Zao (Offical Thread)

[Regards]

I've been listening to Where Blood And Fire Bring Rest all day, and I love it.

Any other fans?

[Troggy]

I Like.

[OdeToTheSun]

Zao= One of the greatest christian metal acts ever.

also a band I think newer bands try to copy alot. am I right?

[Troggy]

Yeah I would say so.

Another great Christian metal band is Extol, who I like more than Zao.

[airik625]

I haven't listened to Zao in so long.

[cymche]

Zao= One of the greatest christian metal acts ever.

also a band I think newer bands try to copy alot. am I right? *cough*LivingSacrifice*cough*

[Troggy]

*cough*LivingSacrifice*cough*

:nod:

[mht]

band is fucking so bad

[Troggy]

band is so fucking bad

that what you meant?

[OdeToTheSun]

Don't even get me started on Living Sacrifice. I do like them more than Zao.

[ThemChains]

[/LIST]band is fucking so bad

This is what he meant.

[Danny Schme]

Meh

[x togepi x]

this band was boring as shit when i saw them. meh

[ThemChains]

Meh

this band was boring as shit when i saw them. meh

Seems to be a forming consensus.

[x togepi x]

do they even have any original members anymore?

[Danny Schme]

are they even a band anymore?

[Regards]

Yeah, they are still a band, and I believe that they have a few original members, they lost a vocalist and I believe a drummer over their career.

[bard]

they started out and released two albums, then everyone left but the drummer, and the vocalist for zao now is who came in on the "third" album.

many people consider that to be zao's first album because Dan coming in created pretty much a whole different band, just same band name

they're definitely the best metal band in my opinion. every album from that "third" album is incredible. can't wait for the new album

[batmannj]

Yeah I would say so.

Another great Christian metal band is Extol, who I like more than Zao.

Extol is great, I love them.

Zao is one of my favorite bands of all time. Christian or not.

[batmannj]

are they even a band anymore?

yeah they have an album coming out in the spring or summer.

[bard]

yeah, i hate when people classify a band under christian. they're a band.

that's all.

[love_american_style]

not one original member in the whole band.

their last album was terrible. imo.

[bard]

the fear?

that is a great album. yeah it was different, but every album is different for them. i mean, look at blood and fire and at self-titled. totally different styles.

the fear was realyl good

[batmannj]

the fear?

that is a great album. yeah it was different, but every album is different for them. i mean, look at blood and fire and at self-titled. totally different styles.

the fear was realyl good
i really enjoyed that record. the production was cool, and it showed another side of zao. if you get a chance, watch 'the lesser lights of heaven.' it is a DVD that chronicles their entire history and is a great watch.

[bard]

oh yeah, i bought that the day it came out. i've watched it quite a few times over the years

the thing is with fear is that steve albini did it and he's known for the grungy, "garage-y" sounding production

if that other guy is wanting a "good" sounding production, he'll get it on the new album

[summer skin]

they're definitely the best metal band in my opinion.
Somebody fucking de-bowel this guy.

[bard]

Somebody fucking de-bowel this guy.
what? i guess you disagree?

who is then?

[summer skin]

what? i guess you disagree?

who is then?
Fucking Slayer hands down you piece of vaginal flesh.

[bard]

i hope you're joking

[summer skin]

i hope you're joking
Fuck you. Keep listening to false grind and try to bite your ears off.

[Troggy]

Extol is great, I love them. Zao is one of my favorite bands of all time. Christian or not.

Yeah I haven't listened to a lot of Zao lately, but they're still solid. I may have to get one of their records out soon.

[bard]

dude, slayer is white trash "metal"

[summer skin]

dude, slayer is white trash "metal"
Says the fuck from texas that listens to christian metal.
If you let me cum all over your face we can call it squaresies.

[bard]

Says the fuck from texas that listens to christian metal.
If you let me cum all over your face we can call it squaresies.
EDGY

[summer skin]

EDGY
Just a little bit, I won't Peter North you, I swear.

[bard]

wtf?

[summer skin]

wtf?
I meant that when I cum on your face, it will only be a little bit, not a giant load like Peter North is infamous for. :-)

[bard]

ok.................... no

[summer skin]

ok.................... no
you have to give to receive bro, stop being selfish.

[batmannj]

Yeah I haven't listened to a lot of Zao lately, but they're still solid. I may have to get one of their records out soon.
for sure man. what extol record do you enjoy the most? I really like Undecieved.
Says the fuck from texas that listens to christian metal.
If you let me cum all over your face we can call it squaresies.
congratulations on 12 AP.net fun points.

[Troggy]

for sure man. what extol record do you enjoy the most? I really like Undecieved

Yeah that one rules, it's definitely better than Burial. I can't really get into Synergy so I guess that would be my least favorite. Blueprint Dives is fantastic though, I really can't pick between that one and Undecieved since they are such different sounds.

So I guess: Undeceived = Blueprint Dives > Burial > Synergy for me

Edit: Hey what???? Summer skin is banned too???

[xJesusFreakx]

I'm definitely looking forward to the new Zao CD, though I'm not sure how good it'll be. I have a feeling that it'll sound like Funeral, which is a highly overrated CD. Fear > Funeral.

[CellarGhosts]

can't say I'm a fan. :shrug:

[Troggy]

can't say I'm a fan. :shrug:

haha you're not really into metal though are you? not that Zao would be the first metal band I'd recommend to someone...

I'm definitely looking forward to the new Zao CD, though I'm not sure how good it'll be. I have a feeling that it'll sound like Funeral, which is a highly overrated CD. Fear > Funeral.

Hadn't heard of a new Zao CD, but I agree that Fear is better than Funeral. Except the end of Funeral was pretty good, Praise the War Machine is pretty sweet and I liked the instrumental/closing track combo as well.

[CellarGhosts]

haha you're not really into metal though are you? not that Zao would be the first metal band I'd recommend to someone...



Hadn't heard of a new Zao CD, but I agree that Fear is better than Funeral. Except the end of Funeral was pretty good, Praise the War Machine is pretty sweet and I liked the instrumental/closing track combo as well.
I like some metal. Just not big on it in general. Depends on what bands you'd classify as "metal" though. I like a ton of heavier, abrasive music, (ie Converge), but if we're talking, say, Slayer, then no, not really. I like a few songs here and there from a scattered assortment of such bands, but all in all I'm just not huge on it.

[Troggy]

I like some metal. Just not big on it in general.

Yeah, I guess that was my point, if I had to pick only a few metal bands to listen to, I would give several others the nod before Zao.

Which ones do you like?

[CellarGhosts]

Yeah, I guess that was my point, if I had to pick only a few metal bands to listen to, I would give several others the nod before Zao.

Which ones do you like?
I gotcha. You caught me before the edit, but I tried to make myself a little clearer:
I like some metal. Just not big on it in general. Depends on what bands you'd classify as "metal" though. I like a ton of heavier, abrasive music, (ie Converge), but if we're talking, say, Slayer, then no, not really. I like a few songs here and there from a scattered assortment of such bands, but all in all I'm just not huge on it.

If you count bands like Converge, Lords, etc as metal, then I like that stuff. I like some Opeth, some older Metallica and Megadeth, I've still got a soft spot for Iron Maiden, who I loved in 8th grade haha. ...I think you get the idea.

[Troggy]

That's cool dude. I don't like Slayer either haha.

[CellarGhosts]

That's cool dude. I don't like Slayer either haha.
Haha, I think they've got a handful of good songs but I've never understood what's so special about them.

[Troggy]

Haha, I think they've got a handful of good songs but I've never understood what's so special about them.

Yeah same here. Oh well, I enjoyed Summer Skin Jeff's Slayer parade in this thread, pretty funny haha.

[CellarGhosts]

Yeah same here. Oh well, I enjoyed Summer Skin Jeff's Slayer parade in this thread, pretty funny haha.
Haha oh yeah, definitely.

[Troggy]

How'd he get the ban hammer? They are sure kicking out anyone with a personality lately.

[CellarGhosts]

How'd he get the ban hammer? They are sure kicking out anyone with a personality lately.
Haha, I think those personalities are the very reason they're gone. I dunno what Jeff did (or mht), but I know Ben pissed off Tate in a Manchester Orchestra thread.

[Troggy]

Haha, I think those personalities are the very reason they're gone. I dunno what Jeff did (or mht), but I know Ben pissed off Tate in a Manchester Orchestra thread.

Yeah I saw the MO debacle but people have just had targets on their heads lately it seems. I even got my first infraction ever recently, and as you know I do not usually call attention to myself!

[CellarGhosts]

Yeah I saw the MO debacle but people have just had targets on their heads lately it seems. I even got my first infraction ever recently, and as you know I do not usually call attention to myself!
Haha wow, what did you do? I can't imagine, since you always seem like a pretty laid back guy.

[JimGray]

My first infraction as well.

Questioned mods.

[Troggy]

Haha wow, what did you do? I can't imagine, since you always seem like a pretty laid back guy.

Tate got mad at me the other day. I usually avoid the general forum but I was in the NFG thread over there.

[CellarGhosts]

Tate got mad at me the other day. I usually avoid the general forum but I was in the NFG thread over there.
Ah, I see. I do my best to get along with all the staffers haha. Tate especially.

[JimGray]

I don't really care anymore tbh. I love this site, but the vast majority of people I talk to a lot have added me in other places, or know where to find me.

So whatevs haha.

[Troggy]

Ah, I see. I do my best to get along with all the staffers haha. Tate especially.

Yeah I usually don't end up talking with any of them, this was a pretty isolated incident. I had made a post in there and he swooped in to answer. The only staffer I ever usually see is C Fallon, dude is pretty cool most of the time.

[CellarGhosts]

Yeah I usually don't end up talking with any of them, this was a pretty isolated incident. I had made a post in there and he swooped in to answer. The only staffer I ever usually see is C Fallon, dude is pretty cool most of the time.
Mhmm, that tends to happen, I've noticed. Fallon is cool. He's pretty understanding and not quite as quick with the ban hammer, haha.

[bard]

I like some metal. Just not big on it in general. Depends on what bands you'd classify as "metal" though. I like a ton of heavier, abrasive music, (ie Converge), but if we're talking, say, Slayer, then no, not really. I like a few songs here and there from a scattered assortment of such bands, but all in all I'm just not huge on it.
i'd suggest starting on Where Blood and Fire Brings Rest

and yes, The Fear > Funeral

[Circa1628]

I used to love this band, I can't tell you the last time I listened to them though

[viva la cymche!]

This band is great. All Else Failed is my favorite record.

[Dr. Acula]

How'd he get the ban hammer? They are sure kicking out anyone with a personality lately.

It's pretty fucking stupid. The music forum is going to be complete suckage soon. I was recently banned from the blink182 thread for absolutely nothing. Pretty laughable.

[Troggy]

Banned from a thread, that's weird.

[Dr. Acula]

Yeah, I didnt even know that was possible. "You do not have permission to access this page"

[bard]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3397/3334499302_2206ea7460_o.jpg
artwork confirmed by jeff gretz (drummer)

[bard]

Zao - Awake 5/5/09

confirmed by Jeff Gretz

also, he said there are six different "cards" with album art as the booklet with a cover on one side and the lyrics to songs on the other side, so it will appear to be six different albums in the stores since they will be in random order.

can't wait. he said if The Fear was their "rawest" album, this is the "best-sounding" album. production wise i assume, but hopefully another incredible Zao album.

so stoked! anyone else with me?

[xJesusFreakx]

Zao - Awake 5/5/09

confirmed by Jeff Gretz

also, he said there are six different "cards" with album art as the booklet with a cover on one side and the lyrics to songs on the other side, so it will appear to be six different albums in the stores since they will be in random order.

can't wait. he said if The Fear was their "rawest" album, this is the "best-sounding" album. production wise i assume, but hopefully another incredible Zao album.

so stoked! anyone else with me?

I absolutely loved The Fear is What Keeps Us Here. Parade had a cool sound, but it wasn't amazing, and Funeral had good moments, but it tried too hard to appeal to Killswitch and AILD fans. The bolded part (combined with the knowledge that a Funeral b-side will be on the album, and Tim of AILD is producing) worries me.

[batmannj]

Zao - Awake 5/5/09

confirmed by Jeff Gretz

also, he said there are six different "cards" with album art as the booklet with a cover on one side and the lyrics to songs on the other side, so it will appear to be six different albums in the stores since they will be in random order.

can't wait. he said if The Fear was their "rawest" album, this is the "best-sounding" album. production wise i assume, but hopefully another incredible Zao album.

so stoked! anyone else with me?
I am with you for sure my friend. I am really looking forward to seeing what they sound like with Tim Lambeisis producing.

[batmannj]

I absolutely loved The Fear is What Keeps Us Here. Parade had a cool sound, but it wasn't amazing, and Funeral had good moments, but it tried too hard to appeal to Killswitch and AILD fans. The bolded part (combined with the knowledge that a Funeral b-side will be on the album, and Tim of AILD is producing) worries me.
The weird thing is, I really enjoyed Funeral. I really enjoy all of Zao's albums, but the ones I love are Blood & Fire, Liberate, Self-Titled, and Funeral. Fear was a solid record, just not my favorite of theirs.

[popdisaster00]

Zao is sick

[bard]

i think funeral is their weakest album, but i think it's cause they didn't have that great of a drummer on it.... gretz brings the heavy crazy drums (re: the fear) and i think that coupled with scott and dan will be incredible.

i loved the fear though.

i'm basically hoping for the fear, but with better production.

the fear has some of their craziest songs

[batmannj]

i think funeral is their weakest album, but i think it's cause they didn't have that great of a drummer on it.... gretz brings the heavy crazy drums (re: the fear) and i think that coupled with scott and dan will be incredible.

i loved the fear though.

i'm basically hoping for the fear, but with better production.

the fear has some of their craziest songs
Yeah the interesting thing about Funeral is that they were going to record that record because this kid's favorite band was Zao, and he was a part of a rich family and they were going to pay all the members a nice cut of money to do it. At the time Jesse Smith was still in the band, but eventually the deal fell through and Jesse left the band, but Russ, Scott, and Dan were liking what they were writing so they went ahead with it anyway. I saw it on the DVD they released called The Lesser Lights of Heaven. If you are big into Zao, make sure you check it out.

[bard]

Yeah the interesting thing about Funeral is that they were going to record that record because this kid's favorite band was Zao, and he was a part of a rich family and they were going to pay all the members a nice cut of money to do it. At the time Jesse Smith was still in the band, but eventually the deal fell through and Jesse left the band, but Russ, Scott, and Dan were liking what they were writing so they went ahead with it anyway. I saw it on the DVD they released called The Lesser Lights of Heaven. If you are big into Zao, make sure you check it out.
lol, pre-ordered the dvd. i love ferret for doing that.

also, have all their albums, plan on getting the where blood and fire bring rest on vinyl when it comes out soon.

got a zao tattoo as well, lol

i'm a big fan

[batmannj]

lol, pre-ordered the dvd. i love ferret for doing that.

also, have all their albums, plan on getting the where blood and fire bring rest on vinyl when it comes out soon.

got a zao tattoo as well, lol

i'm a big fan
Yeah that DVD was excellent. I really learned a lot about the band and what went into the recording process. That Blood & Fire vinyl looks awesome, I am gonna snag one myself.

What is your tattoo of?

[bard]

it's the zao symbol from Funeral, the one with the Z with a cross on it.

it isn't just because of Zao. it represents a lot of stuff:

zao in greek means alive, plus the cross = alive in christ
my brother means a lot to me and he introduced me into a LOT of music, at least half of what i still listen to and love, and zao is one of his all time favoritess

idk, it means a lot more than "OMGZZZ I REALLY LUV THIS BAND!!!!"


it's about 6 inches long and 3 inches wide on my left shoulder. solid black and filled in

[batmannj]

lol thats awesome dude. I want to get a Zao tattoo and I want to get the Demon Hunter logo tattooed someday as well when I get a better job haha

[bard]

cool, that's a cool symbol too

my next tattoo(s) are going to be mewithoutYou/bible verse tattoo(s)

gonna get movement on my left wrist and repose on my right wrist

"if they ask you for the sign of the Father, tell them it's movement and repose"

[Klatzke]

bumped for the upcoming album.

[bard]

can't wait. pre-ordered, should get it within 4-5 days

[Klatzke]

can't wait. pre-ordered, should get it within 4-5 days
I'm loving it.

[batmannj]

I'm loving it.

How is it compared to the last few albums?

[Klatzke]

How is it compared to the last few albums?
I've only heard bits and pieces of everything, but nothing really caught my attention until this if that counts for anything.

[batmannj]

I've only heard bits and pieces of everything, but nothing really caught my attention until this if that counts for anything.

It does for sure, I just read your blog on it when it came up on a Google search I did. Man I am now so stoked for this

[Klatzke]

It does for sure, I just read your blog on it when it came up on a Google search I did. Man I am now so stoked for this
Yeah, I mean I've only really heard the stuff on their Myspace and i heard a little bit of the one with the statue holding the cross, but this one has definitely caught my attention.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j116/klatzke/ZAOplays.jpg

I got it around 5pm yesterday and there's the play counts haha.

[batmannj]

Yeah, I mean I've only really heard the stuff on their Myspace and i heard a little bit of the one with the statue holding the cross, but this one has definitely caught my attention.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j116/klatzke/ZAOplays.jpg

I got it around 5pm yesterday and there's the play counts haha.

Awesome. I like the two songs on the MySpace, but I was a little worried that it might not be that great of a release, but I am really looking forward to this now. Are you going to review it?

[Klatzke]

Awesome. I like the two songs on the MySpace, but I was a little worried that it might not be that great of a release, but I am really looking forward to this now. Are you going to review it?
Yep, for here. The dude from Warmfuzzy emailed it to me last night.
And the release, as a whole, is what's so impressive.

[bard]

got the new album in the mail today.

awesome artwork. the paper smells different/great

3228/8000 is my cd number

[IcedOpethBlind]

new album worth a listen or no?

[batmannj]

I still haven't got mine yet. I hear that it is pretty good though.

[xJesusFreakx]

new album worth a listen or no?

Worth a try. Just check out the album stream on MySpace. I was kinda bored with it, too be honest.

[Klatzke]

new album worth a listen or no?
Eh. I think it's definitely worth it.

[jfork]

This is probably either terrible or terribly boring.

[mattmatumbo]

I liked them, i kind of got out of that kind of metal lately though. Funeral of God was a great album though. Almost saw them and FBTMOF when i was a freshman in highschool, but the cops broke it up.

[batmannj]

I am really liking the new album.

[Klatzke]

I am really liking the new album.
told ya!

[batmannj]

told ya!

Haha yes you did. I got my pre-order and I am really happy with it. Instrumentally its their best album in a long long time.

[Troggy]

Getting around to giving this one a listen, it's not bad really. I am four tracks in. It is mostly rehash for them, but 'Human Cattle Masses...' has a rockin' riff in it. Best track so far.

[Klatzke]

Getting around to giving this one a listen, it's not bad really. I am four tracks in. It is mostly rehash for them, but 'Human Cattle Masses...' has a rockin' riff in it. Best track so far.
That and the track following it are my favorites. Plus the closer.

[Troggy]

That and the track following it are my favorites. Plus the closer.

hmm...I am on the second to the last track now. not much stood out to me between tracks 4 and 9. couple of good licks here and there, i could make out some interesting lyrics on 'what will you find?'...

[Klatzke]

hmm...I am on the second to the last track now. not much stood out to me between tracks 4 and 9. couple of good licks here and there, i could make out some interesting lyrics on 'what will you find?'...
i can't remember the title of the one after Cattle, but I just love the "chorus" with the whole "We fade away like a dream/we come apart at the seams." I'm really liking this album though.

[Troggy]

i can't remember the title of the one after Cattle, but I just love the "chorus" with the whole "We fade away like a dream/we come apart at the seams." I'm really liking this album though.

Yeah that was a good part. I'm not really excited or disappointed about this one, it's just kinda in the middle of the road.

[Klatzke]

Yeah that was a good part. I'm not really excited or disappointed about this one, it's just kinda in the middle of the road.
It's their first album I've actually gotten into. I'm not real sure why.

[xJesusFreakx]

I really couldn't get into any of the songs for some reason. Maybe Zao just bores me now? I think they've passed their creative peak. I like playing The Fear every once in a while, when I'm in the mood for some abrasive metalcore, but beyond that, they're just there.

[Troggy]

I really couldn't get into any of the songs for some reason. Maybe Zao just bores me now? I think they've passed their creative peak. I like playing The Fear every once in a while, when I'm in the mood for some abrasive metalcore, but beyond that, they're just there.

The reason you are feeling bored is because the new record doesn't break any new ground. The only difference is the production. It actually makes me like The Fear a little bit more. I have probably already said this in here but 'Physician Heal Thyself' is sick.

[xJesusFreakx]

The reason you are feeling bored is because the new record doesn't break any new ground. The only difference is the production. It actually makes me like The Fear a little bit more. I have probably already said this in here but 'Physician Heal Thyself' is sick.

Agreed. I also love "Killing Time 'Til It's Time To Die," the beginning of "There Is No Such Thing As Paranoia," and the end of "A Last Time For Everything." The production sounds so sweet, and it compliments the music and lyrics perfectly.

[Troggy]

Agreed. I also love "Killing Time 'Til It's Time To Die," the beginning of "There Is No Such Thing As Paranoia," and the end of "A Last Time For Everything." The production sounds so sweet, and it compliments the music and lyrics perfectly.

Yeah it's a pretty solid album really. Dan has some of the most Carcass-esque vocals out there, which I happen to enjoy.

[bard]

i'm liking the new album, but like troggy said i think, it's middle of the road zao. nothing ground-breaking, just 10 new tracks (well, one remake and 9 new tracks) that are solid.

scott's vocals sounds really good, sounds like he got some vocal lessons.

also, the artwork/design/idea is fantastic.

[Troggy]

scott's vocals sounds really good, sounds like he got some vocal lessons.

I suppose there is an improvement in the quality of the clean vocals, but I think they'd still be better off without them.

also, the artwork/design/idea is fantastic.

Haven't seen the inside, but I do really like the cover.

Shameless plug: here's my Review (http://sunonthesand.net/?p=4598) for Awake?

[bard]

but Awake? concentrates on the wrong pieces of Zao’s catalog.

good review, above quote explains this album all too well

[The Matchup]

Zao was such a great discovery for my and my friends , so glad i got to open for them with my former band back in 2001! got so many memories when i put where blood and fire... the vocals are sick! kinda reminds me of Carcass which is good too lol