Posted on: March 30, 2010 Posted by: anfnewsacct Comments: 0

Last years break-out CD by Chicago’s own melodic rock band Circle of Fate has captured the attention of the music public at large and the response has been no less than astounding. Described as “Pop rock with metal undertones”, Circle of Fate’s latest CD ‘Back To Life’ is an amalgamation of catchy melodies and hooky rhythms. Produced by Larry Sturm, who has worked with top music artists such as Destiny’s Child, Mary J. Blige and Disturbed, and who has said of Circle of Fate’s new single, ” ‘My Religion’ has all of the ingredients of a hit song!” With the airplay the song has been receiving, Larry Strum was right on the mark!

“The reviews to the CD are phenomenal!,” says lead vocalist Michele Caruso. “I knew the songs were awesome but you never know in the music industry what the critics are going to say. It is very humbling to hear such great reviews from your peers and since the reviews were so good, I can’t wait to let them hear our next one! It has justified to me that we as a band can write great songs that hit home with our fans and now with the critics. Circle of Fate is a band to look out for!” “It’s very exciting,” adds guitarist Danny Charatin. “We had a feeling when we recorded it that the CD sounded really good but it’s never fully tested until you put it out there and wait for a response. The response has been great and we’ve been gaining new fans around the world!”

Circle of Fate features:

Michele Caruso: Lead Vocals – Michele has done jingle work for Chicago’s hit radio station B-96, and has also been an extra on a Bud Light commercial. Michele was model/dancer for the New York Creatures Video in MTV Europe, and was also be heard on the Gateway Chevrolet commercial on T.V. and radio. On top of all that, Michele was on the Howard Stern show, singing one of her original songs. The show was also aired on live radio, CBS, and E-Entertainment. She has has performed jingles for Chicago’s rock station Q101 and Mancow’s Morning Madhouse where she sang the Gateway Chevrolet song live on the air.

Danny Charatin: Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals – Danny has been playing the guitar now for about 22 years. Danny’s past bands include Destiny, Moriah, Latent Fury and Ion Vein. Danny has also done some studio work in the past. He has played shows out of state to fill in for other bands and has a blues influence in his playing. He also enjoys playing classical pieces. He quotes…”My ideas and style fit perfectly with Michele’s melodies and style. Together it’s the perfect combination for real music that comes from the soul”.

Jeff Barker: Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals – Jeff has been playing in numerous musical projects over the years; everything from original material to cover songs. While he has been the bassist in the majority of the projects he was involved with, he also plays guitar, keyboards and sings lead and backing vocals. His past projects have included a wide variety of music that ranges from rock and roll and the blues, heavy metal, industrial, speed metal, and jazz. He also has been involved in over twenty studio projects with numerous artists, and he has played in 500+ shows in the Chicago-land area, throughout the mid-west states and on the East Coast. Jeff was a nominee and finalist for Best Musician Bass Guitar in Chicago Nightlife Magazine’s Best of the Burbs Contest 2009.

Ken Kreis: Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals – With influences such as Neil Peart, John Bonham and Mike Portnoy you would understand how Ken developed the chops he has. Ken has been in the music scene for many years and has an energetic stage presence. Ken quotes “With time comes experience, with experience comes knowledge, and with knowledge comes wisdom.” Ken brings a new element of life to the band and if you haven’t seen him slam the skins don’t miss a chance to when Circle of Fate is in your area.

For the last 11 years Circle of Fate has been captivating audiences all over the world. Michele describes Circle of Fate’s music as, “A break from the mundane. Our music kicks ass! Our music has great melodies and it’s in your face rock. Our music tells a story and leaves you wanting more.” Andrew Dodge of Blog Critics touts, “This is quite simply driving metal that is done with lots of feeling and ability. It will strike no one listening as a surprise that they have been kicking around for 11 years. If you are into good metal delivered well, then check this lot out soonest, you will be glad you did!”

Much to the elation of fans around the world, Circle of Fate has ventured back into the studio to record a new album slated for release this June. “The new material we are recording will be our 5th CD for original members Danny and I,” explains Michele “With two new members on this CD, Jeff Barker on Bass and Ken Kreis on Drums, we are very excited that this will give COF a fresh ‘edge’ in the music scene while keeping our own unique style. This extra ‘edge’ will keep Circle of Fate in the public eye and our fans wondering, ‘What will this band do next?’ This new CD will cross new thresholds for our band and will take us to the next level.” “In my opinion, the new material sort of goes back to our ‘Inner Sanctum’ album,” adds Danny, “which really focuses on melodies and amazing vocal lines, but this time with a punchy edge to it. We were able to blend Michele’s melodies and vocals with punctuating dynamics and edgy guitar riffs. The new material is also a touch more commercial than ‘Back to Life’ with its melodies and vocals but still maintains an edge with the dynamic drums and bass and in your face guitar riffs.” Producer extraordinaire Eric Greedy, who has worked with such music legends as Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Elton John, Steven Tyler, Brian Wilson, Rage Against The Machine, Guns &Roses (the list goes on and on), produced two songs on the new CD. Also, formerly from Slash’s Snakepit, Matt Laug played drums on the two tracks. Both cuts wre mastered by industry legend Big Bass Brian, who’s impressive list of clients include the likes of Alice Cooper, Black Eyed Peas, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Grateful Dead, Hall &Oates and Kiss, just to name a few. Circle of Fate have recently been working with renown Chicago photographer Dan Machnik, who has taken photos of such notable musicians as Scott Ian of Anthrax, Sonny Mayo of Sevendust, Benji Madden of Good Charlotte, Dope, CJ Pierce of Drowning Pool. Greg Tribbett of Mudvayne/Hell Yeah, Ty Tabor of Kings, Dan Donegan of Disturbed, Broken Vegas, Joe Trohman of Fall Out Boy and many more.

In support of Circle of Fate’s previous release ‘Back To Life’ the band has been performing extensively over the past year. The group has recently signed with Almost Famous Booking and are planning a major US tour upon release of their new album this summer. COF’s next show is on May 1st at Tiger O’stylies in Berwyn, IL.

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