Three years since their triumphant comeback album, Four, veteran hard rockers Circus of Power returns with a new EP, The Process of Illumination. I could use this introductory paragraph to lament on what woulda, coulda, shoulda been for this band. I could also call out The Black Crowes for aping CoP’s bare bones approach, laughing all the way to the bank in doing so. Instead, I’m gonna take the high road and be thrilled Circus of Power even reunited to begin with.
The Process of Illumination picks up where Four left off. “Strange Times” opens the EP with a groove that’s as bluesy and doomy as it is gritty and sleazy. Sound strange? You need to hear it to believe it! Besides, considering the world’s current trajectory, we’ve been living in some “Strange Times” indeed. “Love Machine” is a carefree Stones inspired romp, while the hard driving “I Like You Better When You Got Stoned” wins the Grammy for best titled song of 2020.
My favorite song is “Child of Mother Earth”. The heaviest cut off the EP, it’s Sabbathian in approach, though not to the point of redundancy. Mr. Iommi would be proud! “Mister Politician Man” keeps the stoner/doom vibe going, though less metallic and more hard rock inspired (think Trouble’s 1990 self titled or even Wolfmother). “Save the American Wolf” book ends Process and is the only track that doesn’t do much for me. It’s not “bad”, but it doesn’t meet the caliber of the previous five tracks either. In other words, it’s give or take.
Nearly 35 years into their career, Circus of Power is still kicking ass and taking names. Look no further than The Process of Illumination. There’s no frills, gimmicks, or bullshit. Only 100 proof rock n’ roll!
6 out of 10
Label: Noize in the Attic Records
Genre: Hard Rock
For fans of: Aerosmith, The Cult, Black Sabbath