Zao Albums Ranked

Zao (/ˈzeɪ.oʊ/) 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. For a time, the band featured Christian themes in their music and was regarded as a Christian band, however this theme was eventually met with debate among the members and the band currently no longer considers themselves a “Christian band” with only bassist Martin Lunn identifying as a Christian. To date, Zao has released 12 full-length albums, 9 EPs or splits, a two-disc DVD documentary and embarked on numerous concert tours, garnering a limited but global fan base and earning critical praise in the process. Here are all of Zao albums ranked.

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10. The Fear Is What Keeps Us Here 

“This is a good album, conceptually. I think that the production on the Funeral of God was better. I know they were going for a more raw sound, but it doesn’t do Scott or Russ justice. Everything’s just a little too messy. But lyrically and conceptually, it’s excellent. I really like the outro. It’s very unique and complements Zao beautifully.”

9. The Crimson Corridor 

“The riffs are heavy and structured, not as chaotic as your typical early metalcore band’s music. Band also slows down at times to create this sense of hopelessness and despair. The lyrics here are praticularly dark and depressing and their delivery is raw and emotional.”

8. (Self-Titled) 

“One of Zao’s under-appreciated albums, Self Titled definitely seems like a bit of a right turn after their last album Liberate. One of the most obvious things that gets mentioned in any review of this is the drum sound. Yes, Jesse Smith used electronic drums, and for the most part it doesn’t sound great, but it isn’t a dealbreaker. Besides, with Smith’s penchant for electronic bits, sometimes it fits.”

7. The Well-Intentioned Virus 

“This record isn’t a huge departure for the band, still being massively dissonant and heavy but there is a lot of sludge here, making their sound darker and more menacing than ever before. I think this is probably their best album of the few I’ve heard. It’s extremely well written and has some of the best songs I think they’ve ever put out.”

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6. The Splinter Shards The Birth Of Separation 

“Shawn’s vocals are some of the most passionate I have ever heard, and Jesse Smith really was a beast on the drums back in the day. A couple of the songs are admittedly, a bit generic, but overall this is one of the best hardcore albums I have ever heard and a true testament that Zao would have been just fine even if Dan had never joined.”

5. All Else Failed 

“Zao’s debut full-length is pretty decent. They churn out the standard formula of 90s metalcore, with Christian lyrics, and manage to make a few catchy songs. But only diehard fans should be interested in listening to this, anyone else should head straight towards Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest, the band’s breakthrough album and masterpiece. Daniel Weyandt is a far more interesting vocalist than Shawn Jonas (who performs here.)”

4. Parade Of Chaos 

“Parade of Chaos was the first Zao CD I’ve ever listened to, and strangely enough it is also my favourite release of theirs. Retrospectively, though, after listening to almost all Zao records, I can say as objectively as possible, that although Parade of Chaos gets a few sentimental points as well, it is musically superior to every other CD of Zao I have listened to.”

3. Awake? 

“The whole album is built up with intensity and while it may not have a wow factor to it, the album is consistent. The songs are shorter and more restrained, something that also seems to work well. While I have grown away from it a bit, it’s still one of the better examples of metalcore I’ve come across and deserves a little more credit than it seems to get.”

2. The Funeral Of God 

“The darkest record I have ever heard. When I listen to metal, it always seems to be a band trying to frighten or move the listener but almost always they fail. This record is absolutely mindblowing. If you let it, it will take you places you can’t imagine. So intense and shocking, you would do well to get to know who Zao are before you throw this record on. Knowing who they are and what they stand for and then hearing them play these omnipresent anthems of death actually succeeded in moving me.”

1. Liberate Te Ex Inferis 

“The thing that makes Liberate such a memorable album for me is the mood it establishes. Almost every facet of the album is designed to make you feel uneasy. The guitars often drone slowly, building tension. The mix itself sounds muffled and dirty to an extent which I think helps the concept, cause a clean sounding record doesn’t make people feel uncomfortable.”