photo credit: Chris Strong
Instrumental post-metal giants Russian Circles have officially announced their highly anticipated new album, Nine, arriving August 28 via Sargent House. Alongside the announcement, the Chicago trio has unveiled the album's lead single, “Empath,” and revealed a new North American tour that will bring their immersive live show to fans across the continent.
For nearly two decades, Russian Circles have occupied a unique space in heavy music. Without relying on vocals, the band has built a devoted following by telling stories through atmosphere, dynamics, and sheer sonic force. Blending elements of post-rock, metal, doom, and ambient music, the trio has consistently crafted compositions that feel cinematic in scale while remaining emotionally resonant.
The newly released “Empath” serves as a powerful introduction to Nine. Showcasing the band's signature balance of restraint and intensity, the track moves between haunting passages and towering walls of distortion, highlighting the emotional depth and technical precision that have become hallmarks of the Russian Circles sound. It's a compelling first glimpse into the band's next chapter and a reminder of why they remain one of the most influential instrumental acts of the modern era.
Nine marks the band's ninth full-length studio album and follows a catalog that has continually evolved while staying true to the group's core identity. Few bands have managed to maintain such a high level of creativity and consistency over the course of nearly twenty years, and Russian Circles continue to push the boundaries of instrumental heavy music with every release.
The announcement also includes news of an extensive North American tour, giving fans the opportunity to experience both new and classic material in a live setting. Russian Circles have long been celebrated for their captivating performances, transforming venues into immersive sonic environments through massive soundscapes, hypnotic dynamics, and flawless musicianship.
With “Empath” now available, Nine on the horizon, and a major tour ahead, Russian Circles continue to demonstrate why they remain one of the most respected and enduring forces in post-metal and instrumental music.
Nine arrives August 28 via Sargent House. Stream “Empath” now and stay tuned for additional details surrounding the band's upcoming North American tour. To preorder Nine, click HERE!
Nine Tracklist
1.Borehole
2. Empath
3. Eluvial
4. E2
5. Meridian
6. Arletta
7. Seventh Seal
Russian Circles Tour Dates
Fri. Sept. 25 - Whitefish Bay, WI @ The Argo
Sat. Sept. 26 - Chicago, IL @ Bohemian National Cemetery
Mon. Sept. 28 - Detroit, MI @ El Club
Tue. Sept. 29 - Toronto, ON @ The Opera House
Wed. Sept. 30 - Montreal, QC @ Club Soda
Thu. Oct. 1 - Boston, MA @ Royale
Sat. Oct. 3 - Queens, NY @ Knockdown Center
Sun. Oct. 4 - Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
Mon. Oct. 5 - Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage
Wed. Oct. 7 - Carrboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle
Thu. Oct. 8 - Charleston, SC @ The Music Farm
Fri. Oct. 9 - Orlando, FL @ The Beacham Theater
Sat. Oct. 10 - Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
Mon. Oct. 12 - Nashville, TN @ The Basement East
Tue. Oct. 13 - Indianapolis, IN @ The Hi-Fi
Wed. Nov. 4 - St. Louis, MO @ Delmar Hall $
Fri. Nov. 6 - Denton, TX @ Rubber Gloves $
Sat. Nov. 7 - Austin, TX @ The Far Out Lounge $
Mon. Nov. 9 - Phoenix, AZ @ Walter Studios $
Wed. Nov. 11 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Belasco $
Thu. Nov. 12 - San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall $
Sat. Nov. 14 - Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom $
Sun. Nov. 15 - Seattle, WA @ The Showbox $
Mon. Nov. 16 - Boise, ID @ Treefort Music Hall $
Tue. Nov. 17 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall $
Thu. Nov. 19 - Englewood, CO @ The Gothic Theatre $
Fri. Nov. 20 - Omaha, NE @ Slowdown $
Sat. Nov. 21 - Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater $
w/ Pelican $ w/ Primitive Man