Stevens delivery is smooth and unblemished, exuding a confidence and appeal that has been absent on the last few Circle II Circle albums. Riff is king on songs like “Rise”, but Lonobile’s melodic and fiery solos bravely channel and recall Criss Oliva in a way that is sure to capture the attention of old Savatage fans. Indeed, Lonobile apparently seduced Stevens towards collaborating by presenting a couple of song ideas that channeled mid-period Savatage. Lonobile proves to be the perfect complement to Stevens, writing songs in a traditional way that more closely resembles early Stevens-era Savatage than Circle II Circle or any other former Savatage members solo efforts have. Recent efforts have leaned towards more modern, down-tuned guitars and pedestrian song writing. For Stevens, the collaboration is timely and well met, as Circle II Circle has never matched their first three albums. Discussion about creating music together eventually developed into the Archon Angel project. The two met while guest performing on RETURN TO EDEN, an album by Timo Tolkki’s Avalon.
Archon Angel is a new project featuring vocalist Zak Stevens, formerly of Savatage and Circle II Circle and Secret Sphere guitarist Aldo Lonobile.
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