Russian Circles Unveil Ninth Studio Album Nine, Drop Heavy Single "Empath" and Announce Fall 2026 Tour
Russian Circles, the Chicago‑based instrumental post‑metal trio, announced that their ninth studio album, Nine, will be released on August 28 2026 through Sargent House. The band released the first single, “Empath,” on the same day, accompanied by an official music video that showcases the group’s heavier, more aggressive direction.
The album follows the trio’s 2022 release Gnosis and marks 20 years since the debut of Enter in 2006. In a press release, the band described Nine as a continuation of their “unhurried evolution and disciplined refinement,” noting that the new material leans into their established strengths while pushing the boundaries of their sound. The trio—drummer Dave Turncrantz (Chicago), guitarist Mike Sullivan (Los Angeles), and bassist/keyboardist Brian Cook (outside Seattle)—added that the creative process for the album is a “collective process of reconciliation, navigation, and reflection upon aging,” a theme that runs through the record.
The tracklist for Nine is as follows: 1. Borehole 2. Empath 3. Eluvial 4. E2 5. Meridian 6. Arletta 7. Seventh Seal
“Empath” opens with a “Godflesh‑style bass crunch” that segues into a “tornado siren drone” before launching into a series of rapid shifts—from trash‑inspired guitars to black‑metal attacks, d‑beat forays, a hardcore breakdown, and a final war‑metal riff—all contained in under five minutes. The single’s video, available on YouTube, captures the intensity of the track and highlights Cook’s “monstrous bass tone.”
In addition to the album release, Russian Circles announced a fall 2026 tour that will support Nine. The tour begins on September 25 in Whitefish Bay, WI, and concludes on November 21 in Minneapolis, MN. Several dates feature co‑headliners: Pelican appears on September 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, October 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, while Primitive Man joins the lineup on November 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21.
The tour schedule includes venues across the United States and Canada: - Whitefish Bay, WI – The Argo - Chicago, IL – Bohemian National Cemetery - Detroit, MI – El Club - Toronto, ON – The Opera House - Montreal, QC – Club Soda - Boston, MA – Royale - Queens, NY – Knockdown Center - Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer - Baltimore, MD – Soundstage - Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle - Charleston, SC – The Music Farm - Orlando, FL – The Beacham Theater - Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse - Nashville, TN – The Basement East - Indianapolis, IN – The Hi‑Fi - St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall - Denton, TX – Rubber Gloves - Austin, TX – The Far Out Lounge - Phoenix, AZ – Walter Studios - Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco - San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall - Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom - Seattle, WA – The Showbox - Boise, ID – Treefort Music Hall - Salt Lake City, UT – Metro Music Hall - Englewood, CO – The Gothic Theatre - Omaha, NE – Slowdown - Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater
Russian Circles formed in 2003 after childhood friends Mike Sullivan and Dave Turncrantz reunited following the dissolution of earlier projects. The trio completed the lineup with bassist Brian Cook in 2007, and the group has since released eight studio albums, including Blood Year (2019) and Gnosis (2022). The band’s music is characterized by expansive, atmospheric compositions that blend elements of post‑metal, sludge, and experimental rock.
Nine will be available on all major streaming platforms and in physical formats, including vinyl and CD. Pre‑orders are currently open through Sargent House’s website and partner retailers.
The announcement of Nine and the accompanying tour marks a significant milestone for Russian Circles, celebrating two decades of studio work while reaffirming their commitment to evolving their sound and engaging audiences across North America.
