As requested, here’s a really good ‘best of’ double-album compilation “Full Circle The Definitive Collection” from CIRCLE II CIRCLE. Released by AFM Records and now out of print, the collection features a mix of remastered tracks and rare bonus material from the band’s first five studio albums with the label, serving as a comprehensive introduction to their sound for new listeners.
So, this release is packed with music counting 32 tracks with a some nice treats that are not available in the album versions. A killer deal for someone who either has lost track of Zak Stevens’ whereabouts after Savatage or knows nothing about CIRCLE II CIRCLE.
The compilation showcases the five albums characterized by the impressive vocals by a singer who, truth is, has not received the credit deserved. Songs like “Dead Of Dawn” and “Redemption” with the driving rhythms and the wonderful melodies can be used to define the U.S. Metal sound of the last two decades to anyone who has no or the wrong idea.
And please do not forget the multiple vocal harmonies (take the amazing “Into The Wind” for example) where the atmosphere of “Edge Of Thorns” will almost bring tears to everyone who had been following SAVATAGE during the Zak’s fronted days.
It would wrong to think that CIRCLE II CIRCLE tried to work on Jon Oliva’s music blueprints since CIIC managed to solidify a personal style in the albums that followed after the debut and I am referring to tracks like “Sentenced” (great guitars here) or the killer “Soul Breaker” with the addictive rhythm section.
As I said, Zak is an awesome singer and a great performer (see the band onstage whenever there is a chance) and this can be fully enjoyed in the almost ballad and piano driven songs like “Blood Of An Angel”, “Echoes” and the acoustic versions of “Into The Wind” and “Burden Of Truth” where the bass guitar kills.
For many rock fans that incredibly never heard about CIRCLE II CIRCLE, this release is for you and take our word that you will enjoy every track in this double CD.
CIRCLE II CIRCLE one of the best melodic metal / prog metal / hard rock acts appeared in America in this new Century (you read that right). This is aband that manage to draw from everything that was great in metal history and take it forward without loss of integrity and quality.
Highly Recommended
CD 1
01. All That Remains
02. Who Am I To Be
03. Consequence Of Power
04. Watching In Silence
05. Dead Of Dawn
06. Into The Wind
07. In This Life
08. Out Of Nowhere
09. Revelations
10. Blood Of An Angel
11. Heal You
12. Open Season
13. Echoes
14. Out Of Reach
15. Forgiven
16. Redemption
CD 2
01. Every Last thing (edit)
02. The Circle
03. Sentenced
04. Take Back Yesterday
05. The Middle Of Nowhere
06. Soul Breaker
07. Darkness Rising
08. Into The Wind (acoustic)
09. Shadows
10. Symptoms Of Fate
11. Stay
12. Watching In Silence (live)
13. Burden Of Truth (acoustically enhanced)
14. Against The World
15. Evermore (live)
16. Strung Out
Circle II Circle – Full Circle – The Best Of [Compilation 2 CD] 2012 , MP3+FLAC
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