CIRCLE II CIRCLE - Seasons Will Fall
February 1, 2013, 11 years ago
(Armoury Records)
Seasons Will Fall is the sixth studio album by US power metal band CIRCLE II CIRCLE, led by former SAVATAGE vocalist Zak Stevens. It’s a fusion of “Savatage-style metal” with melodic and hard rock influences. The comparisons between the two bands are still obvious and they will always be there. On the 12 tracks, Stevens’ sensational vocals brings back memories of his glory days while in Savatage. From the scorching Hall Of The Mountain King riff/lead of CD opener 'Diamond Blade' to the opera-esque call and response segment of 'Killing Death', which is hauntingly similar to Savatage’s 'Chance' from Handful Of Rain, to the pleasing vocal harmonies of the title track, the album is loaded with powerful, hook-laden songs. The CD drags a bit toward the end, due to too many ballads in succession, but at least they go out fittingly on finale 'Only Yesterday'. With a new label, a new album, a new band and a new lease on life, Stevens and CIIC is still trying to carve out its own identity. It still treads in the Savatage territory, but one can’t deny one’s past.
