The Nine Circles Audio Thing

Spiral Skies recently released their second full length, Death Is But A Door (AOP Records), and it is an exceptional example of just how good psychedelic doom and classic heavy metal can sound when paired the way this band does it. Buke recently chatted with vocalist Frida Eurenius regarding this new album and how it came to be. They also covered how it was to grow up in Stockholm, Sweden, a chance Opeth encounter at a local grocery store, women in metal and trying to be an inspiration for her daughter, how she got into singing, the band's shared love of power metal, and so much more. We now present that conversation to you in its entirety so grab your drink of choice, a chair, and enjoy. 

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

On their ninth full length album, Fenice (Neurot Recordings), Ufomammut are all about the finesse of their already well established and powerful, psychedelic doom metal. They continue to push their own boundaries and move the bar even higher for any band trying to chase them. And let's face it, plenty have since Ufomammut have influenced countless others along the way. Just ahead of the album's release, Buke sat down with Poia, Urlo, and Levre for an in depth discussion surrounding the new album and how it came to be, band history and how they eventually landed on their signature sound, using synthesizer, their intense passion for art as well as a discussion on album art, how hard Covid hit Italy and how they all handled it, how it was for Levre to join an already established band, and so much more. We now present that conversation to you in its entirety so grab your drink of choice, a chair, and enjoy. 

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Ignite have had a long journey since their formation in 1993 and a journey that's seen them work harder and harder with every release. On their recently released full length, Ignite, (Century Media) they've knocked it out of the park in the punk / melodic hardcore scene and are ushering in a whole new era of fans. Surrounding this album's release, Buke sat down with bassist Brett Rasmussen to discuss the new album and what makes a good bassist, how his parents music collection influenced him, bringing in new vocalist Eli and his transition from metal to punk, his love of Joy Division, filming shows with cell phones and not actually experiencing it, and so much more. We now present that conversation to you in its entirety so grab your drink of choice, a chair, and enjoy. 

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Aeviterne's debut The Ailing Facade (Profound Lore) hasn't been out long and has already garnered a ton of favorable press and chatter around the metal world for its unique take on experimental death metal. Wide ranging beast would be one way to put it but that misses the musical genius of this band. Experience it, you must. Buke sat down with drummer Ian Jacyszyn to discuss the new album as well as drummer techniques and how Phil from AC/DC was a huge influence, defining the band's sound, what excites him as an artist and the vinyl journey, and so much more. We now present that conversation to you in its entirety so grab your drink of choice, a chair, and enjoy. 

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Now on a sophomore album run, Undeath have made a huge name for themselves by simply being as death metal as they can be. On paper, that sounds simple but some bands can go a lifetime and never find the groove Undeath has. Mining the meat and potatoes as well as the 'gimme that nasty riff' crowd, It's Time...To Rise From the Grave (Prosthetic Records) is a violent beast and a massive statement that they are here to stay. Buke sat down with vocalist Alexander Jones to discuss said album and how it was to make this album as a full band, how they've evolved from their 2019 demo, his writing and journalism major, early music interests and influences as well as several grindcore recommendations, living in New York and that music scene, how he landed in a death metal band, and so much more. We now present that conversation to you in its entirety so grab a beer, a chair, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

By now, Khemmis is a household name for any house that counts doomed heavy metal as law. And for good reason, across four full lengths and a handful of EPs and singles they've trod their own path and created something musically that has no equal. It's heavy as lead, super emotional, and about as down to earth as it can be. They've garnered spots on best of lists around the world for each release and their star shines brighter each and every time out. Just ahead of a huge tour with Opeth and Mastodon, Buke sat down with vocalist and guitarist Phil Pendergast to discuss said tour and how it came to be and the fact that they've somehow been labeled a non touring band, how important it is to stay true to themselves, how difficult it was navigating their friend and ex bassist Dan departing during the pandemic, and a whole smorgasbord of other topics. We now present that conversation to you in its entirety so grab a beer, a chair, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Skull Fist are a tried and true heavy metal machine. Period. And on their fourth full length, Paid In Full (Atomic Fire Records), they fully cement the deal. So, obviously, Buke jumped at the chance to discuss this beast with vocalist and guitarist Zach Slaughter. The pair discussed the new album which will be available April 22, as well as skateboarding and a broken neck, hitchhiking across Canada for Iron Maiden, getting a start on guitar at age 15 and early influences, what brings Zach joy, his other projects, hockey, and a whole list of other topics. We now present that conversation to you in its entirety so grab a beer, a chair, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

London's progressive metallers Monuments are on the eve of releasing their fourth full length album, In Stasis (Century Media), on April 15 and if you've been paying attention they've come along way since their debut. Their songwriting is more captivating than ever, the band's performances are better than ever, and to add to it all, they've added a technical component here that makes this quite possibly their heaviest release yet.

Just ahead of this album's release, Buke jumped in the interview machine to chat with drummer Mike Maylan to discuss a multitude of topics: the new album, his and the band's musical inspirations, injuries and overcoming some major struggles, drumming styles, selling guitar tabs, enjoying music without judgement, and a whole host of other topics. We now present that conversation to you in its entirety.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Portland, Maine, black metallers Falls of Rauros released their sixth full-length, Key to a Vanishing Future (Gilead Media / Eisenwald), on March 25. As you may already be aware, Key earned our Album of the Month honors here at Nine Circles, and it represents a tremendous next step in the evolution of a band for which our staff is quickly running out of superlatives.

On the eve of its release, Buke hopped on a call with guitarist Jordan Guerette to discuss a whole multitude of topics: the new album, the process of sonic evolution, simplicity in music... even the simple process of existing as a band during a global pandemic. We now present that conversation to you in its entirety.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Vincent had this month's pick and joins with Ian, Angela, and Hera while Buke once again helms the show. The gang covers the sixth full length from Falls of Rauros, Key to a Vanishing Future (Gilead Media) and unlike last month's pick, most are in agreement that this album is an absolute epic entry in the band's discography. As usual, the group covers this album at length and talks about nearly every facet of it as well as catching up since last chatting together, bike riding, books, and a lengthy section on what else tripped our triggers in the month of March.  

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky