Primarily based around ex-Savatage singer, Zak Stevens, this is the second album from Euro-Metallers “Circle II Circle”. Having only bought their debut release “Watching In Silence” fairly recently, I’m reviewing almost completely new music, to me anyway. And it’s good stuff, instantly very listenable as an entire album and very well written songs. Again, as most of the albums I’m reviewing at the moment, it falls loosely into the new breed of the Euro-Melodic Metal genre. To anyone who hasn’t sampled the delights of “Melodic Metal”, it does exactly what it says on the tin and this album is a perfect example. Whilst writing some incredible songs, they’ve managed to retain a heavy element, technical and precise guitar lines interwoven with some awesome vocal harmonies.

There’s an intelligent mix of light and shade throughout, non more so than opener “In This Life” a brooding story leading into a staccato guitar riff and incorporating a sing along chorus. As a track on it’s own, it defines what Circle II Circle are about, a cracking blend of mood and soul coupled with restrained power. Don’t be put off by the mention of mood and soul though, they still rely on the twin guitars on which to base a good deal of the songs, “Holding On”, “All That Remains” and “Open Season” all feature the guitar heavily.

As with a lot of the new breed of European bands there is very “constructed” feel to the music, everything in its place and a place for everything, as if every note, phrase and nuance has been carefully considered before being committed to tape. And that’s no bad thing; they’ve managed to avoid the trap of ultimately sounding sterile. Difficult to pick out a bum track and equally difficult to find a stand out song, the overall quality is excellent and the production is faultless, just my kind of album. Each instrument can be heard the way it was supposed to be and this creates the perfect level for Zak Stevens to unleash his, whilst powerful, ultimately soulful voice.

In conclusion, these guys are no slouches, they have a definite idea of the direction they plan to take. The inclusion of a bonus live track, the title track of the debut “Watching In Silence” demonstrates the quality of the band in a live situation. They’ve managed to translate the studio into a live situation retaining the power and ultimately the grace of their performance. Very impressed. As a side note, if you’re considering buying the CD, have a look at the debut as well..

Let us know your views on 'The Middle Of Nowhere'

Track List

In This life
All That Remains
Open Season
Holding On
Cynical Ride
Hollow
Psycho motor
Faces In The Dark
The Middle Of Nowhere
Lost
Watching In Silence

Line Up

Zak Stevens - Vocals
Andrew Lee - Guitars
Evan Christopher - Guitars
Paul Michael Stewart - Bass
Robert Thomas Drennan - Drums