It’s been almost three years since Zak Stevens left Savatage in the summer of the year 2000. Stevens needed some time off to commit himself to his family. It didn’t take long before Stevens started writing demos with Jon Oliva. Finding additional musicians wasn’t very hard and within a short period of time a full band was formed and jam sessions started. The album kicks of with the powerful “Out Of Reach”, heavy guitar riffs and pondering drumming. Mysterious vocals create the right atmosphere; a well chosen opener, although the vocal melodies on this track are nothing special. Nevertheless this is a great live song. “Sea Of White” is a great rocker, which reminds me a bit of Creed. “Into The Wind” is the first balled and it smoothly turns into “Watching In Silence” (single), both with great Savatage-like diversions.

These are great tracks for fans of the “Hand Full Of Rain” period. During the following tracks Circle II Circle returns to the heavier rock. Independently they are all great songs, seen in context of the album one notices however that the structure of the songs might be a bit too similar. It’s hard to write an independent review of the powerful music on Circle II Circle since Zak Stevens vocals are dominant and remind so much of his Savatage period. The production of the album is very clear, a job well done by a team of producers (Oliva, Stevens and Jim Morris). This album is a must for metal fans with an interest in great melodies and vocals. Every rock band should have its own Zak Stevens...