NEWS   Circle of Nero Massive Obliss (Self Release) As reviewed in METAL MANIACS MAGAZINE AUGUST 2000 FIRING SQUAD
BY: ULA GEHRET The package submitted by Virginian quartet CIRCLE OF NERO was
particularly impressive, with its professionally-designed artwork, a nicely
packaged disc with a stylish layout (courtesy of Digital Apocalypse Studios, the same
group responsible for Darkane's similarly impressive Rusted Angel), a press kit, etc. In
other words, the boys came to play, yes, but they understnd that music is more than
anything else a business. However, they manage to back it up well enought, so who's
to fault them? Their brand of "haunted metal" is sort of dark, midpaced thrash with some
quick jabs of double-bass, while vocalist Doyle Stone has a reedy delivery that's
closer to Ozzy in terms of range than their packaging might otherwise suggest. It's all
well done with some mature songwriting and performances, and I never know quite how to
describe this breed of "dark/doomy power metal" that includes some other
well-respected bands like Evergrey and Braindance. It's not my favorite blend, but it
has more than its share of followers and consistently results in classy (albeit
well-calculated) releases such as this one.No ordering price given, so you'll have to
inquire as to price of the multimedia-enhanced, album-length CD,
Massive Obliss.