After STATUS MINOR and their huge "Ouroboros" in May, CIRCUS MAXIMUS, along with their third new album confirms two things that all of us already know. Since their first two albums were killers, CIRCUS MAXIMUS has been an undeniable force formed by a fabulous bunch of talented musicians from Scandinavia, which turned out to be one of the new leading lands for providing original groundbreaking Progressive Metal bands. After PAGAN'S MIND's last year's "Heavenly Ecstasy", in early June CIRCUS MAXIMUS released the perfect contemporary Progressive Metal album with a perfect balance between Hi-tech playing / AOR melodies / Sharp riffs / Pop ambiances, with a guitar Shredder who plays some tasteful / marvelous solos, concise but chops-terrific and mind-blowing. Full marks for Mats Haugen.

The other players are equally prodigious. The Bass / Drums couple is working well and uncommonly in this kind of music it's mixed upfront. The Keys are responsible for the "whole-ever changing-textures" asset ace and the solos reminded me of the good ol' Kevin Moore era. Concerning the vocalist Michael Eriksen, his past amazing performances with CIRCUS MAXIMUS / AEON ZEN / THE MAGNIFICENT were enough eloquent. But I think, even if he is singing bloody great, we could perceive from time to time a slightly indolent attitude. Don't get wrong, I think he is one the best singers out there and I really love this album, but his crooning zen attitude is certainly the cause for this feeling of the secure performance.

Anyway, this record stands as one of the best album for 2012. The clever alternation between Modern Progressive Pop and pure Scandinavian Melodic Metal is the perfect ingredient for this already successful album. "Game Of Life", "Namaste" are quite direct but "Burn After Reading" is truly an epic whirlwind and "Reach Within" and "Architect Of Fortune" are also more than beautiful. So I think that you understood my thoughts now: This album is recommended strongly to everyone, if you are searching for a smart and sophisticated Progressive Metal album with some stellar guitar solos, acrobatic licks but mostly some subtle melodies. The album of the month for June 2012, run fast to purchase this Jewel now.

P.S. Am I the only one to see the events evocation of the twin towers disaster thru the cover of "Nine" ?