Archon Angel was formed by producer/guitarist Aldo Lonobile (Secret Sphere) and former Savatage, Circle II Circle and current Trans-Siberian Orchestra lead vocalist Zak Stevens while both were working on the Timo Tolkki’s Avalon album ‘Return To Eden’. After Lonobile submitted some song ideas reminiscent of the classic Savatage sound, the two felt the magic was there and wasted no time in crafting a striking metal album that also features songwriting contributions from Italian rock royalty Simone Mularoni (DGM, Sweet Oblivion) and Alessandro Del Vecchio (Lonobile’s bandmate in Edge Of Forever among many other activities).
The album itself deals with a central character, the ‘Archon’, who is a modern day angel, although the concept dates back to the religious system of Gnosticism with the Archon acting as a medium who brings messages to God (or Demiurge) from the people of Earth.
The listener is invited to follow the story and life of the Archon as he is called upon to protect the earth’s inhabitants through frightening and turbulent times.
Of the first single and album title track, ‘Fallen’, Stevens says, “the song accompanies the Archon on his journey in transitioning from a successful businessman, who leads a life of excess and egoism, to a superhero who will clean up the city and eventually save the world from self destruction.
In the song, he is reminiscing about his past and the family he left behind, while summoning the power that called him to save the world to hear him.”
As for the song’s video, he adds, “After an arduous search for the perfect city and videographer, we settled on Pittsburgh for my scenes. The band was filmed in Genova, Italy, near the famous Porto Antico. In Pittsburgh, we shot atop Mt. Washington, overlooking downtown, much like the Archon would be doing as he pondered his future. The weather didn’t co-operate on the first day as it was
raining, but one of the coolest moments occurred while filming. One of the locations was right across from Heinz Field during a Pittsburgh Steelers [football] game. At the apex of the song, the crowd erupted in cheering at the perfect time, and people who were watching us film were caught by surprise. It really contributed to my overall mindset during that portion of the song. It felt like they were cheering for the Archon and it mimicked a true live performance. I can’t wait to get out there and perform this song live with Archon Angel.”
Archon Angel are in the process of booking live shows, although their live debut will take place during the January 2020 edition of the 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise: https://70000tons.com
If Savatage are among your favourite bands, then ‘Fallen’ may well be your album of the year in 2020!
ARCHON ANGEL
Zak Stevens – vocals
Aldo Lonobile – guitars
Yves Campion – bass
Marco Lazzarini – drums
Antonio Agate – keyboards & piano (studio)
album pre-order / single streaming link
