Artist
Zao is a metalcore band from Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and one of the metalcore groups that rose in popularity at the end of the 90's. Founded in 1993 in Parkersburg, West Virginia, Zao has hosted several musicians and endured numerous roster changes to the point where no original members remain. Former drummer Jesse Smith, singer Daniel Weyandt, and guitarists Scott Mellinger and Russ Cogdell are seen by most fans as the "core" of Zao.
Christianity has been a key influence in the band's work; because the founding members claimed to have a strong relationship with God, they were considered a devoted Christian band, which changed as time passed. Former drummer Jesse Smith slowly changed the band's vision. Because only half the band's members identified themselves as Christians, Zao no longer considered itself a Christian band but rather a group of open-minded artists.
To date, Zao has completed ten full-length albums, three EPs, a two-disc DVD documentary and multiple concert tours, garnering a limited but global fanbase and earning critical praise in the process.
Former members:
Roy Goudy - Guitar (1993-1997)
Jesse Smith - Drums (1993-2004)
Eric Reeder - Vocals (1994-1995)
Mic Cox - Bass (1994-1997)
Shawn Jonas - vocals (1995-1997)
Kevin Moran - Touring Bassist (1997)
Ron Gray - Guitar (1997-1998)
Brett Detar - Guitar (1997-1999)
Rob Horner - Bass (1999-2004)
Corey Darst - Touring Vocalist (2000-2001)
Matt Auxier - Touring Guitarist (2001-2002)
Joshua Ashworth - Touring Vocalist (2003-2004)
Shawn Koschik - Bass (2004-2005)
Stephen Peck - Drums (2004-2005)
Russ Cogdell - Guitar (1997-2006) (Left due to knee surgery, but joined the lineup again in 2007)
Tracks
A1
The Weeping Vessel
04:10
A2
A Well-Intentioned Virus
03:33
A3
Broken Pact Blues
03:33
A4
Jinba Ittai
02:52
A5
Apocalypse
06:46
B1
Xenophobe
03:09
B2
Haunting Pools
03:12
B3
Observed/Observer
03:42
B4
The Sun Orbits Around Flat Earth Witch Trials
03:49
B5
I Leave You In Peace
07:28
Releases
Formats
Vinyl, CD, Cassette
Labels
Observed/Observer Recordings
Countries
United States of America
Members
Brett Detar,
Jesse Smith,Scott Mellinger,
Lance Garvin,
Shawn Jonas,
Roy Goudy,
Mic Cox,Daniel Weyandt,Russ Cogdell,
Rob Horner,Martin Lunn,Jeff Gretz,
Eric Reeder,
Kevin Moran (5)
