Circle II Circle is a name that brings to mind changes and the process of life. Certainly Circle II Circle has been going through some changes. Circle II Circle is the solo project of Zak Stevens formerly of Savatage and Wicked Witch. Fans all over the world were saddened when Zak realized he needed a break from the music business and left Savatage. After a brief vacation he formed Circle II Circle. Jon Oliva (Savatage, Jon Oliva's Pain) and Chris Caffery (Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, solo) helped him on some of the songs on his debut as a solo artist. Unfortunately, that album, Watching In Silence (2003) did not live up to my high expectations for someone coming from Savatage. It was rather, well...dull. The Middle of Nowhere, the new album, is a marked improvement for the band.
Like Watching In Silence, it draws quite a bit of influence from Handful of Rain (1994) era Savatage, but this album is more dynamic and carries more energy.  Just keep in mind that it isn't heavy like an insane beast trying to grab you and toss you around.
Zak's voice is like sinking into deep, warm water.  Even at his angriest, his voice is soothing and beautiful. His vocal layering on The Middle Of Nowhere is reminiscent of later Savatage and though not particularly original, it works.
Song by song breakdown:
In This Life is dynamic, mellow and flows like a summer breeze in a funeral: the music is sad, even tear-jerking, but Zak's voice is so effective here it's almost hypnotizing.
All That Remains has a really cool riff - the kind that hits your head-banging reflex. The music is good and more forceful than most of Circle II Circle's previous efforts.
Open Season is aggressive musically. The lead guitar is excellent and the riff again hits the head-banging reflex.  
Holding On has riffery that sometimes reaches the level of All That Remains. It is a fast fist-pounder. The guitar-work is catchy and particularly cool. The riffs stand out and really demonstrate Circle II Circle's potential in the Metal world.
Cynical Ride is tinged with Southern Rock. Fast paced and, for Circle II Circle anyway, driven, the guitar-work reminds me of 1980's Van Halen at times.  It isn't bad, but it fails to catch my attention.
Psycho Motor is a mixed bag.  Sections of it I like and others seem uninspired. They lost my interest on this track.
Faces In The Dark is melodic, soft and pleasing to the ear. The guitars tinkle and chime throughout this mellow song.
The Middle Of Nowhere is a great song, I particularly like the keyboards on it but the lead guitar is nothing to be sneezed at either. The music seems lusher here and pulls you down its road like a compelling wind.
Lost has lovely, lullaby like guitar-work. It is chiming, soft, and sweet.
If you haven't heard Circle II Circle yet, this would be the album to buy. The Middle Of Nowhere is a good record to headbang or to think to. It is not as good as Savatage yet, but it is a solid record.