Zao (US band)

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ZAO
Zao and Dan Weyandt live in Karlsruhe, Germany, 10.09.2004.
Zao and Dan Weyandt live in Karlsruhe, Germany, 10.09.2004.
Background information
Origin Original: Parkersburg, West Virginia, USA
Current version: Greensburg, Pennsylvania, USA
Genre(s) Metalcore
Hardcore (early)
Years active 1993 – present
Label(s) Ferret, Solid State, Steadfast,
Tooth & Nail
Website ZaoOnline.com
Members
Daniel Weyandt
Scott Mellinger
Martin Lunn
Russ Cogdell
Former members
See Personnel
For other uses of the term "zao," see Zao.

Zao (IPA: /ˈzeɪoʊ/)[1] is a band from Greensburg, Pennsylvania and one of the founding metalcore groups. Founded in 1993 in Parkersburg, West Virginia, Zao has hosted several musicians and endured numerous roster changes to the point where no original members remain. Singer Daniel Weyandt and guitarists Scott Mellinger & Russ Cogdell are seen by most fans as the "core" of Zao.

Christianity has been a key influence in the band's work; because the founding members claimed to have a strong relationship with God, they were considered a devoted Christian band, which changed as time passed. Jesse Smith slowly changed his vision for the band, preferring it to be not a 100% Christian band. As Dan Weyandt entered the band, the lyrics changed drastically, mostly leaving a message that he is alive because of God, not with the intention of spreading the religion, but to let know how it helped him in his personal struggles. Because only half the band's members identified themselves as Christians, Zao no longer considered itself a Christian band but rather a group of open-minded artists. However in an interview posted on their myspace, their manager pointed out that due to another line up change they were all Christian. Guitarist Scott Mellinger described the bands view on religion by saying this "We're not selling Christ. We're just following Him!." Lyrics in future productions may or may not include Christian messages, but they have also stated they would love to play at Cornerstone again, which is an exclusively Christian music festival.[2] [3]

To date, Zao has completed nine full-length albums, three EPs, a two-disc DVD documentary and multiple concert tours, garnering a limited but global fanbase and setting genre standards in the process.

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] The First Era (1993-1997)

Zao began in the Parkersburg, West Virginia, area as an evangelical group of acquaintances with a passion for aggressive music: vocalist Eric Reeder, guitarist Roy Goudy, bassist Mic Cox, and drummer Jesse Smith. The band's name comes from the Greek word (ζάω), which means "alive" or "to have life". Zao vocalist Eric Reeder has been credited with coming up with the band's name.[4][5] Calling their sound "Christ centered hardcore", they sought to reach an audience that they felt has been pushed away from the organized church.[5] Most of their early songs, which appeared on their first two full-length albums, All Else Failed and The Splinter Shards the Birth of Separation (which saw the band re-recording much of the "All Else Failed" material), contained explicit references to God and centered on the theme of the peace of God. [6] Reeder left before Zao recorded All Else Failed and was replaced by Shawn Jonas; original bassist Mic Cox left the band, and Kevin Moran took his place. Ron Gray also joined the band as a second guitarist after the recording of The Splinter Shards the Birth of Separation. All of the band members, except for drummer Jesse Smith, quit Zao following the 1997 Cornerstone festival and a couple of shows they played on the way back home.

[edit] The Second Era (1998 - 2002)

In 1998 Smith recruited Greensburg, PA guitarist Brett Detar to help him build a new incarnation of Zao. Detar suggested a pair of his friends, guitarist Russ Cogdell and enigmatic writer / poet (and future tattoo artist) Dan Weyandt. Smith would drive several hours to Greensburg to co-write and rehearse what would become the first (and in many ways, defining) album from the new Zao, "Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest." The group played fewer and fewer songs from the old version of the band as "Blood and Fire" took hold. They toured without a bass player and set stages ablaze with Weyandt's personal onstage storytelling about the hardships that informed their songs. With a rockabilly look and plenty of leaping, raw emotion and Smith's oddly engaging habit of setting up his drums facing away from the audience, their live reputation grew large in the underground. Not long after recording their half of a split EP with labelmates Training For Utopia in California, Detar left the group to focus his energy on his emo-pop side-project The Juliana Theory, who would eventually sign to Sony and enjoy a reasonable level of success relative to the "scene."

Scott Mellinger joined the band on lead guitar, with Rob Horner coming in on bass, before the recording of another landmark Metalcore album, "Liberate te ex Inferis" (Latin for "Save Yourself from Hell," a line from the movie "Event Horizon"). Cogdell left the band in 2000 to go to film school. Weyandt left at the same time, leaving Smith, Mellinger & Horner to embark on a tour with singer Corey Darst. Weyandt returned and Horner left, with Weyandt handling bass as well as vocals for a time.

Mellinger and Smith wrote and recorded all of the music for Zao's "Self-Titled" album, with Dan coming by for a few days to contribute his lyrics and vocals. The album is notable for Smith's dark pop interludes, the v-drum sound and the song "Five Year Winter," which remains a signature Zao song.

Corey Darst replaced Weyandt for the majority of the touring in support of the album, with Horner returning. Darst never appeared on a Zao album although this version of the group (Darst, Smith, Mellinger & Horner) did cut a three-song demo during a Seattle tour stop. The group talked about signing with either Sanctuary or Century Media Records, but Zao "broke up" on stage at a December, 2001 show in Pittsburgh (later documented on their DVD). They were supposed to embark on a tour with The Juliana Theory and Weyandt had joined Darst on stage as a special guest, but a drunken Smith couldn't make it through the show and long-brewing tensions boiled over.

Solid State / Tooth & Nail funded the next Zao projects: a brand new album that like "Self-Titled" featured just Smith, Mellinger & Weyandt called "Parade Of Chaos" as well as a re-recording of the original Zao's "All Else Failed" recorded by the same trio. While the guys would later disavow the re-recording (admitting they did it because they were broke), "Parade Of Chaos" was a fantastic Zao album, containing fan favorites like "Free The Three" and "Angel Without Wings."

Weyandt, Mellinger, Smith and a returning Cogdell set-out on the "Burn It Down And Walk Away Tour," billed as Zao's "final" tour, with support from special guests Underoath, Unearth and The Underwater. Although technically a tour in support of "Parade Of Chaos" as well, no songs from the album were featured in the set-list.

After the 2002 tour, the group's members focused on other projects, most notably Cogdell & Mellinger's more rock-oriented Jade Meridian.

[edit] The Third Era (2003 - 2006)

Living Sacrifice drummer Lance Garvin filled in for Smith when the rest of the guys couldn't find him for a couple of 2003 festival dates. However, the "Liberate" era lineup reconvened in Greensburg around the promise of a new record label that offered to fund a new Zao album. The label ended up falling apart before a note of music was ever recorded, prompting Smith to reach out to Ferret Music who agreed to sign the band to a two-album deal. After cutting some new demos, Weyandt left the group.

Society's Finest singer Josh Ashworth was asked by Smith to join the group. This version of Zao toured and recorded a couple of songs. However, by the end of 2003, Cogdell & Mellinger realized they did not want to make a Zao record without Dan on vocals. Smith & Horner quit Zao to focus on their new band, Gods. Ashworth stepped aside. With Dan back onboard, the remaining three "core" members recruited the rhythm section from Jade Meridian (bass player Shawn Koschick, drummer Stephen Peck) to round-out the Zao lineup.

In 2004 Zao released "The Funeral Of God" -- a daring concept album that imagined a world where God had chosen to abandon mankind. Ferret advertised the album everywhere, the group made their first music video (for "The Rising End") and went on several tours of the US, resulting in the biggest selling Zao album to date. Though they had played a few shows there before, Zao did their first ever extensive European headlining tour with this lineup.

Shawn told the band he'd be leaving just before the "Praise The War Machine" US headlining tour, 'though he did complete the tour. The soldout show at Glasshouse in Pomona, CA was filmed for the band's in-the-works DVD.

Longtime friend & tour manager Marty Lunn took over the bass position before Zao co-headlined the "City Of Champions" tour with The Juliana Theory. The following year, Stephen Peck told the band he was quitting two weeks before they were set to leave for the UK to tour with Bleeding Through. Scrambling to find a replacement, the group hired local drummer Jeff Gretz, the first outwardly and outspokenly non-Christian member in the history of the band. The UK tour was followed by the "Strhess Tour" across the US in the summer of 2005 with Bleeding Through, Darkest Hour and Misery Signals. The Los Angeles & San Diego shows were recorded for the upcoming DVD.

During a handful of dates on Vans Warped Tour that summer, Cogdell aggravated a knee-injury he had sustained doing one of his trademark knee-smashing jumps while filming their music video the year before. He sat out that fall's tour with Dillinger Escape Plan & Every Time I Die as well as dates with Unearth and Shadows Fall before exiting the band officially. That fall saw the release of the two-disc DVD set, "The Lesser Lights Of Heaven."

In January, 2006, Weyandt, Mellinger, Lunn & Gretz traveled to Chicago to record their new album with one of their collective heroes, Steve Albini. He had recorded some of their favorite albums by Nirvana and Neurosis, to name a few. The making of "The Fear Is What Keeps Us Here" was documented for a limited edition DVD.

Directly after recording, Zao hit the road with In Flames, Trivium and DevilDriver. After that, they co-headlined their second "Ferret Music Tour"; they were forced to head home early after Dan severely injured his hand. "The Fear..." was released in June while Zao was on tour with Demon Hunter. The band filmed a video for "My Love, My Love We've Come Back From The Dead," a self-described "zombie love story," during that tour.

The fall of 2006 saw Zao touring with Throwdown, Evergreen Terrace & Maylene and The Sons Of Disaster. During the tour, Mellinger & Weyandt both agreed that Zao should embark on a long-break after the tour. Eager to continue touring, Gretz left Zao not long after and became the drummer for From Autumn To Ashes.

[edit] Zao 2007 - Present

On January 23, 2007 Zao announced that Russ Cogdell had rejoined the band after recovering from his knee surgery in a lengthy statement. Zao stated also that they would not fill the drum position officially, but rather, ex-Juliana Theory drummer Josh Walters would fill-in if when the band next appeared live. The band said they had completed their two-album deal with Ferret Music but did not say who would be releasing their next album. There is no news on whether they intend to re-sign to Ferret or seek a new label.[7]. Not long after the statement was released, the band said that Walters would in fact not be performing with them. A local friend named Dean Minerva was said to be their new fill-in drummer, though he has yet to record or tour with Zao. The band has not played a show since 2006. In May, 2008, it was announced on the band's MySpace page that ZAO will play a show with Demon Hunter at Mr. Smalls in Pittsburgh.

[edit] Personnel

[edit] Current members

[edit] Former members

  • Roy Goudy (1993–1997) – guitar
  • Jesse Smith (1993–2004) – drums
  • Mic Cox (1993–1997) – bass
  • Eric Reeder (1993–1995) – vocals
  • Shawn Jonas (1995–1997) – vocals
  • Kevin Moran (1997) – touring bass
  • Ron Gray (1997–1998) – guitar
  • Brett Detar (1997–1999) – guitar
  • Rob Horner (1999–2004) – bass
  • Corey Darst (2000–2001) – touring vocals
  • Matt Auxier (2001–2002) – touring guitar
  • Joshua Ashworth (2003–2004) – touring vocals
  • Shawn Koschik (2004–2005) – bass
  • Stephen Peck (2004–2005) – drums
  • Jeff Gretz (2005–2007) – Drums

[edit] Discography

[edit] Albums and EPs

Title Release date Notes Label
Author 1994 A self-released, eight-song demo tape. n/a
Conflict 1994 A self-released, four-song demo tape. n/a
Sustained 1995 A self-released, four-song demo tape. n/a
The Ties That Bind 7" Split EP 1995 A split with Outcast, featuring "Flight" by Zao. Steadfast Records
All Else Failed 1995 Track 4 (Growing in Grace) has the singer from Christian hardcore band Six Feet Deep and indie/emo band Brandston (Myk Porter) Steadfast Records
Treadwater 7" Split EP 1996 A split with Through and Through, featuring "Repressed" by Zao. Steadfast Records
The Splinter Shards the Birth of Separation CD & Vinyl 1997-05-20 Tooth & Nail Records
Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest 1998-05-26 The first album with Daniel Weyandt as vocalist. Tooth & Nail Records/Solid State Records
Training for Utopia/Zao Split EP 1998-08-18 A split with Training for Utopia. Tooth & Nail Records/Solid State Records
The Ties That Bind Split EP 1999 A re-release on CD of their split with Outcast, featuring "Flight" by Zao plus an additional Zao track "Security". Steadfast Records
Liberate Te Ex Inferis 1999-09-28 Solid State Records
(Self Titled) 2001-02-27 The album's title is (Self-Titled) and is not an eponymous release. Solid State Records
Parade of Chaos 2002-07-16 Solid State Records
All Else Failed 2003-02-25 A re-recording of the original with Dan Weyandt singing Shawn Jonas' lyrics. Solid State Records
The Funeral of God 2004-07-13 Ferret Records
The Fear Is What Keeps Us Here 2006-06-13 Marty and Jeff's first recording with Zao Ferret Records

[edit] Zao's Other Songs

[edit] Other releases

Title Release date Notes Label
Legendary 2004-01-13 A compilation of songs from previous albums, and previously unreleased studio demos with Corey Darst on vocals. Solid State Records
The Lesser Lights of Heaven DVD 2005-11-15 A lengthy documentary of the band's career with tons of live footage, both professional and fan-filmed. Ferret Records

[edit] Compilations Zao is Featured On

  • A testament to broken walls-Sancho (previously unreleased, features Self-titled lineup, later rerecorded with Corey Darst as "The Icarus Complex")
  • Black on Black: a Tribute to Black Flag - Black Coffee (Previously Unreleased)
  • Music On The Brain Vol. 2 (Smartpunk) - The Rising End (The First Prophecy)
  • Point Break Vol. 1 - Angel Without Wings
  • Progression Through Aggression Vol. 2 - The Last Revelation (The Last Prophecy)
  • Songs From The Penalty Box - Exchange
  • Songs From The Penalty Box Vol. 2 - A Fall Farewell
  • This is Solid State Vol. 1 - To Think of You is to Treasure an Absent Memory
  • This is Solid State Vol. 2 - Trashcanhands (Keyboard Coward)
  • This is Solid State Vol. 3 - The Icarus Complex
  • This is Solid State Vol. 4 - Resistance
  • Tooth & Nail 10th Anniversary Box Set
    • (disc 1) Ravage Ritual
    • (disc 2) Savannah
    • (disc 4) 5 Year Winter
    • (disc 5) Parade of Chaos
  • Tooth & Nail 4th Anniversary Box Set
    • (disc 4) Repressed
  • Van's Warped Tour '05 - The Rising End (The First Prophecy)
  • What on Earth?! Compilation
  • Cheapskates- Harder Side - Circle II The Lustful: If These Scars Could Speak
  • New Shit Vol. 10 - The Rising End (The First Prophecy)
  • Razor: Music From The Cutting Edge (Vol. 7) - The Rising End (The First Prophecy)
  • Under the Gun DVD - The Rising End (The First Prophecy)

[edit] Videos

[edit] Trivia

 Trivia sections are discouraged under Wikipedia guidelines.
The article could be improved by integrating relevant items and removing inappropriate ones.
  • The singer Myk Porter from Six Feet Deep and Brandtson was featured on the original 1996 recording of "Growing in Grace" on the "All Else Failed" album.
  • Zao's Japanese release of "The Funeral of God" had a special unreleased track called "The Romance of the Southern Spirit".
  • Zao's Japanese release of "The Fear Is What Keeps Us Here" had the song that was on the Black Flag cover album as track twelve.
  • Liberate Te Ex Infernis is full of clips from the movie "Event Horizon" and the title of the CD is a direct quote from the movie.
  • The song "Lie of Serpents, A River of Tears" from "Where Blood and Fire Brings Rest" ends with an audio clip of Danny ridding his tricycle through the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining".

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Iwasaki, Scott. "Zao's music abrasive yet spiritual", Deseret Morning News, 28 January 2005. 
  2. ^ ""NEW ALBUM THE FEAR IS WHAT KEEPS US HERE (6/13/06)"", MySpace, 2006-05-15. 
  3. ^ ""BRAND NEW ZAO INTERVIEW WITH LOTS OF NEWS!!!!!!!!! "", MySpace, 2007-01-23. 
  4. ^ Dennis (2004-09-29). Online interview Russ Cogdell, guitarist for Zao. Wise Men Promotions. Retrieved on 2007-02-27.
  5. ^ a b Reeder, Eric (January/February 2007). "I Have A Dream... (Original Zao)". HM Magazine (123): 22. ISSN 1066-6923. 
  6. ^ [1]
  7. ^ [2]

[edit] Further reading

  • "Zao" (January / February 1996). 7ball Magazine (28). 

[edit] External links