Russian Circles, Pelican

Russian Circles

Russian Circles is an instrumental post-metal band from Chicago renowned for their cinematic soundscapes and masterful musicianship. Blending crushing heaviness with ethereal melodies, their music takes listeners on immersive, emotional journeys. Albums like Station and Memorial showcase their ability to craft intricate, dynamic compositions that ebb and flow between moments of brooding intensity and serene beauty. Russian Circles’ atmospheric approach and captivating live performances have solidified their status as one of the most influential instrumental acts in modern heavy music.

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Pelican

Pelican is a pioneering post-metal band known for their expansive and atmospheric sound. Emerging from Chicago’s underground scene, Pelican helped shape the genre with albums like Australasia and The Fire in Our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw. Their music eschews vocals, focusing instead on lush guitar harmonies, crushing riffs, and powerful crescendos. Balancing heaviness with melody, Pelican crafts sprawling compositions that resonate deeply, cementing their place as one of the genre’s most respected and enduring bands.