Stone Circle

Stone Circle

Stone Circle is a British metal project associated with Carl Cox. The project is described as active in the United Kingdom and is also linked with a Minneapolis release under the same name.

Style and influences

The project moves across progressive death metal, progressive metal, death metal and related metal styles. Its sound is described as dark and progressive, combining somber and acoustic passages with more aggressive riff-driven sections and a death metal edge. The listed influences include Opeth, Amorphis and Katatonia. Other associated tags place it in dungeon synth, ambient and shoegaze as well.

Background

Stone Circle first forms in summer 2004 under the name Obsidian. The original lineup includes Joe Ashwin, James Pearce and Sam Hill, with Tom Skelton joining in 2005 to complete the current lineup. The group later relocates to Brighton. Joe and James attend the Brighton Institute of Modern Music, and Tom also studies there.

Releases and recognition

In summer 2008 the group records Parchment with Neak, who is known as a live sound engineer for Sikth and other British metal acts. The recording receives a strong response, including a 10/10 review from Dimstar Media. The project is also praised by UK Metal Underground, and Tom MacLean of To-Mera comments positively on its new songs.

The project releases its first full-length album in 2010. James receives an endorsement from Markbass amps, and Stone Circle is included on the Brighton Institute of Modern Music album, which showcases music from 2009.

Live activity

Stone Circle builds a live profile by supporting Octavia Sperati and To-Mera, and by booking shows with Fleshgod Apocalypse and Chaosanct. It later tours the UK with Echovirus to promote its debut album. The project also makes festival appearances at Bloodstock Festival on the New Blood Stage and at Mammothfest, where it plays the main stage alongside Entombed, Orange Goblin, Sylosis, Abgott, Xerath and Divine Chaos.