Circle of Dust is an industrial metal band, its founder and primary contributor, Klayton, later going by many names (Celldweller, Blue Stahli, Scandroid, etc.). Brainchild was his second album, first released in 1994 and then again in 2016. The second version has one song edited, a Steve Taylor cover song added, and some soundbites dropped. This latter release also has some re-issues from Circle of Dust's first album, added instrumentals not easily accessed electronically (from Canada, anyway), and live versions taken from old VHS recordings.

Circle of Dust's career was initiated on a Christian label, which Klayton later disregarded. While there's probably nothing morally wrong with his scant lyrics, they certainly bear little as far as overt Christian messaging. As a result of this first distribution of his music, some assumptions were wrongly made. He has since distanced himself from such companies professionally, and perhaps from the church personally. Therefore, his later releases (under other such monikers as those listed above), should be listened to with greater discernment.

Brainchild is heavy rave music, ground-breaking and unique to the Christian subculture of 90s America. I saw this DJ perform at Cornerstone and like many, was taken aback by such a concert. But to those liking the industrial genre, the album is still to be appreciated now, though some 28 years later. The distorted guitar, tight dubs, and gothic vocals can still appease. With varying beats and subsequent time-changes, Brainchild seems less repetitive than many albums in the genre. Lyrical themes include: religious hypocrisy, the deceptive threat of an end times one-world government, and the fearful restricting of personal choice and individual freedom.

- Review date: 12/7/22, written by Derek Lehman for Jesusfreakhideout.com