ZAO - Awake? [Album]

Ferret Music

September 7, 2009, 08:13 PM

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ZAO have been around a long time, since 1993 in fact, and in that time have had a multitude of line up changes to the extent that there are no original members left! That by no means implies that the members are new, with vocalist Daniel Weyandt and guitarist Scott Mellinger joining back in 1997. Metalcore has now been around for quite a few years and has long since been the new boy in town. Lots of bands have adapted their sound to venture further into new genres or have simply become more commercial, many to great success. ZAO aren’t one of those bands, their sound has changed over the years but since their first venture in metalcore back in the 90’s they have not been original in anyway.

Unfortunately "Awake?" fails to tick any new boxes in any way, shape or form. Weyandt’s raspy screams are nearly always indistinguishable and slightly off-putting and the guitar riffs are far from inventive. The saving grace on this album is the track ‘Romance of the Southern Spirit’, with it’s Atreyu-esque chorus. The track ‘Quiet Passenger Pt.1’ also sadly shows that while Mellinger’s backing singing is good, it is far from up to the level of others in the field. Apart from the aforementioned, there is little more to say about "Awake?". The guitar chugs along, playing power chords and the drums sit happily as the beat behind it all. Nothing is outstanding or predominant on "Awake?".

Having seen ZAO live many years ago I’m really disappointed that there has been no progression. I know what it’s like to play in band and get disheartened with it for some reason or other and be forced to leave. Hearing "Awake?" makes me think about why ZAO have gone through so many members. They may have all left for completely different reasons but "Awake?", for me questions ZAO’s creative ability, growth and direction as a band.

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