The Middle of Nowhere

Zakk Stevens was introduced to the metal community, when he took over the reigns as singer for the almighty Savatage. Edge of Thorns was the record that was also the last recording of the extremely underrated Criss Oliva. The record went onto become an underground classic, among power metal enthusiasts. The bar was raise too high, Zakk left the fold after a lack luster follow up, formed Circle II Circle and issued a mediocre debut. I wasn’t holding my breath that The Middle of Nowhere would move me. I was however, pleasantly surprised by the band’s focus and the delivery of the material. While, Zakk isn’t a guy that will make your jaw hit the floor when he belts out notes, he gets the job done and stays within his vocal abilities. The Middle of Nowhere, is contemporary power metal at it’s best. My favorite tracks on this record are; “All that Remains,” “Cynical Ride,” “Hollow,” “Psychomotor,” the title track and “Lost.” “Hollow,” is a catchy tune that is a cross between recent Queensryche and Dickinson era Maiden. In addition to high-quality material, the riffs keep coming and they are more inspiring than most bands’ in the genre at the present time. At 10 tracks The Middle of Nowhere, sticks to the customary length for a metal record, doesn’t stick filler just for the sake of taking up space. I respect Circle II Circle for their effort. Zakk has shed the title ex-Savatage singer, in my eyes anyway. I had personally written him and Circle II Circle off, don’t you do the same. The Middle of Nowhere is worth your time and money.

Ruben Mosqueda