| The 1st Chapter | |
| Type: | studio |
| Artist: | Circus Maximus |
| Cover: | CM-TFC-cover.jpg |
| Released: | May 14, 2005 |
| Recorded: | 2004 at Lionheart Studios, Toproom Studios and Noisegate Studios |
| Genre: | Progressive metal |
| Length: | 69:53 |
| Label: | Frontiers (EU) |
| Producer: | Circus Maximus |
| Next Title: | Isolate |
| Next Year: | 2007 |
The 1st Chapter is the debut album by the Norwegian progressive metal band, Circus Maximus. The 1st Chapter was released on May 14, 2005 in Norway and on June 7, 2005 in the United States.[1] The ongoing theme of The 1st Chapter is about "the journey" to salvation expressed through the lyrics. Musically, it sports a circus-like theme (that actually can be heard) playing throughout the album.
The lyrics to the song "Glory of the Empire" refer heavily to the 2000 film, Gladiator.[2]
The 1st Chapter contains the longest running Circus Maximus song with "The 1st Chapter" running for 19 minutes and 7 seconds.