Circle II Circle finally starts sounding like a different band from Savatage - and it rocks.I've been very curious to hear what the new Circle II Circle CD would sound like after vocalist Zak Stevens came back from Machines of Grace. MOG was a bit of a departure for Stevens, being that the band is rooted more in hard rock than metal, so it will be interesting to hear if he brings that influence to Circle's 5th offering. Consequence of Power brings the return of Circle II Circle and the band have decided to shake things up, just like I hoped they would. The new CD finds the band finding their own identity, allowing them to crawl out of the shadows of the mighty Savatage. The band has incorporated several styles on this CD, to give the listener a nice variety, and to keep them on the edge of their seats.
The first couple of tracks are good, but it wasn't until the 3rd track Out of Nowhere, that my ass started to get kicked. The track starts out with a cool bass lick before kicking into this mid-tempo rocker. The track is fueled by a killer groove, with double helping of balls and chunk. Great Track. The thing I like most about this disk, is how that band have mixed in groove, prog and power metal all in to one sound. The band have finally found their identity with this one, distancing themselves further away from the Savatage sound. With the exception of the ballad, Blood of an Angel, this CD gives you a more distinct sound from the band. Not to bad mouth their previous efforts, but it is nice to hear them branch out. If I were to critique anything, it would be the somewhat stale production, but other than that, this one is a keeper.
Bottom Line: Circle II Circle coming into their own, and finding their sound. A 10-track CD full of heavy melodic rockers. Circle II Circle sounding less like Savatage and more like themselves, and that is a good thing.
Standout Tracks: Out of Nowhere, Take Back Yesterday, Remember and Blood of an Angel
- Ragman wonders if there will ever be a Savatage reunion...