Zao
All Else Failed
Reviewed by tedcore
If this isn't the best hardcore release of '96 then it certainly is the most original. Although from Cleveland, they don't fit into the cleveland sound [Integrity, Six Feet Deep]. Many of the songs hold an emo feel for a few moments before and during the songs, but for the most part this is a brutally heavy album. The vocals are original and distinguishable from other hardcore acts. They are impossible to describe without doing the singer injustice. The songwriting is superb as every song has a completely different sound but each is memorable for a different reason. Some of the guitar riffs are especially memorable because of their complex yet simple sounding melodies. The lyrics are very emo. Although this album wasn't released on a major label the production equals or surpasses that of major label HC acts. The tempo ranges from very slow to grindcore speed. This is one great debut cd for Steadfast. Props to Matt Traxler for quality and fair prices.