Zach Hill
Astrological Straits
Ipecac (2008)
Zach Hill is quite the accomplished drummer. Hill co-founded the genre-bending duo (now a fivesome) Hella with Spencer Seim. In addition, Hill has found time to collaborate with a plethora of talented individuals on multiple projects: Team Sleep with Chino Moreno, Goon Moon with Chris Goss, Omar Rodriquez-Lopez, Mike Patton, and many others. Needless to say, Hill is a known … Read more
Zao
Awake?
Ferret (2009)
There once was a time where Zao were a great Christian metalcore that stood out among their peers. Back in the 90's, they created a signature sound with powerful screams, raw guitars, and clean sung choruses. Unfortunately, this sound has been bastardized by tons of other metalcore bands that have spawned since that time. It's been ten years since Liberate … Read more
Zao
The Fear is What Keeps Us Here
Ferret (2006)
The Fear is What Keeps Us Here is the umpteenth full-length from this chaotic and erratic off and on metalcore act. The fact that they are still producing albums boggles my mind. I have always considered this band to be a guilty pleasure (in part anyway). That last album The Funeral of God was an awful example of what they … Read more
Zao
The Funeral of God
Ferret (2004)
Some would call Zao the musical embodiment of a soap opera. Even in their early years, they went through two lead vocalists and countless other band members. Their defining moments, however, were when vocalist Dan Weyandt entered the band and recorded Where Blood & Fire Bring Rest, Liberate Te Ex Inferis, Self-Titled, and Parade of Chaos. The drama didn't end … Read more
ZEPHR
Don’t Worry About It
Snappy Little Numbers (2020)
It’s fantastic to still see label holding up the torch when it comes to being dedicated to the fine art of the analogue format, partly because of its sonic superiority, partly as a reminiscence to a time where it was de rigour.Snappy Little Numbers is a label that keeps pumping out quality releases, lovingly illustrated with attention to detail and … Read more
Zhenia Golov
Zhenia Golov
Railroaded (2008)
Zhenia Golov hail from the hardcore factory that is New Brunswick, NJ. I won't bore you with a list of notables that have already made it big, just know that there are a lot of them. Zhenia Golov plays aggressive and raw hardcore punk with a bit of influence from the d-beat world as well. They've got the speed and … Read more
Zhenia Golov / Botox Party
Split
Railroaded (2009)
Railroaded Records teams up two Eastcoast acts on this limited split 7" release: Zhenia Golov from New Brunswick, New Jersey and Botox Party from Richmond, Virgina. Zhenia Golov return with two new cuts of fast, raw hardcore punk. They've built of their previous 7" release with more fury and it suits them well. I'd like to see what they'd offer … Read more
Znous
Znousland 2 EP
Anti-Ta7na Records/ A World Divided Tapes (2020)
Recently my girlfriend had put on a random playlist. Most of it passed me by unnoticed, but one song made me look up. I am not even sure what caught my attention, but I do know that for one song I was completely focused on music. You guessed it, this band was Znous. I noted down the name on my … Read more
Znous
Znousland 3 EP
Independent (2021)
It took Znous exactly one year to release a new EP. You will not hear me complaining about this. Avid readers of this site will remember I was very fond of Znousland 2, which I discovered half a year after its release. I described the sound of this Tunisian band as a mix of modern metal bands (Sepultura and Ministry … Read more
Zola Jesus
Okovi
Sacred Bones (2017)
Nicole Hummel aka Zola Jesus, is one of the most enticing singer/songwriters of the current scene. By incorporating elements of electronica and industrial alongside a darkwave tone and with classical leanings, she has released a series of great records highlighting her intricate sound. From the extreme days of her debut, The Spoils, in 2009, Zola Jesus has been projecting an … Read more
Zombi
Shape Shift
Relapse (2015)
Since their founding almost a decade and a half ago, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania duo Zombi (made up of bassist Steve Moore and drummer A.E. Paterra, both of whom contribute synthesizer sound) have positioned themselves among the best contemporary groups inspired by the world of vintage horror soundtracks. Following a string of releases from 2002 through 2011 that found the band utilizing … Read more
Zombie Apocalypse
This Is A Spark of Life
Indecision (2003)
You've probably heard of Zombie Apocalypse because you like Shai Hulud. Well, then in a sense you've heard this whole thing. It sounds like a bunch of unused Shai Hulud parts played at 78 rpms. There are a bunch of samples, practically one in each song, which aren't that funny or special. Side projects are fun because you can hear … Read more
Zozobra
Bird of Prey
Hydra Head (2008)
Originally planned as a whole other project of Caleb Scofield under the moniker Heatseeker, Bird of Prey is instead the second full-length release from the Cave In/Old Man Gloom member's Zozobra. Joining Scofield this time around is Isis drummer Aaron Harris, who also engineered the album, in place of the departed Santos Montano. The decision to release this album under … Read more
Zozobra
Harmonic Tremors
Hydra Head (2007)
Zozobra is a tantalizing idea for a band. They are a two-piece outfit that is comprised of Cave In member Caleb Scofield and a member of the criminally unnoticed Forensics, Santos Montano - both members also do time in Old Man Gloom. The question then becomes, knowing how else the members otherwise occupy their time, what will this band sound … Read more
Zozobra
Harmonic Tremors
Hydra Head (2007)
Those frustrated by the fact that Old Man Gloom is nothing more than a studio project that rarely tours can get excited - at least a little bit. Caleb Scofield and Santos Montano, two of the players of Old Man Gloom, have formed a new vehicle with a similar sound, one that actually tours: Zozobra. Harmonic Tremors begins with "The … Read more
Zozobra
Savage Masters
Brutal Panda (2013)
Zozobra returns five years after their excellent previous full length Birds of Prey; and now, Caleb Scofield (of Cave In and Old Man Gloom) brings forth Savage Masters. If you are not familiar with Zozobra, try to imagine Old Man Gloom covering Cave In tracks: in essence you get straightforward songs, with quite catchy riffs and nice groove which on … Read more
Zs
Arms
Planaria (2007)
I was lucky enough to see Zs live on tour with The Locust, and I must first mention how badly my ears hurt during their set. I felt for a moment that I might fall apart right where I was standing. But upon the conclusion of their set I realized that this was more than just something that made my … Read more
Zu
Carboniferous
Ipecac (2009)
Zu are a strange band. They are the type of band that could almost only fit on Ipecac because they love the abnormal. They are discordant and noisy and beautiful and also Italian. Noted, that last one doesn't have much bearing on the music just a nice note. The band has a long history of upsetting audiences throughout Europe and … Read more
