Some bands manifest highly skilled forms of aggression. Others fake it. But the harshly brilliant Zao is the real thing. Their 2004 compilation opus, “Legendary” [Solidstate Records], spans their existence. Zao‘s flawless style is a fierce hybrid of Hardcore, Swedish Style Death Metal, and Deathrock Metal. This is Metalcore at its finest. And it is amazing….
Zao is pure, beautiful aggression. Loose, intense, and groove-bludgeoning guitars pulsate through the beautiful cacophony. Shrill, growled vocals charge the primal, musical roar. Softer introspective moments sharpen the caustic, jagged assaults that are the blood of the Zao style. Some samples and clean vocals are used, but infrequently.
The best of these crushing Metalcore epics includes the killer cadence of “Skin Like Winter,” the discordant glory of “The Ghost Psalm,” “Savannah,” “The Race Of Standing Still,” the mechanical intensity of “Ember,” “All Dressed Up (With No Place To Go),” “The Icarus Complex,” the diverse aesthetic of “Angel Without Wings,” and “A Fall Farewell.” Zao is incredible.
In conclusion, Zao has done it once again. They have masterfully unleashed one of the best releases of 2004. It’s no wonder they’re “Legendary.” This is what brutality is all about…. Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Dead To Fall, Konkhra, Hoods, Entombed, Darkest Hour, Dominus, Grope, Carcass, Atreyu, Living Sacrifice, Believer, Demon Hunter, Hate, Headhunter D.C., Marduk, Hatesphere, Deicide, Gutted, Soul Embraced, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. War.
Bill Vogel III
Email at: StrangeAeons@hatebox.net
Copyright 2003.
Courtesy of Stranger Aeons Magazine.
