Zao Songs 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 songs ranked.
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10. To Think of You Is to Treasure an Absent Memory (Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest, 1998)
“Zao is not a death metal band. They began with hardcore punk then evolved into Metallic hardcore or Metalcore whatever you want to call them, but not death metal. And this song, I believe is a Metalcore song with some black metal influences.”
9. Angel Without Wings (Parade of Chaos, 2002)
“I heard that this was about his mom…but as with most of their songs, I have heard multiple different meanings. I think the lyrics are beautiful, although I was disappointed with this CD (I still like it, it just wasn’t as good) I think this song is good because it includes some softer stuff that makes the tone just right.”
8. 1,000,000 Outstretched Arms of Nothing (Awake?, 2009)
“Not as clean and refined sounding as so much of the metal and metal core they’ve inspired. And that’s a good thing. Dan’s vocals are to my mind among the most brutal, raw, visceral, savage sounds humanly possible. And in a way you can easily scream along with too.”
See more: Zao Albums Ranked
7. Praise the War Machine (The Funeral of God, 2004)
“Zao is excellent example of raging melodies, piercing vocals, and lyrical superiority. Being of a strong Christian belief, Zao delivers clean, family friendly lyrics with a a sound that will make your ears burst.”
6. Awake? (Awake?, 2009)
“Awake? has a musical stlye similar to TFOG, but it wasn’t a cookie cutter version by any means. Dan Weyandt’s vocals are much cleaner and he sings a bit more too. However, his screaming vocals that Zao fans liked from TFOG haven’t lost any of their intensity on this album.”
5. Romance of the Southern Spirit (Awake?, 2009)
“Harmonies between the vocals and guitar really carry the album and specifically the type of song “Romance Of The Southern Spirit” falls under. Romance of the Southern Spirit has the same sound as most of the bands recent work, but with a lighter, poppier sound.”
See more: Dan + Shay Songs Ranked
4. The Rising End (The Funeral of God, 2004)
“This is one of my favorite songs on the CD for its quick double bass and interesting guitar riffs. ZAO has repeatedly made albums that convert people to hardcore music. Their grasp of music is not understood until you hear the album multiple times.”
3. My Love, My Love (We’ve Come Back From the Dead) (The Fear Is What Keeps Us Here, 2006)
“Beautiful song! I love their music and always will! It’s as simple as that. Anyone who is a heavy metal fan should enjoy their music. Even if you think they have an “agenda” or “message” at least respect them for the great music they play. So crank it up and enjoy!!”
2. Physician Heal ThySelf (The Fear Is What Keeps Us Here, 2006)
“Physician Heal Thyself,” which might darn well be the heaviest, angriest, and most aggressive song ever recorded in Zao history. It is an unbelievably brutal and dissonant number melee with every instrument thrashing around at near breakneck speed.”
1. Resistance (All Else Failed, 1995)
“The part at 1:43 is so much more hard hitting and brutally heavy in the original recording. On this version the drums dont hit as hard, the guitar tone isn’t as raw, and the vocals are not as intense. Dan Weyandt is one of my favorite vocalists, but Sean Jonas killed every Zao track he was part of.”