Reviews

So this is what As I Lay Dying would sound like if they came from Ohio and grew up listening to Converge. All I know is, when the first breakdown came in on the first song “Duderstadt,” I thought I was back in an Unearth pit. The kickbox gene inside me took over and I flipped out, breaking three lamps. Circles Over Sidelights is a high school band (what?!?) from Northeast Ohio who ought to headlining Strhess Fest within the next two years. It’s metal, it’s hardcore, it’s got the mosh, I think I’m in love. Although, to be fair to Circles Over Sidelights, they don’t simply focus on the heavier side of things. The well written acoustic interludes bring to mind the classical guitar songs on Seven Angels Seven Plagues’ masterpiece “Jhazmyne's Lullaby,” although not as gorgeous.  But jeez, OHIO?  I want to see these guys! “On Becoming A Person” is another case of Immigrant Sun, a Brooklyn label, scouring the inside out the country and picking the most amazing bands and unleashing them on unsuspecting ears. My ears are converted. Now I bear the message: come for the mosh, stay for the musicianship.