Circus of Damnation
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Circus of Damnation was born in Turin at the end of the cold winter of 2003.
The project began as an experiment with new sounds and musical genres. The core was founded by Moontear (vocals, drums) and Mushli (keyboards, piano), soon joined by Fatals on bass and two guitarists, Blackthorn and Ander. The bands name was chosen as a metaphor for a traveling caravan carrying its dark and disturbing showa symbolic passage of the Circus. Each member embodies a circus artist in a dark key: Moontear as the presenter, Mushli the tamer, Fatals the clown, Blackthorn the juggler, and Ander the mime.
Drawing from diverse musical influences, the members shaped a unique sound, composed mainly under Mushli's direction, while leaving space for Moontears evocative lyrics and emotions to flow. Rehearsals became creative sessions of improvisation, leading to a style they themselves defined as Dark Melancholy Metal. This definition would soon be confirmed by their debut release.
The bands first real breakthrough came when their song In Speciem Cadaveris caught attention during a music competition. A local theater company commissioned them to compose the soundtrack for a stage production based on the Piedmontese legend of the witch Micillina, a woman said to have made a pact with the devil in the mid-1500s before being burned at the stake.
In May 2004, Circus of Damnation recorded their first work, titled Dont Let Them Falla name chosen by Fatals. The artwork featured the sad juggler, which would become an iconic symbol of the band.
In February 2007, the independent label Dawn of Sadness (active since 1993 in promoting extreme and underground metal) decided to produce and distribute the EP version of Dont Let Them Fall. The release was widely reviewed by magazines and webzines, many noting the difficulty in categorizing the bands sound: a fusion of classical-inspired arrangements with black metal passages, minimalist vocals, romantic and introspective lyrics, and distorted instruments serving as the foundation for symphonic compositions. Critics described it as a literal embodiment of Dark Melancholic Metal an atmospheric blend of gothic, black, and symphonic doom metal.
The EP helped the band spread their sound across the underground scenes of Turin, its province, and beyond, earning mentions in national contests and even international recognition. Entirely recorded at Rocklab Studio in Turin, Dont Let Them Fall sat halfway between a metal album and a soundtrack. With the support of Dawn of Sadness, the release later gained cult appreciation among dark-gothic listeners in the USA and Mexico.
That same February 2007, Circus of Damnation unveiled their new Flower-Logo, designed by Fatals, symbolizing a new artistic chapter. A few months later, in June 2007, Ander (guitar) left the band amicably to pursue his own artistic and theatrical career. The band pressed forward, writing new material for a full-length album. Around this time, Moontear decided to step away from drumming in order to focus entirely on vocals and the stage presence required of a true frontman. After a brief transition with drummer El Moro, Ronnie the Puppeteer joined in 2009, becoming a permanent member through the next recording.
The first full-length, Equilibrium, Mediocrity?, took shape as both a continuation and an evolution of earlier ideas. This time, guitars and bass were entrusted entirely to Fatals, and the album featured three guest collaborations: Giordano Loddo (underground heavy metal vocalist) on My Cold Chamber, Shanya's female voice on Half Hidden Moon, and Holy Smoke from the Turin-based industrial band NoForgiveness on Your End.
Released in 2011, Equilibrium, Mediocrity? was partly recorded in a circus tent and mixed at One Voice Studio by Daniele Giordana (Hatebreed, Monster Magnet). The album marked a new phase with the lineup of Moontear (vocals), Ronnie (drums), Mushli (piano, keyboards), and Fatals (bass, guitars).
In 2023, Circus of Damnation returned with the single Distances, recorded at Magma Studio with the collaboration of Davide Donvito. For this release, the band performed as a trio: Moontear on vocals, Mushli on piano and keyboards, and Fatals on guitars and bass.
In 2025, Circus of Damnation paid tribute to Italian maestro Franco Battiato, releasing their own cover of I Giorni della Monotonia as a single. This release also marked the return of Blackthorn on guitar after a period of hiatus, and Moontear resuming drums in addition to vocals, bringing their journey full circle by merging their Dark Melancholy Metal identity with the legacy of one of Italys greatest artists.
853 plays
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3,528 views
