Battle Beast

Circus Of Doom

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Genre: Power Metal.
Released: 21/01/2022
Via Nuclear Blast

Album Review: Battle Beast – Circus Of Doom

Battle Beast is one of Finlands finest power metal outfits to date and they have built up a loyal fan base as a result of their hard work and dedication to the scene. So it should come as no surprise that with the announcement of a new album, ‘Circus Of Doom’, the hype around the band grew. The anticipation has only grown with the release of each single so I just had to see what all the noise was about. Here is my review of Battle Beast’s ‘Circus Of Doom’.

Opening the album is the title track ‘Circus Of Doom’, and this is how you open a record. The song takes little time getting things started with harmonies on top of groovy riffs galore. As the song progresses, you get a real sense of adventure with the use of string sections to add an extra layer of complexion to the track. Continuing the momentum is ‘Wings Of Light’. An upbeat song that really highlights Battle Beast’s Power Metal side. An infectious chorus that will have hoards of fans singing in harmony allows this song to stick with you long after your first listen. I honestly think this is one of the best tracks on the album so definitely check it out.

Up next is ‘Master Of Illusion’ which features some great guitar work as well as boasting a really dominant drum track throughout the song. Mix that with Noora Louhimo’s excellent vocal delivery and you’ve got the recipe for a successful single. Similarly, ‘Where Angles Fear To Fly’ makes its own statement with a much more adventurous feeling. Right from the song’s intro, you feel as though you have been transported into the Battle Beast world with their ability to bring their melodies to life.

Following that is ‘Eye Of The Storm’. A song that is full of contrasting passages that complement each other in quite a unique way. Once again, this song’s chorus will embed itself in your mind for days on end so take that as a warning before giving this one a whirl. Boasting one of the coolest and funkiest intro’s I’ve heard, ‘Russian Roulette’ adds a bit of swagger to the album. Almost blending their blend of Power metal with a more Acid Jazz style makes for one hell of an experience. This song will have you dancing like a white girl in her car so maybe check whos around before blasting this one.

Returning to more of an expected style, ‘Freedom’ really packs a punch. Being one of the faster feeling tracks on the album, the song really stands out with its dynamic sounding verses mixed with pleasant-sounding transitions. ‘The Road To Avalon’ continues the adventure with its exceptional use of harmonies throughout the track. On top of that, the song has a real swing to it which adds a bit of oomph.

As the end of the album draws near ‘Armageddon’ comes out in full force. Delicate vocals mixed with angsty riffs are always a winning combination when it comes to power metal so it’s no surprise Battle Beast knocked this one out of the park. Adding in some real slick licks and you have a top tier track. Finishing the album is ‘Place That We Call Home’ and I have to say they have nailed it. Ending the album with a song that could quite easily be the instrumental to an epic boss battle is probably the best thing you can do. Utilising choir-like harmonies to add a real scene of atmosphere caps off a brilliant album.

I know it’s only January but this album may be one of my top albums this year. The record has very few weak points and it features some of Battle Beast’s best work to date. If you’ve never given the band a chance before then I recommend giving this album a spin.