Decent enough slab of industrial metal
Although it's not stated anywhere on their bio, the four members that make up Cincinnati (Ohio) act Zero1Zero have known each other within their local scene for quite a number of years, with all the members having been involved in each others numerous acts in one way or another. But for all the success the individuals have attained on their own throughout the years, the desire to achieve even bigger success has led to their coming together and the formation of Zero1Zero, and along with the coming together of the new group (Who comprise of ex-Oliver Magnum vocalist/co-founder of independent label 2Records Jimmy 'J' King, ex-Wishing For Seven guitarist/programmer/backing vocalist Craig 'Zoe' Wilson, Ex-Ceremony/Deus Vault bassist/backing vocalist Aaron Thomas and ex-Wishing For Seven drummer Todd 'Maxx' Farler), so does a new sound from the four-piece act, with the group's debut effort [Degrees Of Separation] taking on a hybrid industrial metal/heavy rock approach.
The opening cut (And first promotional video clip filmed from the album) Leech features all the trademark characteristics of industrialised metal with its holding back of guitars until the pre-chorus and within the actual choruses itself to some extent, but still manages to pack a solid punch nonetheless, while the trio of tracks including the mission statement based Outside Of The Inside, the infectious Fallen and Dead To Me prove the band haven't lost the all-important element of melody and catchiness amongst their digitally manipulated industrial rock sound. Everything I Never Wanted To Be shows a slight slowing done of pace for the album, which in turn gives listeners a chance to catch their breath before they launch into the dense industrialised Sevendust/Korn like Scar.
Interestingly enough, Bed Of Nails, Scared To Life and Digital Sick maintain an organic element, with only a bit of cutting and pasting over the top giving the tracks their industrialised sound, while the final track Erosion utilises the same effect, but in an acoustic format with stunning results. Not every one of the tracks work, with both Damned and The Honest Lie sounding a little hollow on the instrumental front to sound substantial, but given that the strength of the rest of the album, it's fair to say that Zero1Zero have managed to create a solid and enjoyable debut effort in [Degrees Of Separation].
(2Records)
