Russian Circles | Audiotree From Nothing

From the moment they stepped out of their multiple U-Haul’s, fresh off a half-completed US tour, it was clear how seasoned the men in Russian Circles were to the rigorous load-in load-out process. It was still warm in Chicago, despite it being October. Maybe it was the weather, or maybe the fact they weren’t loading into a venue, but the cheerful nature of this band was palpable. It felt odd, in a way, to hear a band that is known for being instrumental, be so vocal. Their guitarist, Mike Sullivan, was quick to share tour stories, talk about gear, and crack jokes that invigorated his band and the room. The humans behind this loud, heavy, powerful music turned out to be (in many ways) total comedians.
During soundcheck, the amplification literally shook the studio. It’s difficult to translate how loud this band actually is without standing directly in the room. What was most impressive was their precision without the use of a click-track-a common tactic for louder bands-how clear it was that this band were masterful at listening to themselves and each other simultaneously. One breathing unit in harmony with itself.
To be this seasoned, have nearly 20 years in the game, and still be able to push the bar with this repetitive loud rock music is a feat. There have been a lot of imitators of their style, as well as an array of exciting new sounds inspired by it. Russian Circles continues to be the force to be reckoned with in their corner of the underground rock community, and demonstrates exactly what it takes to stay in and be the absolute best band they can be.
Recorded live on October 3, 2022 in Chicago, IL.
More From Nothing → • ✢ Audiotree From Nothi...
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:00 Betrayal
05:56 On Creativity
08:54 Conduit
13:17 On Writing
15:54 Gnosis
23:04 On Performance
Visit the band's website → www.russiancirclesband.com/
Russian Circles is
Guitar | Mike Sullivan
Bass | Brian Cook
Drums | Dave Turncrantz
Directed + Edited | Austin Peters
Director of Photography | Tom Conway
Camera Operation | Matt Tyrpin, Justin Kenney, Calla Flanagan
Audio Record + Mix | Neil Strauch
Audio Assist | Lucas Hansa, Susie McCollum
, Wes Reno
-
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#russiancircles #postmetal #metal

[@C.good2damax]

I love how RC walks on stage starts playing and when done they just wave 👋 goodbye. No words no ego ❤ 🔥 from a mighty instrumental band.

[@elnombre91]

When I saw Nadja live they were like that. They stepped on stage and proceeded to play a solid stream of music without stopping for an hour or so. Incredible gig.

[@nadinenabass7284]

Yes!! I saw them for the first time last year and it was hands down top 5 shows I have ever been to. I was so surprised there weren't even mics on stage! Felt like a two-hour fever dream, truly was transported to another place.

[@batmanderdad]

They’re best greatest instrumental band ever. The power of their live shows is mind blowing. I’ve taken a couple people who knew nothing about them to their shows and watching them feel it and react with awe is always the best.

[@C.good2damax]

@@batmanderdad yeah that’s awesome!

[@bloodyangel95]

I will see them one day I put tht on everything

[@adriansaninja]

these guys should be doing the music for the new dune movies I cant get the certain desert planet imagery out of my head

[@Lord_Stinkfoot]

If Rush had an introverted child

[@ElPantera237]

Under the influence of diverse narcotics.

[@Lord_Stinkfoot]

@@ElPantera237 well, that too

[@maurmmiranda]

Correct

[@LorrieAMoffatt-nh1tm]

I AM IN LOVE GENIUS BOYS GENIUS IM A FLOYD AND LOVE RUSH. TY VERY MUCH IF THE CHILDREN OF RUSH AND PINK FLOYD ♥️♥️♥️

[@jamesyahoo4758]

.. with a.. ehhem... sorry, 🫢.... WITH A HANBANGIN' MUZAK ELEVATOR FROM HEEELLLLL!

[@hidusty8182]

My favorite thing about their music has to be the way that it sounds

[@maketherobotdoit]

Shit! Me too!

[@coryleblanc]

derp

[@burn740]

I'm gonna have to go ahead and agree with you there

[@Dave-lr2wo]

Not me. For me the best part about their music is the sonic effect it has on my brain through my ears.

[@burn740]

@@Dave-lr2wo whoa

[@codygermanshepherd4447]

My life has changed ever since I was introduced to this amazing band.

[@gerhardneef8338]

Same here. Thinking and doing so differently was such a huge inspiration. Thank you guys!

[@nigelbishop8108]

Likewise!

[@shithawk89]

"There's not someone dumping their poetry on me... it's just music" This should be on a Russian Circles shirt

[@BrunoCoelho]

So I asked Spotify to create a radio based on Elder and my God am I happy to be here! Love these guys because they do what I wish Elder did - no singing.

[@adamhorner7076]

Christ! that guitar/ bass riff at 19:20... Unreal!!

[@moejartin3258]

Russian Circles creates music for the deaf. You can literally feel every track.

[@PeepingTime]

no that was QOTSA

[@moejartin3258]

@PeepingTime I don't get the same feeling, unfortunately. I listen to them as well, but it's just not the same as what I feel when I listen to these guys.

[@PeepingTime]

I said that bc it was the name of one of their albums @@moejartin3258

[@spiralshadow]

@@moejartin3258 pssst look up the QOTSA discography real quick ;)

[@pillznarRy]

one of the greatest most underrated bands on this planet. dudes are still here for a reason, theyre some of the hardest working dudes out there.

[@mattgriffin2880]

Dave, repping some REZN. Sweet!

[@LobstersLobsters]

gnosis is a song of grand tension and focus ... and oh man is it good

[@analog_memories]

My best friend gave me a Russian Circles cd and a Pelican CD back around 2006. It changed my view of music forever.

[@boelegerkes]

21:52 The synced delay under that machine-gun riff 👀❤

[@Wiseletman]

i almost came in my pants

[@psjp3000]

I've seen a lot of metal bands over the years but nothing compares to the experience of seeing Russian Circles live. I saw them at The Fleece in Bristol in 2015. The opening riff blew me away, I was in awe of them for the next 90 mins. They didnt speak between songs, they just let their music do the talking. One of the best live experiences of my life.

[@maxolydian9115]

Saw them last year. Bring earplugs. These guys don’t mess around. You can feel every note and drum beat in your bones when they perform. Also - ridiculously good light show

[@llabyrinthinessoul]

how do you enjoy it if you're wearing earplugs?

[@wayleygg]

@@llabyrinthinessoul is this a joke?

[@llabyrinthinessoul]

@@wayleygg no im serious ive never been to a concert before

[@glenuntermeer]

@@llabyrinthinessoul You can get ear plugs that reduce frequencies fairly evenly. (You're right that foam earplugs don't leave you with an ideal experience.) Ideally you wouldn't need 'em but a lot of shows - including most metal shows - are mixed at levels that will damage your hearing over time.

[@llabyrinthinessoul]

@@glenuntermeer thanks for the info!

[@carlfrenette7877]

I got the pleasure of meeting them after their last Montreal show. They say to never meet your heroes, but these folks were the kindest, most humble, friendly and all-around genuine people ever. I love this band to no end.

[@CaribouXophe]

I was at this show, first time seeing them live. Did not expect it to be that much more powerful than the albums. Blown away.

[@Drainthewell]

I met them way back when they were touring Enter in London, Ontario of all places. Super chill dudes. I offered to smoke them and Fear Before The March Of Flames up. They were pretty bugged out at how casual it was to get high in a parking lot in Canada back then. Good to hear they're still nice dudes

[@carlfrenette7877]

@@Drainthewell Holy crap, hey Phil! You're also a pretty cool dude! Haha

[@shithawk89]

seems like they would be. they make music for art not for money. those are usually the humble kind musicians.

[@Drainthewell]

@@carlfrenette7877 Haha duuuude. What are the chances

[@azraelgm]

that dunable guitar is lovely. All the songs come across beautifully here, but Gnosis is otherworldly.

[@2strokeroll]

One of the best rock bands of the 21st Century 🙌🏼 down

[@chrissiebeneck3294]

I second Brian's perspective on vocals/lyrics getting in the way of the tunes

[@music_is_good]

Absolutely phenomenal band. Amazing mix and footage as well. Thank you Audiotree!

[@reyrichard4922]

Dommage de ne pas êtres en communication avec le public

[@JoshuaStandingHarvey]

Saw these guys in 2019. such an incredible performance. come out 2 hours of epic music, no talking just hair raising sound!

[@JoshuaStandingHarvey]

Also! listen to REZN!

[@DrSpaceman69]

Can’t believe I’ve been a fan for like 13-14 years now… the greatest post metal band ever.

[@JonnyHutchins]

Hands down the loudest and one of the tightest live bands I've ever seen live. Seen them 4 times live

[@GothicXlightning]

20:13 that little feedback right before the stormy beauty of riff did pierced my soul like and Arrow of lightning🏹🎵⚡ but seriously how the hell can this live recording sound even better than the studio version? that is a Magik studio

[@BasementGAS]

Saw them open for Mastodon and got to chat with Mike after the show. Awesome and wholesome dude. A band I listen to every day. Pure artists.

[@Swamprot]

I would kill to see them open for Mastodon

[@DionysusEleutherios]

Saw them open for Mastodon in Amsterdam as well in 2019!

[@Skagb0y]

that was one of my favorite parts! what an ingenuous way ro use delay

[@HarveyPeckar]

Amazing band and what an amazing record is Gnosis. Pure fucking gold.

[@Mr_Beebird]

Going to see them live with Cult of Luna on Saturday. Literally two of my favorite bands on one evening, a dream come true. This will the fourth time I go to see these guys play live and they always sounded amazing so far.

[@robr2303]

Saw RC bck in '19. Would love to see COL. Lucky you.

[@Mr_Beebird]

@@robr2303 Sadly I got really sick and couldn't go today. Bad luck. :( I'm really bummed out, but health comes first in a case like this.

[@fredriksvanberg8141]

Drove down to Copenhagen from Gothenburg just to see that lineup. Incredible is an understatement of what I witnessed. I feel bad for you missing the show but nice of you to take some responsibility and sitting it out instead of potentially harming yourself or others. Maybe you could enjoy this story. Saw Cult of Luna for the first time back in '09 at Metaltown here in Gbg. Me and a friend walked around the festival grounds after smoking some green. Marilyn Manson headlined. He stunk and we went for the exit. Walked by the smaller tent stage and this dark, crushing yet melodic noise caught my ear. Cult of Luna. I stood there frozen for what seemed like 4 hours just immersing myself in this beautiful experience. I felt a warmth in my chest and goosebumps all over my arms and neck. And I had been stoned before but this was something else. Bought every record I could find the next day which was Salvation, Somewhere Along the Highway and The Eternal Kingdom. Hugest fan ever since that night. Russian Circles is another, albeit less fantastical story. I stumbled upon Deficit on youtube when it had just come out and I got that same glorious feeling inside my chest. Unbelievable band and not since Rush has a power trio sounded this huge. Love everything about them. Both bands, and the opener Svalbard, gave everything they had and I couldn't be happier about the show. As a sober dad these days, this feeling I will carry with me for a long time.

[@edmeth]

Best show of 2022. They sound sooo good live.

[@elpepo01]

The "Far Out" performance that they did a few years back was incredible, this one... Even better. Gnosis was a masterful release. RC never disappoints.

[@aaronwhite1786]

It's been wild listening to Russian Circles since 2006 and seeing them evolve over time. Over all that time they've been able to put out solid album after solid album.

[@ZeEduardo95]

I can't believe this! Russian Circles on Audiotree? Yes, please!

[@DavidSedano]

I was at a local record store years ago and asked the guy at the front what was playing over the speakers, and it was the album Guidance and honestly, one of the best purchases I've ever made

[@benjaminbrackin5554]

Love that they are reppin REZN here. I was introduced to them when they opened up for Russian Circles. Incredible band and phenomenal night. Russian Circles is one of the best live performances you will ever see.

[@CarlosmanuelChavezayuso-gi5qy]

GREAT BAND PROG CONGRATS RUSSIAN CIRCLES FROM MÉXICO 🎹😎🎸🌈🌠👋

[@GoranPeuc]

That moment when you see Mike play a thing, and then he stops playing guitar but the sound is still going in a loop, and you know shit's going to be epic as he will layer something on top.

[@johannasequera890]

I really love russian circles ❤

[@mateidragosadrian2038]

Found this guys a couple of months ago. Hopefully I'll get to see them live soon

[@oddcreature8953]

This is a fantastic video: the band, the music, the camera work, the sound recording. Top notch, Audiotree!

[@GabrielleMarinArt]

Saw them opening for Boris in 2010 and I've been hooked to their music ever since. I had already listened to Enter when it came out in 2006 but I didn't realize how great they were until I saw them live. I've seen them probably close to a dozen times now, and it never gets old. They're one of the best live bands I've ever seen.

[@andrewdavidson2428]

Honestly they never clicked for me until I saw the recent Gnosis tour and was absolutely blown away. Will never miss them when they come around town again

[@drummersagainstitk]

This band brings the sound every single time.

[@officialmetalwill]

The sound of garbage. There is so much gain that the music is completely indiscernible.

[@stevenvandersmissen7343]

@@officialmetalwill get out of here... clearest high gain you can get.

[@benfranky]

@@officialmetalwill Were you listening to this on a toaster? Your ignorance is astounding.

[@aland5657]

this is so much tighter than the album version, we need another live album - live at dunk fest is dope

[@freehaven1]

I hope these gentlemen put out albums until the day I die.....it's the soundtrack to my metal life. thank you Russian Circles, thank you

[@ikerzuazaga6218]

I'm 42 yeras old and I've seen many bands live. And Russian Circles 2 times on 2012 / 2013 in Bilbao. No band comes close to this trio. They get a unique meditative experience on stage. I remember talking to Dave Turnkratz after one of the shows and telling him that if he left the band, it wouldn't sound the same. To which he replied: it's curious that you say that because I'm thinking of leaving the band. I'm very happy to see that he's still playing with Russian Circles.

[@zhenjiu]

I've listened to RC for over 10 years. They have always produced new, innovative, monumental music.

[@jaysmith6238]

Conduit 🤘🤘

[@natalieestrello6528]

The vibrations of an RC show transmute you to place you never want to leave. So thankful to have seen this band live so many times. Great work!

[@unmike19]

One of the best live bands I've ever seen. Have seen them 5 times. The first, was opening for Coheed and they nearly stole the show. Phenomenal band and very nice guys. Have had the pleasure of chatting with them multiple times at shows, and they are always kind and generous with their time.

[@timbeasley1771]

One of my all time favorite bands and as a drummer Dave has always been my biggest inspiration. Keep it up we are lucky to have you guys.

[@xavkoston16]

I think a looot of RC listeners are drummers

[@aizoyurei]

He's so fucking dope!

[@aizoyurei]

@@xavkoston16 LOL! Definitely I am!

[@fem.2019]

He’s one of the Underrated drummer.

[@hydrakn]

Love these guys so much, stellar feature and a special thanks to Brian for making time to reunion-tour with Botch! Whole catalog is a joy to listen through.

[@aland5657]

fucking love these guys. every single thing they've made is beautiful. Found out about them and immediately bought their entire discography and saw them twice on their tour, stoked for the next round

[@carloscoll5249]

Saw these guys in brooklyn years ago, and they are ethereal, sublime. What they do so well, is build layers and crescendo to each song to a frenzied level

[@wearesofucked]

When I heard mogwai hunted by a freak for the first time in the early 2000s, I was immediately in touch with instrumental music. It made so much sense to me coming from a childhood of being infatuated with movie soundtracks. I love Russian circles.

[@arthureames9715]

One of my favorite bands by far. Listening to their albums evolve, culminating with Gnosis is amazing. Gnosis is the best vinyl I own. When I have had a bad day, I put that record on loud, and just the wall of sound is so cathartic and clarifying.

[@shithawk89]

I can relate, I do the same thing with this record. I like how you used the word "clarifying" I was going to say "relieving" I just got into vinyl 2 weeks ago and I order this record on silver vinyl from their website last night. Can't wait to give that a spin.

[@lostandwounded]

one of the best bands the last 20 years. saw'em 4 times in germany dortmund FZW. awesome.

[@sallyschildcare]

Forever grateful to TooL for introducing me to this band back in 2007.

[@utopianacht]

My first contact was Geneva, and I have loved the sound of this band since then \m/.

[@CaveManCole]

I was looking for Maynard when Gnosis started. So! Good!

[@zacheagen9645]

If you ever get the chance to see these guys play live take the opportunity. For how awesome they sound in videos and audio live is an EXPERIENCE. Its so loud and aggressive, and the light show fits so perfectly. It will blow your mind as you get to hear and feel the music pound through your chest. I can't wait to see them again.

[@calebkeen8967]

I saw them open for Mastodon a few years ago. They were incredible. Mastodon also played a great show but as an experience it was more like a double-bill than headliner and opener.

[@ElPantera237]

Going to see them live for the first time here in Mexico; mid-April. Can’t wait! Many friends and music cognoscenti will assist for sure…

[@aland5657]

SO FUCKING GOOOOOOOOOOOOOD, GOD DAMN THESE GUYS JUST KILL IT

[@chadmwest]

That high hat-floor tom combination on Conduit threw me for a complete loop. I could hear it on the album but I didn't know exactly what I was hearing.

[@TheLivirus]

How do they make it sound so good!?!??!

[@UnfilteredWP]

Russian Circles has motivated, inspired, and pumped me up for years now. You've done them justice and for that I thank you. Their live shows are truly amazing!

[@dozzzzer]

Damn it, I just can't express how much I love their music. It's just some sort of sorcery. The fact they never ceased to surprise and amaze me over the last 14 years says it all. Their works have become a soundtrack to my life which helped to get through the most challenging of times. Been to their live show once and it was defo one of the most memorable concerts in my life. Can't wait to see you guys live again in a couple of weeks!

[@nicholasjohn898]

The first song I heard by these guys was Death Rides a Horse and I was sold

[@theesaltyaaron]

Here in 2024 and love this god damn band!❤❤❤❤

[@jayvonirsik7232]

I am a non vocal instrumental musician and I am so happy with this bands progress.

[@timbrawdy2249]

Daaaaamn I saw you guys in a vfw in Pittsburgh back in the early 2000s. My friends band opened up for you! Been a fan for so long!

[@hugemetalfan6664]

I found these guys like last year and I freaking love this band!!!

[@brydykes1537]

2 months after seeing these fine gentlemen live at the Metro, a show full of brute force and volume, I had surgery in my neck to prevent my spinal cord from being severed. If it was my last show on this mortal coil, I would have been A-Okay with it because it was the best show I have ever seen. Can't wait to see them again.

[@aaronpermen5430]

Incredible video! Loved the insightful interview segments. Favorite part though is seeing Gnosis played here, easily my top track from that album.

[@Lord_Stinkfoot]

Saw these guys open up for Mastodon. They were fantastic.

[@boarderking133]

So glad to see these guys getting the respect they deserve been a fan since i before they had recorded any sound. I listened to their first jam session in a garage and knew theyd be big one day. In fact ive been listening to mike play since he first picked up a guitar

[@shithawk89]

solid brag bro

[@Tarquin21723]

Everytime they come to Detroit, I go and see them. Great band and great people.

[@jeffk2481]

These guys are so amazing. They were with me through some pretty tough times and I thank God I discovered them

[@electricmeatpuppet]

The steam rising up off of Mike at the start of Gnosis there... and such an epic fucking track too. The synth part in the beginning gets me everytime, so good :)

[@wearesofucked]

This is so fucking good.

[@shithawk89]

I fuckin love this band so much, ever since discovering them in 2015 they have grown and still remained incredibly consistent. I wasn't really anticipating or expecting much from GNOSIS but once I took it all in ( especially the music video ) it reminded me why they are in my top 5 bands But you gotta see them live to really appreciate their greatness

[@Kevly_]

The show these guys played with Korn and System of a Down early last year is the reason I have tinnitus and have now started wearing ear protection to every show

[@MrDaigoRiki]

I used to listen to their second album all the time, now I listen to their newer stuff. So cool. The guitarist is so creative

[@Platterpus-wu3yo]

Incredible band

[@timcrawford9319]

Thanks for all the years of great music, RC

[@gabrielbaer4840]

Man they are so fucking good live. Such a great band

[@mikeowens40]

Just discovered yall, and damn am i feeling gnosis! Ready to binge your discopgraphy

[@ukaszrozalski6378]

Great piece of art, greetings from Poland

[@pillznarRy]

and those guitars are fckn GORGEOUS. that green is just CHEFS kiss

[@barretteistetter3538]

Saw these guys open for Appleseed Cast in San Francisco 2005. 'Enter' had just come out. No one was expecting much from an opening band and they blew the f*cking roof off the place!

[@aaronpott7667]

This is awesome. Great little interviews between the songs.

[@barlevente]

its awesome to see detective Rust Cohle playing in such a great band

[@thisisebo]

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS! TRULY MASTERPIECE!!!

[@zulu3594]

Wow, I remember interacting with these guys minorly about a decade ago on SoundCloud when they released a song called 'Deficit' . Awsome to see theyve taken it so far!!!

[@VitrificationOfBlood]

Haven’t watched a second and this is already great! Love this band so much.

[@jayvonirsik7232]

Man I just checked the tour dates and I am saddened that I will not be seeing them this year. My daughter is 6 and we share the same love of music and its now time that she starts seeing live shows. This will be the best one I guarantee it.

[@lihachev87]

Да тут лайк не глядя!

[@BobbyLunsford352]

Conduit is so dang heavy🤘

[@makis206]

Always a surprise.! You guys rock.!!

[@possiblystevo9141]

amazing how they imbue so much unique personality into each separate track, always a great experience live too

[@maxleonidov5225]

Amazing band! Thank you

[@RHINOSTARROCKT]

Great band - and great camera & editing! Very good sound too - thank you Audiotree!