Veteran Finnish experimenters Circle have consistently adhered to the deranged and hypnotic repetition of Kraut rock groups like Can and Faust, and HOLLYWOOD is, in some ways, no major departure.

The exploration of grooves remains a hallmark, and subtle metallic crunch has always been an element of their sound.

What’s different, however, is a more Americanized feel, courtesy of collaborator Bruce Duff.

Duff, the former vocalist for Jesters of Destiny, sings here in his native English, a curious move from a band that’s known for their own made-up language.

“Earthworm” almost sounds like an endless echo of part of Van Halen’s “Hot For Teacher,” softened up with acid and weed and left reeling while Duff’s clear vocals rant over the top.

“Sacrifice” is a bottom-heavy metal motor trucking through dusty highways in an ever-shifting landscape.

It’s a hint more conventional than usual for Circle, but not much.