Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Circle II Circle - Watching In Silence - reviewed by: Nailer

Track Listing 1. Out Of Reach 2. Sea Of White 3. Into The Wind 4. Watching In Silence 5. Forgiven 6. Lies 7. Face To Face 8. Walls 9. The Circle 10. Fields Of Sorrow

I first became familiar with Zak Stevens voice on the Savatage CD "Edge of Thorns". His vocals were quite a departure from the odd, yet compelling sound Jon Olivia gave to the band for a decade. From just the stark quiet opening of "Follow Me", I knew that I was hearing one of the best voices in metal.

Zak's voice is full and rich. It's so strong that it's powerful even during his softest singing and he's so smooth that it almost doesn't fit him to sing in the harsher qualities that numbers like "Lights Out" required. Really, the only thing that could hurt Zak is to be surrounded by bad music and I'm sure that his presence would elevate even the worst by a significant degree.

So after an amicable split from Savatage, we move on to Zak's current band Circle II Circle and their first CD "Watching In Silence". This isn't a CD for guys who want to break stuff and it's not going to get any mosh pits started in shows. It's music you allow to wash across you mentally. It's friendly and accesible rock music that I don't think is as heavy as his Savatage stuff. I especially like the use of traditional piano which combines with Zak's vocal tone to produce an overall melancholy feel to the CD.

With all of the negative comments about how commercial radio is the same old drek that blends together and lacks originality, it helps to point out what the could be playing as a viable alternative. Circle II Circle could be that alternative.

Score: 8 of 10

--Nailer 10.07.03
Circle II Circle - Watching In Silence - reviewed by: EC

Track Listing 1. Out Of Reach 2. Sea Of White 3. Into The Wind 4. Watching In Silence 5. Forgiven 6. Lies 7. Face To Face 8. Walls 9. The Circle 10. Fields Of Sorrow

Zak Stevens has returned!! After finishing up with Savatage in 1999, Zak took a two year break from the music business to concentrate on his family. He returned to the studio in 2001 and started writing and rehearsing the material that would end up on this debut record from Circle II Circle. With former Savatage bandmate Chris Caffrey helping with the songwriting and 'Tage mastermind Jon Oliva turning the knobs, Circle II Circle have created one of the most magical melodic rock albums of recent memory.

This record is much like Savatage classics like "Edge Of Thorns" and "Handful Of Rain", but with this debut the band still has its own identity. The writing is much in the same style, the pianos are there, the heavy chorus is still evident, and Zak's amazing vocal talent is at the forefront.

Each song is a perfectly crafted melody, with thought provoking lyrics and an almost "peace of mind" calmness that envelopes each song, keeping the listener curious as to which path each track will take. When I first started playing this record, it reminded me of great moments when I first listened to "Edge Of Thorns" or even other classic albums like Queensryche's "Empire". The albums that don't just completely crush you, but stop and make you think about the things around you. Every moment is visualized with this album. It really is though provoking in every way.

Its great to hear Zak Steven's vocals again, and with this new band it almost sounds like they have been playing together for years. I hope this band continues along these same roads, as this is by far the best album of 2003.

--EC 05.06.03