Grave Circles was originally a duo formed in 2016 in Vinnytsia (Ukraine) by members of Bestial black death band – Goatflesh. The band released its first EP on the Swedish label Shadow Records one year later. Brutal and melodic, “Tome I” sets the scene and paves the way for its successor and band’s first full-length album, soberly entitled “Tome II”. After its digital release in December 2019, the combo signed with Les Acteurs de l’Ombre Productions for the physical issue of this second opus in May.
The band remains aloof from the Ukrainian black metal scene, delivering cold and experimental black metal, reminding us a bit of Deathspell Omega, Mgla or Misþyrming. Reflecting upon human decay, questions of faith, worship, blasts and dissonant chords… all the ingredients for a journey as sick as introspective across Grave Circles’ world.
In 2022, Grave Circles released the EP “Pestilence and Death”, which was supposed to be released several times as limited edition on vinyl, but that never happened due to the manufacture and label problems. 4 tracks that were created in 2015-2016 during the band’s early years represent delving into the territory of experimental 90s metal, while maintaining the firm grip of a black metal.
The second full length album entitled “World Within the World” is scheduled for release via Schattenkult Produktionen in April 2025.