Xenophobe (EP)

2015 EP by Zao

Xenophobe

EP by

Zao

Released| July 10, 2015
Recorded| 2014–2015 at Treelady Studios[1]
Genre| Metalcore[2]
Length| 6:43
Label| Independent
Producer| Zao
Zao chronology
| Awake?
(2009)  | Xenophobe
(2015)  | The Well-Intentioned Virus
(2016)

|
|

Xenophobe is the fifth EP by American metalcore band Zao. It is the first release since the band's five-year unofficial hiatus.[3][2] It is the first EP to feature Scott Mellinger, Martin Lunn and Jeff Gretz.

## Lyrical concepts

[edit]

Andrew Bonazelli of Decibel Magazine says: "According to frontman Dan Weyandt, "Lyrically, 'Xenophobe' is about specific outlets of mass media using tried and true propaganda techniques to create division, radicalism and fear in the average American citizen's mind. Appealing at first to a viewer's prejudice and worries, it then reshapes the way one thinks and perceives. It's the great divider in the digital age and the corruptor of rational thoughts. It is loyal to no side and both at once."[4]

## Critical reception

[edit]

Gregory Adams of Exclaim! writes "Noisecore aggressors Zao are back in the game, with a new two-song 7-inch set to explode our speakers next Friday (July 10). Ahead of time, you can stream the fractured grooves and feral shrieks the longtime outfit have to offer via a stream of the A-side, "Xenophobe."

The track is absolutely ruthless, packing a potent, brickbat assault of discordant riffery, cranium-collapsing beats and devilish screams. At its harshest, it harkens back to the '90s glory days of Deadguy, Pre-Jane Doe Converge, Drowningman or early The Dillinger Escape Plan.

There are a few, somewhat more tranquil moments that blend double-hand guitar tapping and a sea-faring waltz, but overall "Xenophobe" is a brutal and devastating return for the West Virginia outfit.

You'll find a stream of the song down below, care of Decibel. The 7-inch, which features b-side "Fear Itself," hits stores next week. A full-length release, their first since 2009's Awake?, is rumoured to arrive this fall."[5]

## Track listing

[edit]

[1]

No.| Title| Length

|
|

1.| "Xenophobe"| 3:10
2.| "Fear Itself"| 3:33

## Credits

[edit]

Zao[1]

* Dan Weyandt \- vocals
* Scott Mellinger - guitar
* Jeff Gretz - drums
* Martin Lunn - bass
* Russ Cogdell - guitar

Production

* Dave Hidek - engineer, mixing
* Garret Haines - mastering
* Tod Hough - artwork

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c "Xenophobe on Bandcamp". Bandcamp. Retrieved 2015-07-10.
2. ^ a b Emperor Rhombus (July 10, 2015). "Zao Has Nothing to Fear But "Fear Itself", You Have Nothing to Fear But Zao". MetalSucks. Retrieved May 8, 2016.
3. ^ "Zao release new 7", first new music since 2009". Alternative Press. Retrieved 2015-07-10.
4. ^ "Xenophobe". Decibel Magazine. 2 July 2015. Retrieved 2015-07-10.
5. ^ Adams, Gregory (July 2, 2015). "Zao - Xenophobe". Exclaim!. Retrieved May 8, 2016.

## External links

[edit]

* Zao Xenophobe on Indie Vision Music

* v
* t
* e

Zao

* Dan Weyandt
* Scott Mellinger
* Martin Lunn
* Jeff Gretz
* Russ Cogdell

* Eric Reeder
* Roy Goudy
* Mic Cox
* Jesse Smith
* Shawn Jonas
* Ron Gray
* Kevin Moran
* Brett Detar
* Rob Horner
* Shawn Koschik
* Stephen Peck

Studio albums|

* All Else Failed
* The Splinter Shards the Birth of Separation
* Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest
* Liberate Te Ex Inferis
* Self-Titled
* Parade of Chaos
* The Funeral of God
* The Fear Is What Keeps Us Here
* Awake?
* The Well-Intentioned Virus
* The Crimson Corridor

Re-recorded albums|

* All Else Failed

Extended plays|

* Xenophobe
* Pyrrhic Victory

Compilations|

* Legendary

Related articles|

* Discography

*[No.]: Number
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template