The Consensus on Descensus is That Circa Survive Still Rock

Sumerian Records isn’t really signing metal bands anymore, and Circa Survive aren’t really a metal band either. But they are a good band, and one with a long and storied history that metalheads seem to dig. So while it was initially a bit of a head-scratcher to see them end up on Sumerian over the summer, it kinda makes sense when you think about it: they fit in with the “heavy but not metal” thing Sumerian’s been doing more of lately, and they also fit in with the “established, slightly older band” thing Sumerian’s been doing (see also: Darkest Hour, Body Count, Dillinger Escape Plan).

Circa Survive’s new album Descensus dropped yesterday. I’m listening to it for the first time right now as I’m writing this, and so far I’m only on the third track, but it sounds like what you’d expect from these guys: Anthony Green’s trademark voice trading jabs with haunting, atmospheric guitars over mid-paced grooves in a vaguely proggy shell. In other words: so far so good! Check out in full below and order here.