Oct 21 Oslo, NO - Parkteatret
Oct 22 Stockholm, SE - Slaktkyrkan
Oct 24 Copenhagen, DK - Vega
Oct 25 Aalborg, DK - Lasher Fest
Oct 26 Hamburg, DE - Uebel & Gefaehrlich
Oct 27 Maastricht, NL - Samhain Festival*
Oct 29 Birmingham, UK - O2 Institute2
Oct 30 Glasgow, UK - Slay
Oct 31 Belfast, N-IRE - Limelight 2
Nov 1 Dublin, IRE - Button Factory
Nov 2 Manchester, UK - Damnation Festival
Nov 3 London, UK - EartH
Nov 5 Paris, FR - Le Trianon
Nov 6 Rennes, FR - L’Antipode
Nov 7 Bordeaux, FR - Krakatoa
Nov 9 Porto, PT - Amplifest *
Nov 10 Madrid, ES - Nazca
Nov 11 Barcelona, ES - Salamandra

*no REZN

RUSSIAN CIRCLES ANNOUNCE 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SHOWS 

2004 was the year Russian Circles began. To celebrate 20 years, they are delighted to have their friends Pelican join them for a special hometown show at Metro Chicago. They'll also hit a few other stops with Djunah supporting on their way down to NY for Desertfest.  All tickets on sale now  HERE

Sept 7 Chicago, IL @ Metro + *
Sept 8 Milwaukee, WI - Vivarium *
Sept 11 Grand Rapids, MI - Pyramid Scheme *
Sept 12 Pittsburgh, PA @ Spirit Hall *
Sept 13 Baltimore, MD @ Union Craft Brewing *
Sept 14 Queens, NY @ Knockdown Center / Desert Fest 

 

Support from
Pelican +
Djunah *

RUSSIAN CIRCLES - EMPROS VINYL RE-ISSUE 

We are delighted to announce that Russian Circles' fourth album Empros is being reissued on vinyl with remastered audio, in two new variants, with an embossed cover, and a redesigned inner sleeve.

Pre orders are now live in both of our online stores at Hello Merch and in Europe at Evil Greed. 

Available at record stores on August 9th, 2024 via Sargent House.

PRE-ORDER EMPROS VINYL RE-ISSUE