Empros
by Russian Circles
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Kerrang!
    Nov 29, 2011
    80
    What unites all six fantastically constructed pieces on this album is the sound of a band delivering on their potential, and then some. [Nov. 19, 2011 p. 52]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Magnet
    Nov 21, 2011
    80
    Circles finds the band leaving a bit of the motorik behind for more melodic and dynamic territory. [#82, p.57]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Drowned In Sound
    Nov 16, 2011
    80
    Empros is consistently epic and life-affirming without ever delving into over-emotional cliché.
  5. musicOMH.com
    Nov 15, 2011
    80
    Sullivan's intelligent use of layers and loops create a phenomenally dense but remarkably accessible soundscape as the band constantly ebb and flow between bombast and introspection.
  6. Pitchfork
    Nov 11, 2011
    77
    Bigger, stranger, and just plain heavier than any Circles disc before it, the first 35 minutes of Empros' empyrean, oblong alien-prog finds the band once again wrestling their grand ambitions into impossible shapes.
  7. Austin Chronicle
    Nov 3, 2011
    67
    "Batu" (Indonesia) circles but never lands, while closer "Praise Be Man" gurgles the end too early, but this hot comet Empros is anything but Greek.
  8. PopMatters
    Nov 2, 2011
    90
    The album is the natural progression and refining of everything the band has done prior to it; it encapsulates and exemplifies all at once.
  9. The A.V. Club
    Nov 1, 2011
    91
    Empros doesn't just defy gravity, it defines it.
  10. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Nov 1, 2011
    93
    There's a determination in the undertone of the album. That determination in crafting of a band's best record to date, only covered by the confidence it lets off as well.
  11. Rock Sound
    Oct 28, 2011
    90
    Their name might suggest one thing, but this lot are definitely not going around in circles; this is their best record yet.
  12. AllMusic
    Oct 27, 2011
    90
    As an album, Empros shows Russian Circles bringing together everything they've done before into one complete package, compiling the lessons of albums past into one singular vision, and bringing it all together for a new vision of their future.
  13. No Ripcord
    Oct 27, 2011
    80
    The band's fourth album, Empros, seamlessly threads together a mire of unmitigated sonic emanations with a consciously utilized sensitivity to sound and beauty, crafting a less than monotonous or laborious listen.
  14. Prefix Magazine
    Oct 25, 2011
    80
    Empros proves Russian Circles' ability once again, without going horribly out of its way to prove something or make some sort of grand statement.
  15. Spin
    Oct 25, 2011
    70
    Though crunching at their heaviest, the band still shines brightest when they edge toward indie-rock approachability.

Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best Album of 2011

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. pacoscorcho
    Nov 24, 2011
    8
    I like the progression here. The obvious definition of the tracks embodies the change of pace throughout the album. Each track has a wellI like the progression here. The obvious definition of the tracks embodies the change of pace throughout the album. Each track has a well credited emotion. I find this as a negative though as I much more enjoyed the cohesiveness of 'Station' where the storytelling nature of the varying rhythms and rigid elements encompassed within each track appeared to flow more fluidly. 'Station' is more like a movie with all the important elements where 'Empros' seems to be more of a drawn out journey of highs and lows. As I get into my car and turn up the volume, the journey heads in a positive direction.… Full Review »
  2. suspender
    Oct 28, 2011
    10
    OOO DANG their best stuff yet! Harder, Prettier, more concise, and more experimental than anything they've ever done before. The album worksOOO DANG their best stuff yet! Harder, Prettier, more concise, and more experimental than anything they've ever done before. The album works as a whole, with NO skippable tracks. I can only imagine what it's gonna be like live GEEZ… Full Review »
See all user reviews »