Luminaries back home and cult heroes abroad, Circle is the highest profile export of Finland’s avant-rock underground. Characterized by tightly wrought rhythms and swirling vortex drones, Circle’s hypnotic music has, since 1991, been celebrated as an archetype of neo “kraut rock.” Heirs to the legacy of arty noise, repetitive space jams, dark psychedelia and weird prog associated with 1970s stoner outfits like Can or Hawkwind, the band knows how to experiment without forgetting to rock out. In fact, Circle’s love of 1980s metal riffs figures heavily in their sound, often leading to stateside comparisons with mid-period Trans Am. But Circle’s embrace of over the top hard rock is more about generating motorik grooves than heavy irony. Although they have recently shared stages with the likes of Acid Mothers Temple, Sunn O))), Merzbow and Jim O’Rourke (as well as legendary kraut rock godfathers Faust), identifying a contemporary North American correlation to the group’s wide-ranging mix of prog-metal and sonic experimentation is almost impossible. For this week’s show at Soundlab opening bands include Endless Boogie, called by Paper magazine “the best-kept secret in New York’s rock scene,” and Buffalo’s Novelist. Also expect the theatrical touches Circle has become known for, which make each show a unique experiential experiment.

Wednesday, September 12 at 9pm. Soundlab, 110 Pearl St. (882-8309/www.bigorbitgallery.org/soundlab)