CIRCUS MAXIMUS is a Progressive Metal band based out of Oslo, Norway. Formed in 2000, the band had previously released three full-length albums. "Havoc" is their fourth, and contains nine tracks. The progression of their sound has been an interesting one. I think the peak of their technical display was on "Isolate" in 2007. "Nine" in 2012 had a more open concept and the songs were more breathable. Though the albums were different, the core of their sound remained and I liked them both equally. The first track they released for this new album was entitled "The Weight." It's a mid-tempo song that makes prolific use of piano in the main riff and it has a soft, emotional sound. The Progressive elements are there but just enough to have a presence. The guitar solo s beautifully done with the toggle on the neck pick-up. The keys in the background really round out the grace of the track.

"Highest Bitter" hears the Prog elements dialed back a bit with a more straightforward sound, but the background ambiance registers nicely. It toggles back and forth between a darker sound and a brighter one via the minor and major key usage. "Havoc" is the wildcard on the album in my opinion. At just over three minutes, it is the shortest on the album. It has a mysterious choppy sound and registers more in the Alternative genre for me than anything else. "Pages" is both heavy and ethereal at the same time, with a low end riff and bass guitar combined with light, airy keys and soulful, sentimental vocals. Another memorable guitar solo done in perfect key really reminds listeners that Mats Haugen is a top notch composer. "Flames" is a sweet little song with a very memorable chorus. I picture a loner enjoying a warm day in his cabin in the mountains, soaking up a serene landscape with books and comfort food. There is so much emotional fortitude in this song that I had difficulty moving on to the rest of the album.

"Loved Ones" is an eight minute track and it is abundantly clear that the heavenly and majestic sound on this album is omnipresent. This song has it all...moments of unadulterated bliss and instrumental prowess. The magic of the keyboards are what seem to hold it all together. It just makes you feel so alive, like you transcend your reality and become one with the outside world. "After the Fire" is another eight minute song on the album, and they stretch out here with more subtle nuances and a combination of techniques which keep the song mysterious in nature. "Remember" is catchy and tugs at your heart strings from the start. Once again it's the piano that really leaves a lasting impression. Although Michael's vocals never break out in full form, the pure allurement of his perfect pitch and white cleanliness of his voice never ceases to amaze me. There is also a really nice crescendo section towards the end where all of the emotion is swept up into one swirling sound that surrounds you with bliss.

"Chivalry" is the final eight minute song on the album and brings the listening experience to a close. I often find their closing songs to be some of their best work, and this is no exception. It is so soft of a sound that you can barely touch it. In this case the best approach is just to lean back, close your eyes and soak it in like a steady rain on a hot summer day that cleanses your soul. Overall, I find that "Havoc" is the kind of album that is truly missing in the Prog genre at the moment. We all know that the band possesses a ridiculously high talent as a group but they did not need to prove that here. What is harder in my opinion is to create music that lifts up your very being and that you look forward to hearing with spirit and hope.