At first, Zerozonic may sound like they are hailing from USA, but they are a Norwegian band. The band was formed by Daniel Olaisen, who might be more better known as a guitarist for death metallers Blood Red Throne. Zerozonic is something else, though: Groove metal is their craft. Daniel lists Pantera, Meshuggah and Chimaira as some of their favourite bands, and here they put these influences into play.

This has one foot in US groove metal, and while not sounding exactly like Pantera, I'd say they sound closer to another Texan groove metal band, Pissing Razors, and at times when it's time to get a tad too redneck-ish, Hellyeah. The legacy of 'Vulgar Display of Power' (Pantera's 1992 breakthrough album) is well presented via songs like 'Save Us' and 'Give It up', but does occur in many of the songs. Heavy-handed palm-muted guitar and bass handling offer sturdy stuff, for sure. There are some nimble-fingered fretboard runs, also, adding the thrash metal trait. When thrash is up, it's sharper like... ehm, razor. 'Once You've Tried It' includes some sturdy death metal moments. The guitar leads and solos are ace and memorable, and together with US style chugging guitar, there are some very Scandinavian vibes in the guitar work generally (try 'Never Back down' for some tasty stuff).

The compositions hop from thrashing to groove in a blink. You know, it is more straight skank-beat and then suddenly the tempo changes and short double kick drum blasts and snare hits happen in calculated order; not math-metal, but still that twitching progression. The pace varies from mid to fast; the fluctuations happen often. The songs can be taken while in a party mood, but if a listener really gets into the songwriting and movements, the music is quite bloody interesting for a big part. However, the average song-length is over 4 minutes, and sometimes it's a tad too much.

'Aftersane' is the band's third full-length album, and the first one with vocalist Arvid Tjelta. His repertoire is pretty many-sided, and surprisingly similar to the previous voice talent, Mr. Leo Moracchiolli. Both have powerful (and sounds like it's hurting) shout/shriek voice for sure, but also some annoying traits, like what I cannot call but a "madman" voice. It happens often, and is like a clean, monotonous wail kind of a thing, not unlike Mike Muir of Suicidal Tendencies. The lyrics are about partying and being a motherfucker.

The production plays a huge part in groove metal: It must be punchy and forceful. On this platter, one of the best groove metal production jobs happened, that I've heard to date. It is both aforementioned and also well balanced between every element heard. You'll get flattened!

The band can conjure some catchy tunes and snatching beats for sure. The general vibe of the album is driving and brutal; this is no place slower songs. It's a good enough album, which mixes the influences nicely, and does not end up sounding like a carbon copy of any. However, it is not as multifaceted as the band's fourth, self-titled, album from 2017. If you are into groove metal, Zerozonic are definitely a worthy band to be investigated.

Rating: 7+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
09/12/2022 19:08