| The Crimson Corridor | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | April 9, 2021 | |||
| Recorded | November 2017 - early 2021 | |||
| Venue | The Church | |||
| Studio | Treelady Studios | |||
| Genre | Metalcore | |||
| Length | 57:02 | |||
| Label | Observed/Observer Recordings | |||
| Producer | Dave Hidek | |||
| Zao studio album chronology | ||||
| ||||
The Crimson Corridor is the eleventh studio album by American metalcore band Zao. The album was released on April 9, 2021, through Observed/Observer Recordings, the band's own record label.
The album began the recording process on November 3, 2017, when Jeff Gretz officially began tracking drums, the same day as the release of their EP, Pyrrhic Victory . [1] Weydant wrote the lyrics for the album, a common theme among a majority of the band's albums. [2]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Angry Metal Guy |    [3] [3] |
| PunkNews.org | [4] |
| Lambgoat |   [5] |
| Sputnik Music | [6] |
| Kill Your Stereo | 90/100 [7] |
| Metal Trenches |  [8] |
| Metal Digest | 60% [9] |
On the Angry Metal Guy, the reviewer under the alias of Grymm, stated the following; "Much like fellow luminaries Converge, Zao is that rare example of a classic metalcore act not afraid to grow out of their sound and forge their own path, and if The Crimson Corridor is any indication, the path ahead will be intriguing." [3] However, his co-worker, the 'Cherd of Doom', wrote a companion review stating, "Length issues aside, this is an impressive album. It would be shocking for a formerly Christian metalcore band to release such a powerful album almost 30 years into their trajectory if it was any band other than Zao. For them, it’s par for the course. There’s a kinship connection that’s hard to explain between those who have escaped religious fundamentalism." [3] Lambgoat, in a surprising review, wrote "The Crimson Corridor ranks up with all of Zao's best material. Those nostalgic for Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest or Liberate Te Ex Inferis might argue, but the growth they have shown in recent years finds the band releasing some of the strongest material of their lengthy career.", giving the album a nine out of ten. [5]
The user Dewinged of Sputnik Music wrote the following conclusion after giving the album a 4.2 out of 5; "Fueled by the fantastic mixing work achieved by Dave Hidek, Zao breathes (heavily) again with newfound strength and resolve, writing and performing some of their best material in years, and yet again, setting the bar for newcomers to heights that not many will reach." [6] No Clean Singing's writer Andy Synn wrote a piece on the album as well, though not giving a rating; "In fact, the real paradox here is that, by creating what might just be the least traditionally Zao-sounding album of their career the band may very well have crafted the best record they’ve ever done." [10] Wonderbox Metal wrote a review for the album, stating "The Crimson Corridor has exceeded already high expectations, and rather than simply deliver another stellar collection of songs, the band have delivered a true classic." [11]
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Into the Jaws of Dread" | 4:19 |
| 2. | "Ship of Theseus" | 4:00 |
| 3. | "Croatoan" | 4:18 |
| 4. | "The Final Ghost" | 4:24 |
| 5. | "R.I.P.W." | 4:56 |
| 6. | "The Crimson Corridor" | 5:11 |
| 7. | "Transitions" | 3:07 |
| 8. | "Nothing's Form" | 7:03 |
| 9. | "Creator/Destroyer" | 5:20 |
| 10. | "Lost Star" | 3:56 |
| 11. | "The Web" | 10:23 |
ZAO [12]
Additional musicians
Production
Artwork
Progressive metal is a broad fusion music genre melding heavy metal and progressive rock, combining the loud "aggression" and amplified guitar-driven sound of the former with the more experimental, cerebral or "pseudo-classical" compositions of the latter.
Zao is an American metalcore band founded in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and later relocated to Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Founded in March 1993, Zao has hosted several musicians and endured numerous roster changes to the point where no original members remain. Former drummer Jesse Smith, vocalist Dan Weyandt, and guitarists Scott Mellinger and Russ Cogdell are seen by some fans as the "core" of Zao, with the current line up being the longest running in the band's history.
Metalcore is a fusion genre combining elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk, that originated in the late 1980s. Among other styles blending metal and hardcore, such as crust punk and grindcore, metalcore is noted for its use of breakdowns, which are slow, intense passages conducive to moshing. Other defining instrumentation includes heavy guitar riffs often utilizing percussive pedal tones and double bass drumming. Vocalists in the genre typically perform screaming, more popular bands often combine this with the use of standard singing, usually during the bridge or chorus of a song. However the death growl is also a popular technique within the genre.
Liberate Te Ex Inferis is the fourth studio album by American metalcore band Zao. It is considered by many to be their most experimental and darkest album. It was released on Solid State/Tooth & Nail. With the album came the addition of bassist Rob Horner. Liberate is the first Zao album to feature Scott Mellinger, who replaced Brett Detar after his decision to pursue The Juliana Theory full-time.
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Parade of Chaos is the sixth studio album by American metalcore band Zao. Released on July 10, 2002 by Solid State/Tooth & Nail/EMI. This album was recorded similarly to Self-Titled with Scott and Jesse writing in the studio and Dan being absent until time to record vocals. This album was also recorded at the same time as the recording of the All Else Failed reissue. This album featured the departure of bassist Rob Horner.
All Else Failed is a re-recorded album by American metalcore band Zao, released on February 19, 2003, by Solid State/Tooth & Nail/EMI. It features newly recorded versions of eight of ten tracks from their original debut album, All Else Failed (1995). The recording was done during the same session as Parade of Chaos.
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