ARCHON ANGEL is pretty much a supergroup made of members of SAVATAGE, SECRET SPHERE and NIGHTMARE. They are a Progressive Metal band and this is their debut album. It features the legendary Zak Stevens on vocals, a long awaited comeback of the former SAVATAGE singer. He is definitely in rare form on this album.

On a side note, ARCHON ANGEL made their live debut on the 70000 Tons of Metal Cruise a few weeks back. I heard great things about that show and I bet it was a blast. There are two of my best friends that go to the Cruise each year (for the last 3 years) and I know firsthand that the shows on this cruise are well worth it, no matter at what hour of the day it is!

I was wondering what was happening with CIRCLE II CIRCLE and SAVATAGE to be honest and I hadn't heard the name Zak Stevens in a number of years. I was really surprised when I saw he decided to form another group with Aldo Lonobile. According to what I have read, both guys met during the recording of ''Return to Eden'' by TIMO TOLKII's AVALON project a few years back. I am not aware of the STRATOVARIUS member's other projects but I will definitely check it out when I have more free time.

I am sorry, I got sidetracked! This album is quite memorable and Zak Stevens hasn't lost a step. This album does remind me of the early 90's SAVATAGE albums and it seems like he is getting back to his roots. SAVATAGE spoiled us back in the day with some of the very best Heavy Metal albums of that particular decade. CIRCLE II CIRCLE has divided a lot of fans afterwards and it's an acquired taste to be honest. The last few albums were mediocre at best and they seem to have loss their overall focus.

ARCHON ANGEL brings it all back and has some calming slower songs but has some very melodic and energetic tracks. They will make themselves a household name with some of these songs. The production is on point and the musicianship is impressive. I didn't know any of these members and they bring a lot to the table nonetheless. This album was really beyond my expectations. It really exceeded anything I was hoping for. I enjoyed Zak Stevens early years and this is a return to form. He shows that he hasn't lost a step and this is his best overall album since the ''The Wake of Magellan'' back in 1997.

It can be upbeat and energetic or very emotional, this album brings you to the forefront and never lets you go.