Circle II Circle began in 1998, then only as an outlet for former Savatage singer Zachary Stevens songwriting urges. A demo was recorded, and soon a contract was signed. Zach brought in guitarist Matt LaPorte, a friend of his since Matt auditioned for Savatage, after Alex Skolnick left. Matt brought with him the rest of the band, and Circle II Circle saw the light of day.

Circle to Circle - Watching in Silence (AFM) 2003

1. "Out Of Reach" (4:09)
2. "Sea Of White" (4:39)
3. "Into The Wind" (4:18)
4. "Watching In Silence" (4:25)
5. "Forgiven" (5:02)
6. "Lies" (3:26)
7. "Face To Face" (5:12)
8. "Walls" (4:28)
9. "The Circle" (3:30)
10. "F.O.S." (6:38)

Well it's always a bummer when one of your favorite singers from one of your favorite bands leaves. However, in the case of Zachary Stevens leaving Savatage I must confess I am happy with the outcome. Circle II Circle rules! 'Watching In Silence' is the progressive, melodic heavy metal album Savatage should have recorded a long time ago. Honestly, this album sounds more like Savatage at times than many of the modern Savatage albums. Some of this has to do with the trademark vocals, but it also has to do with the fact that all of the songs are co-written by Savatage veterens Criss Oliva or Chris Caffery, or both. I can't imagine any Savatage fan not liking this disc.