There was a big trend in the 90’s to purposely misspell your band name (i.e. Korn, Limp Bizkit, Ill Nino…not forgetting Boyz 2 Men) and Circle II Circle is another band who seemingly fail to grasp the concept that spelling ‘to’ as ‘two’ really isn’t clever. Well all that aside, it’s a fairly safe bet Circle II Circle aren’t going to share very much in common with those aforementioned bands.
Delusions of Grandeur is the fourth outing from Circle II Circle, who, for the uninitiated are the band of former Savatage frontman Zachary Stevens. With such a high profile vocalist in the band this was always going to be a major selling point, and as such the production seems to very much favour the vocals over anything else. These seemingly attempt to overshadow some of the other fine features this band has to offer.
That’s not to fault Zachary’s talents; his strong voice is great for belting out the powerful chorus lines, although this is let down by the lack of dynamics. I would like to hear these forceful parts balanced out by some soft tones that would really drive home the emotions he so desperately tries to convey on more tender tracks like the Evergrey quasi ballad ‘Echoes’ or the sullen Bon Jovi-esque ‘Seclusion’.
The drumming on ‘Dead of Dawn’ charges along with power and precision while a layer of thundering guitars follows as a certain mystical atmosphere is built up creating a Firewind-esque intensity. ‘Waiting’ is another monstrously heavy beast of a number where the rollicking drums crash and coerce with the galloping guitars and tasty chord progressions.
There is nothing excessively experimental about it, nor is it overly grandiose but this is full of heavy bass, thunderous drumming and sharp, catchy riffs. Delusions Of Grandeur is a solid album, and one that should appeal to fans of good heavy music.
http://www.circle2circle.net/
