"Satan's Circus" is the fourth studio album by the British electronic music band, Death in Vegas. Released on 11 October 2004, this album departs from the vocal-centric compositions of their previous works as it is completely instrumental. A unique feature of the album is that it was released as a double CD, with the second disc being a live recording from their show at Brixton Academy.
The album features a fusion of many different genres including psychedelic rock, electronica, and krautrock, pushing the boundaries of the band's style. Despite the absence of vocal tracks, Death In Vegas proves they can carry an album with their arrangements and musical talent alone. Dark, atmospheric, and progressive, the songs can seem haunting, unexpected, and even epic at times, capturing audiences with their unusual mix of sounds.
'Satan's Circus' was generally well-received by critics for its bold departure from their previous sound to a more experimental and instrumental style. Fans appreciated the unique journey the music took them on, creating an experience rather than merely being a collection of songs.
The band, Death in Vegas, established in 1994, is primarily known for their combination of rock and electronica along with Richard Fearless' love for diverse musical styles. This broad and inventive approach has allowed the band to craft this unique and conceptually ambitious album, 'Satan's Circus.'
As a side note, the title 'Satan's Circus' comes from the nickname of an area in Berlin that was known for its bohemian lifestyle and abundance of bars and clubs in the early 20th century. This speaks to the way the album tries to capture certain immersive and hedonistic atmospheres with its music.
