The Lost Archives Surfacing the reviews of our forgotten youth
    Back to The Lost Archives
    HM Magazine #72/Circle of Dust
    Circle of Dust — Disengage cover

    Circle of Dust

    Disengage

    (1998)

    Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovern

    DiscogsBandcampApple MusicTIDALSpotifyYouTube Music
    Label Flying Tart RecordsHM Magazine #72July 1998
    darkwaveelectronicaindustrialindustrial metal

    I am so glad this record got released after all! Upon my first hearing Circle of Dust, it did not take long to make me a devoted fan of Klay's electronic wizardry. Heavy industrial and electronica are mixed with intense, honest songwriting, making this one of the best in the genre this year. The only problem I have with this disc is that, though there are 10 tracks of Disengage, and then 6 tracks of Refractorchasm, all on this disc, many of the first ten still borrow each other's lyrics, melodies, refrains, and choruses before the latter Refractorchasm tracks even start. Plus, I already heard most of this material on the Refractorchasm single/EP. But there are a few new things, like the amazing "Waste of Time," "Perelandra" (borrowed from the title of one of C.S. Lewis' space trilogy books), "Thulcandra," etc. In all, though, this disc makes a fine addition to my collection; and a nice collection of intensity for my ears. As far as the "Christian content" fans will invariably be looking for, especially after the oh so negative-sounding interview in HM #69, check out the lyrics to "Refractor."

    Other coverage for this album

    The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Aaron C. AndersonRetroactive Records has delivered a real treat for fans of quality industrial music. Circle of Dust essentially is the brainchild of the exceedingly talented Klay Scott. The sampling and programming elements on this album are nothing short of phenomenal. The lyrics vary from faith, frustration, and life among other things. Disengage was originally released in 1998 and this reissue includes all…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Jeremy ChoiIt is an extreme understatement to say that this is a long-awaited album. After releasing their self-titled record way back in 1992, Circle of Dust has been almost non-existent. Sure, the genius behind Circle of Dust, Scott Albert, may have been a part of a number of other projects in one way or another (Brainchild, Argyle Park, Klank). And true, the original Circle album was redone in 1995 with…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Mark J. AylorKlay Scott, or whatever he decides to call himself this week, gives what may be his farewell performance as Circle of Dust in Disengage. I have to say that while I like this, I don't think it is as good as Brainchild. The music itself is as gripping and technically excellent as before, but most of those lovely samples that really made things shine and gave that poignant flavor to the music are…

    Similar sounding releases

    1994Argyle ParkMisguided1998Gathering of SoulsNeither Moth Nor Rust Corrupts2002MortalNu-En-Jin1998Jagged DoctrineI Wear the Mask1994Under MidnightVoid1995Nine Inch NailsFurther Down the Spiral

    More from Circle of Dust

    1994Brainchild1992Circle of Dust1993Metamorphosis

    Also in HM Magazine #72

    1997RainchildrenFeels Like Summer1997AutovoiceA Living Death1998Scaterd FewGrandmother's Spaceship1998This TrainMimes of the Old West1997Various ArtistsSparkler, Volume One1998HumanOut of the Dust