Zachary Stevens’ debuted as the vocalist for Savatage on their 1993 critically acclaimed album Edge of Thorns. He would continue in his role with the group through the rest of the decade before departing for personal reasons. Zach returned as the frontman of his own group, Circle II Circle, in 2003. Their debut album, Watching in Silence had Zach teaming with his former bandmates Jon Oliva and Chris Caffery for the songwriting. Circle II Circle didn't really make a dent in the U.S. metal scene, but they managed to have moderate success throughout Europe.
After a line-up change, Circle II Circle regrouped and released The Middle of Nowhere in 2005. The album was released in Europe six months before it made its way to the U.S. With a new DVD and album on the horizon, as well as an appearance on the rumored Savatage reunion CD, Zach took the time to fill us in on all the details.
If I knew absolutely nothing about Circle II Circle, how would describe the band’s music to me?
ZS: I’d say it’s like melodic classic metal, with a modern twist. It’s very vocal driven, but edgy.
Your latest CD The Middle of Nowhere has been out for a while overseas, what took so long for a US release?
ZS: You never know how the timing is going to be on that. Those decisions are made at the upper echelon. It’s kind of hard to figure out the marketing scheme sometimes.
So you’re saying that it’s because of the record company, and you really don’t have any control over it?
ZS: Yes. We can suggest stuff, but they’re always going to have the President of the company making those calls. That’s just the way it goes with those business things. We just don’t have much control over it.
Circle II Circle's debut album was quite impressive; do you think that The Middle of Nowhere is on par with it?
ZS: Well, for a second record, I think it went where I wanted it to go. It’s a bit different, but in its own way, there two different entities right there. They’re just different animals. I think they’re both equally musical and powerful, just two different styles going on.
What would you say the style of the new record is?
ZS: It’s a little bit more toward rocking up tempo; a little more different themes going on. Watching in Silence was a little more thoughtful I guess.
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