Full Breakdown
Russian Circles Announces Ninth Album “Nine,” Releases Lead Single “Empath,” and Unveils Fall North American Tour
6/25/2026, 1:54:47 AM
Album Announcement and Lead Single
Chicago post-metal trio Russian Circles announced their ninth album, Nine, for release on August 28, 2026 via Sargent House. The lead single “Empath” arrived with a video directed by Madeline Hampton, showcasing a heavier, riff-driven sound.
Recording Process and Production
Primary tracking occurred at Electrical Audio in Chicago; engineering and final production were handled by Kurt Ballou at his GodCity Studio in Salem, MA. Additional engineering came from Zach Weeks and Dave Catching, with mastering by Alan Douches.
Band Lineup and Side Projects
Guitarist Mike Sullivan lives in Los Angeles, drummer Dave Turncrantz in Chicago, and bassist/keyboardist Brian Cook on Vashon Island near Seattle. Cook recently joined the Botch reunion and continues with SUMAC.
Tour Details
Russian Circles will tour North America from Sept 25, 2026 in Whitefish Bay (WI per most sources) through Nov 21. Pelican opens the first leg; Primitive Man the second. Tickets on sale June 26, 10 a.m.. Selected dates: Sept 25 – Whitefish Bay, WI @ The Argo (Pelican); Oct 1 – Boston, MA @ Royale (Pelican); Nov 4 – St. Louis, MO @ Delmar Hall (Primitive Man); Nov 21 – Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater (Primitive Man). The band will also open for Acid Bath in Seattle on Aug 8.
Official Statements & Responses
The band describes the record as a collaborative effort that reflects on aging, personal distance, and a shared purpose for moving forward. They say the project charts time while giving them a reason to look ahead.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The band comments: "The music we make is a collective process of reconciliation, navigation, and reflection upon aging both as individuals and as a creative entity.” — Russian Circles, band statement
- “Nine" continues RUSSIAN CIRCLES' unhurried evolution and disciplined refinement, leaning into their strengths while pushing at the boundaries of their sound.” — Blabbermouth.net
- “ Today's "Empath" launches the band into a ferociously concise overview of metal battle tactics — where a GODFLESH-style bass crunch and tornado siren drone ushers in trash-inspired guitars, venomous black metal attacks, d-beat forays, a deliciously knuckleheaded hardcore breakdown, and a final scorched earth war metal riff, all in just under five minutes.” — Blabbermouth.net
- “This fall, RUSSIAN CIRCLES will bring their "pure metallic catharsis" (Guitar World) across North America.” — Guitar World
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on the August 28 release and the September 25 tour start, but one source cites the opening city as Whitefish Bay, Michigan, whereas the majority correctly list it as Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. No further clarification is offered.
Why It Matters
Nine adds to a two-decade discography that places Russian Circles among the leading instrumental heavy acts. Ballou-engineered production and the extensive tour with Pelican and Primitive Man reinforce their post-metal relevance, while the members’ geographic spread illustrates a modern, distributed creative model.
