ARCHON ANGEL was formed when Zak and Aldo met while recording for a different project back in 2019. Since then, they've released two excellent albums that seem to be built for Zak's voice. It takes a group of skilled musicians to pull off an album this complex and varied. With all the vocal layering and instrumental fills, frills, and leads, this is a project for someone who loves to hear nuanced, bombastic Metal. Frontiers Music SRL released II on April 4, 2023. The album opens with gentle piano/keyboards and Zak's voice. It doesn't take long for "Wake Of Emptiness" to fill the musical void with a nice chugging guitar riff and melodic rhythm. One of the most pleasing things on this album is how they layer Zak's voice in different places, then leave it single in others, creating a wave-like pattern in some sections. I also love the fade out with the almost Symphonic Metal ending.

"Fortress" is one of those Epic songs with a killer guitar riff and rock-solid rhythm. The fact it also has those beautiful drops just makes it all the better. There is a definite 80s flair to the guitar work on this song and it really straddles the Hard Rock/Heavy Metal line well. Especially when the next track, "Quicksand," goes for the throat with the heavier guitars. One of my favorite songs for the drums is "Afterburn." I love the variable pattern under the guitar frills and that it levels out for the verses, fitting into a stellar groove. Nik's bass playing is nothing to scoff at either. He sets a steady pace and tracks with the rhythm guitar, keeping everything perfectly in line.

The shortest track on the album, "Bullet Proof," is also one of the heavier songs on the album. The guitars flair out all over the place, adding texture to the rhythm. The difference in the drum pattern and the guitar phrasing is a cool dichotomy. That lack of match in some sections is quite noticeable and very well executed. The record wraps with the longest song, "Lake Of Fire." This song opens with upbeat, happy pianos and airy keyboards that spark joy. The guitars echo this sentiment and the rhythm backs it all with precision timing. This is the song where they do some excellent vocal layering, flirting with SAVATAGE style overlapping phrases. That homage warms my heart!

There is less of the Progressive Metal stylings that often accompany many of Zak's projects. While the Prog is not absent, it is less of a focus than the more straight-forward rock anthem rhythms. Once again, ARCHON ANGEL has crafted an impressive record with killer songwriting, excellent instrumentation, and a stunning vocal performance.