Sunday, February 10, 2019

Zao: The Funeral Of God



"Funeral of God" was recommended to me by a friend of mine back in college. Although Zao had put out a number of albums prior to this release, I was unaware of their music at the time, hence the suggestion. Now, given that this is my first experience with Zao, I was expecting straight dose metalcore with heavy chugging riffs and breakdowns. To be perfectly honest, it is metalcore, but far from the sound I was expecting. Yes, the sound is metalcore based, but there's a lot more going on within this album than just another Killswitch Engage or Shadows Fall release. For one, the music is much more diverse than advertised. They slow tempo and heavy rhythm of the guitars often give off a sludgy vibe, while other songs have more upbeat, catchy melodies that hook you from the start. The vocalist reminds me very much of Soul Embraced's lead singer, with his raspy shriek that easily fits with a melodic death sound, a sound which this album often flirts with. (Side not; Soul Embraced also play a Christian faith style of music) All in all, I was pleasantly surprised with this recommendation. I haven't listened to any of Zao's other releases, but plan on trying to compare at least one or two from their earlier years. Fans of metalcore or deathcore would enjoy this album, but I think those who enjoy a more accessible melodic death (In Flames' "Reroute to remain" or Soilwork' s later works or the aforementioned, Soul Embraced) would find this interesting as well.

Highlights: "Live... From The Funeral Of God" "The Last Revelation (The Last Prophecy)" "The Last Song From Zion)

Rating: 4

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