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Circle II Circle are known as the band of Zak Stevens. Naturally, the name of Zak Stevens brings back only good memories for the fans of heavy music as we are talking about one of the voices of Savatage of the 90's. With Circle II Circle he brings out his fourth LP, a fact which is a first class opportunity for the youngsters to know this wonderful singer. Let's see what he has to say on their new project "Delusions of Grandeur" and which are the possibilities for a collaboration with Jon Oliva.
Solid Rock: Beginning, I would like to mention that I think "Delusions of Grandeur" is the best album of CIIC so far. Where do you think its main differences are compared to the previous album "Burden of Truth"?
Zak Stevens: We followed the same type of writing process as we applied to "Burden of Truth", but this time I think the new album reflects our current attitudes and mentality, and that we're continuing to grow music-wise.
Solid Rock: Having in mind the CIIC discography in total,  I believe that a new approach is eminent in the new CD, with heavier feel, faster rhythms and contemporary audio approach, which was not met in previous releases. For instance, in “Fatal Warning” and “Dead of dawn” speed was significantly raised and vocals a bit altered. Was there specific planning for these changes or did they emerge while the songs were composed?
Zak Stevens: Yes, these elements just developed as we were composing the songs. We always let the songs tell us what to do, so to speak. This way we can avoid forcing the songs to go somewhere unnatural or having to make the songs “fit” to satisfy an expectation that we might have, etc. So if we flow where the composition naturally wants go, with the vocal enhancing what’s going musically, that’s what we’re trying to accomplish here.
Solid Rock: Do you believe that the new CD will attract straight-forward metal fans who are not content with the mid-tempo and ballad-type songs of your previous releases?
Zak Stevens: That’s possible. Although “Delusions” has the new elements, I think new fans will have to be somewhat comfortable with the past albums as well, so we’ll see how it goes….
 Solid Rock: Of course, the previously mentioned changes are not that dramatic so as to disappoint the many fans of your Savatage period. Far from that, the spirit of Savatage is evident but the identity of CIIC is becoming more and more original. Do you feel that there will be comparisons with your past in Savatage as well as with the new CD of Jon Oliva that has been released at the same time?
Zak Stevens: We may get the same comparisons to Savatage, which are always expected. I have no problem at all with that because it’s natural and has consistently occurred been there over the years. So far we haven’t heard any comparisons to JOP for CIIC records just because the similarities are harder to find when we compare CIIC and JOP albums.
Solid Rock: Let’s leave the new album and focus on something more personal. Your voice is one of the most characteristic in the metal scene. I would like you to mention some of your favourite singers and the specific element you admire in them.  Zak Stevens: As a kid growing up, I was most influenced by singers like Bruce Dickinson, Ronnie James Dio, Rob Halford, Geoff Tate, and Ozzy Osbourne. The true metal was very prevalent during those years so these guys became my primary “role models” if you will…..
Solid Rock: We are in a period of intense changes in the music industry. I would like your opinion on illegal downloading and on the future of the music industry.
Zak Stevens: It’s the primary reason for all of the intense changes you mentioned. Yes, we have a long way to go in overcoming that burden, but now the industry has to overcome that by finding new revenue outlets. That’s why you see so many touring bands now. They need to make money somehow so they go on the road to sell their music live and their merchandise behind the counter... Solid Rock: Mentioning some previous releases, I would like you to tell me the first thought that comes in your mind. Zak Stevens:- Edge of Thorns: Getting to work with Criss Oliva, getting a fresh new start in the biz, and a getting a great learning experience to go forward with...
- Handful of Rain: Picking up the pieces after losing Criss, some great songs...
- Wake of Magellan: A great concept, a lot of great tours....
- Watching in Silence: The beginning of something that has been around a lot longer than we ever expected and is still gaining great momentum...
- Burden of Truth: A musical sequel to a great mystery…
Solid Rock: Let’s return in the new release of CIIC. After a concept album, “Burden of Truth”, I would like you to analyse the lyrical content of “Delusions of Grandeur”.
Zak Stevens: They are mostly about “a day in the life” life sort of things, observations of people, relationships, also a few stories about people we know. They also touch on a bit of social commentary but not quite as much on this particular album.
Solid Rock: I cannot resist the temptation and ask the following question. You will be on tour with Jon Oliva’s Pain in the USA. Is the dream of the Savatage fans closer?
Zak Stevens: It’s hard to answer that question for sure because I’m not the one who makes the final decisions in this obviously. I will say that this is something that I feel would be great to participate in.  Maybe in a few years....The timing has to be right for this type of reunion scenario. I think all we can do is leave it to the “powers that be” and see what happens.
Solid Rock: Well Zak, I would like to congratulate you on the new release of CIIC and to thank you for this interview. Is there any last message you would like to send to your numerous Greek fans?
Zak Stevens: We would like to again thank all of our Greek fans for the amazing support and rock energy throughout the years. We can’t wait to hopefully see you in Greece in October on our European tour. Have a great summer everyone.
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