Simply put, Circle is the most internationally visible, prolific exponent of the outstanding yet criminally obscure Finnish underground. Formed in 1991 in the bucolic coastal city of Pori, the group constantly reinvents, expands upon and refines its hypnotically repetitive, instantly recognizable meld of megaton riffs, Teutonic rhythms, surging fuzz storms, icy synth drones and hymnal, delicate vocals. The band's sharp technical prowess, revolving stylistic obsessions, unstable lineup and berserker live shows have delighted, pissed off and dazzled a growing cult of international thrill-seekers. Led by guitarist-turned-bassist Jussi Lehtisalo, Circle has adapted and personalized bits of progressive rock, metal, ambient, punk, noise and psychedelia without ever seeming derivative, dilettantish or corny. At the end of the '90s, Circle alumni Ahtiainen and Hagner reconvened with their former soundman and engineer Jussi Saivo (also of Tiermes) as the studio band Ovalki.