ARCHON ANGEL – II

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It’s been suspiciously quiet for a long time CIRCLE II CIRCLEZak Stevens’ band, which he joined after his glory days SAVATAGE founded. But at least we hear the vocal master from time to time in other corners, such as with AVALAND, BELLS AND RAVENS or also with us DRAGONY to hear as a guest. Nevertheless, one might have thought that the new project ARCHON ANGEL should make big waves when the debut “Fallen” was released in 2019.

The problem, like so many Frontiers Music projects, is that it’s all good in a way, but not outstanding. Of course, the label’s regular songwriters and musicians Alessandro Del Vecchio (I’ll spare you the dozen or so projects of his), Aldo Aldo Lonobile (among others SECRET SPHERE), Maro Lazzarini (also SECRET SPHERE) and Nik Mazzucconi (LABYRINTH, SUNSTORM). They all do really good work and so does the second long player by ARCHON ANGEL with the uncreative name “II”, but even if an upward trend can be felt for the debut, the whole thing feels like a typical commissioned work and just too similar to the other label projects.

Nonetheless; Zak Stevens’ strong voice gets a lot out of this again and the variety is also right. Everything a melodic metal heart desires is represented, from cozy heavy rockers with an AOR component to heavy anthems and fast bangers. But you won’t find any surprises. Filigree melodies, catchy vocal lines, crisp riffs and so many SAVATAGE– Of course, a cross-reference should not be missing. But these are used so tastefully and appropriately that you can’t be angry that Zak is “once again” running after the old days, and then you always get a grin conjured up on your face.

All in all, despite the criticism, “II” is a really solid piece of Heavy/Melodic Metal for fans of Zak’s voice. Anyone who expects big surprises or super hits will probably look forward to the third output, a new CIRCLE II CIRCLE album or at least the miracle called SAVATAGE-Reunion have to wait.

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Tracklist „II“:

1. Wake Of Emptiness
2.Avenging The Dragon
3. Fortress
4. Quicksand
5. Away From The Sun
6. Afterburn
7. I Will Return
8. One Last Reflection
9. Bulletproof
10. Shattered
11. Lake Of Fire
Total playing time: –

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Band-Links:

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