Search - Circle II Circle :: Delusions of Grandeur

Zak & Company get HEAVY

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 07/26/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"2008's Delusions of Grandeur is the fourth album from melodic heavy metal band Circle II Circle, the band formed by former Savatage vocalist Zak Stevens. I heard the band play some of the material from this album a few months earlier, so I thought I knew what to expect, but I think I underestimated just how HEAVY Delusions of Grandeur would be.



Delusions of Grandeur is easily Circle II Circle's heaviest album, and after the more melodic Burden of Truth it comes as a bit of a shock. It's similar to the heavy-hitting power metal of Symphorce and Brainstorm in many ways. There are a lot of crushing, thrash-like riffs, and the keyboard elements are kept to a bare minimum. Songs like Seclusion and Echoes have that classic Circle II Circle/Savatage sound, but for the most part heavy is definitely the order of the day. Heaviness aside, the presence of Zak Stevens and his uniquely powerful vocals are what makes this an unmistakable Circle II Circle album. The man has never sounded better, and with each new album he becomes a better songwriter.



I can't help but miss the more melodic sound of Burden of Truth and Watching in Silence, as those are my favorite Circle II Circle releases. Still, Delusions of Grandeur is a very impressive album, and a worthy addition to the Circle II Circle discography.



Between this album and the recently released Jon Oliva's Pain album Global Warning, Savatage fans have a lot to be happy about in 2008. I know I'm looking forward to seeing both bands perform at this year's ProgPower USA festival.

"

One of the best in 08

Gibson | San Jose, Ca | 07/21/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow- what a big surprise this album was. This is truly a metal album. There are eight heavy songs and two slower songs. The production is top notch. Zaks voice sounds more powerful then it has on previous albums. This is one of the best metal albums so far this year."

Simply Awesome Dude

W. Beck | Aberdeen, Md | 08/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a very good Metal band that has a vocalist with a power voice box. Excellent CD for any Metal fan. If you like Savatage you will love this band. My favorite song is Echoes just listen to the samples and you'll will know what I mean. Another thing you can understand every word he says."