For 15 years, Russian Circles have been exemplars of fusing austere heavy metal and high-impact post rock, all without relying on vocals to build their impressive anthems. The Chicago/NYC/Seattle trio’s latest album, 2019’s Blood Year, is a bludgeoning slab of heroic, dynamic rock that’s as brainy as it is brawny. Featuring former members of Disappears, Chicago trio FACS should make for an interesting contrast, as they throb in a more overtly post-punk vein. Their 2018 Capitol Hill Block Party set was a revelation, and their two albums—Negative Houses and Lifelike—boast songs that articulate a potent ominousness through minimal means. Rare is the group that can evoke both Pere Ubu and Hovercraft without paying blatant tribute to them. by Dave Segal