Russian Circles is a three piece (Mike Sullivan, Dave Turncrantz, Brian Cook) instrumental rock/metal band from Chicago. Russian Circles play instrumental, sprawling music which runs the gamut of heavy discordant metal, to soft delicate passages. They are also known for their energetic live shows. Mostly headlining now, in their earlier days they toured with the likes of Boris, Isis, Red Sparowes, Minus the Bear, Daughters, Coheed & Cambria, Mono, and Pelican as well as appearances at the 2006 SXSW, and 2009's Bonnaroo.
They were also the opening band for Tool while playing their first tour in the United Kingdom in 2007.
Their name is taken from a drill exercise used in the game of ice hockey.
When performing live, the band is noted for being able to replicate and even expand upon their recorded material through Sullivan and Cook's use of sampling, extensive array of effects pedals and loop pedals to build layers of sound
