News

11 September 2026 – Russian Circles — “Nine”

By Editorial Team - September 11, 2026

Russian Circles artwork showing a dark moon over a rugged mountain landscape.

Summary

Chicago instrumental trio Russian Circles release ninth studio album Nine, their most riff-driven and aggressive record according to early response.

Key Facts

  • Russian Circles release Nine on 11 September 2026.
  • Kurt Ballou produced and engineered the album at Electrical Audio.
  • The record blends instrumental post-metal with hardcore, thrash, sludge, and atmosphere.
  • Entities: Russian Circles, Nine, Kurt Ballou, Electrical Audio, Eluvial, E2, Arletta, Chicago
  • Tags: russian-circles, nine, electrical-audio, kurt-ballou, post-metal, instrumental-rock, hardcore, chicago

Russian Circles release their ninth studio album Nine today, earning strong early attention for its riff-driven and aggressive sound.

Kurt Ballou produced and engineered the record, with recording at Electrical Audio. The Chicago trio reconnects its instrumental post-metal with hardcore, thrash, and sludge while retaining the atmospheric scale that has always defined the project.

The heavier physicality makes quieter passages such as “Eluvial,” “E2,” and classical-guitar-led “Arletta” land with greater force through contrast. A fresh Pitchfork review calls it one of the group’s strongest records.