In today's flash-in-the-pan/flavor-of-the-month music industry, few modern bands will be remembered beyond their existence. ZAO, however, has not only managed to avoid following trends, they've become metal legends. And despite the band's revolving door membership, when it comes time to make a new record, Jesse Smith is always able to rally the fold and churn out something so fresh, innovative, and heavy that ZAO's imprint will be left on extreme music for years to come. Parade of Chaos is yet another stroke through uncharted waters, this time utilizing even more melody, as well as a bizarre techno-electronica instrumental. Some of the disc's 10 tracks don't seem to fit ZAO. Jesse steps up for a take at lead vocals, this time in the better-left-for-another-solo-album, semi-acoustic "Man in the Womb." "Angel Without Wings" finds Dan Weyandt full-on singing the chorus alongside various black metal screams, to what is seemingly a love song. While it sort of leaves you wondering why he doesn't sing more, the song as a whole never quite works. These arguable problems aside, the album is good. The title track marches with a punk-like ferocity. "Killing Cupid" has a solid groove-metal breakdown amidst an otherwise straight-ahead onslaught. Dan's delivery seems to get increasingly decipherable with each album, too. In "A Pirate's Prayer," the ending line of "But the candle burns alone / It guides us safely home" etches its hook indelibly into your brain. The standout of the disc is "Free the Three." Based on the real life Robin Hood Hills Murders, the song pleads for three young men (known as the West Memphis Three) controversially convicted of triple-homicide in Arkansas to be released.
Editors' ratings - Doug 4/5, Jason 3.5/5
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis August 2002Reviewed by Nate BaileyZao has released many full lengths with Solid State Records. They have a large fan base and have announced that they will be breaking up soon. Because this is it, the final stroke, I wanted to be blown away. "A Parade of Chaos" just didn't do that. Don't get me wrong, this is a good album, but it failed to deliver what I know Zao is capable of. Perhaps the internal line-up disruptions that Zao is…Similar sounding releases
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