When you hear a band named Zozobra with a record called Bird Of Prey you can’t help but be bemused by what it’s going to sound like. Not only does the name captivate you, the cover art of an Eagle entangled in what looks like a Snake with arrows penetrating it also does. So far I’m already impressed and I haven’t even listened to the album!
And when I put the C.D on play I’m definitely not disappointed. The album opens with “Emanate” which bursts straight into what I can only call a doom metallic hardcore epic. With rolling bass drums lasting throughout the majority of the song and heavily distorted guitars accompanied by loud deep growls and hypnotizing singing this sets a good pace for the rest of the record.
The songs range from what you’d normally expect on a Hydrahead album to the song “Big Needles” which is 2 minutes and 9 seconds of experimental noise but nonetheless is still pleasing to the eardrums. It’s no surprise when you hear that Caleb Scofield, one of the men behind Cave In and Old Man Gloom is one of the driving forces of this duo. With the other force being Aaron Harris, the drummer of Isis you can tell what type of doom and gloom this band’s going to spit out.
Although this band sounds similar to both members’ other efforts, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Hydrahead Records has clearly made a big impression putting out bands similar to this and Zozobra are definitely near the top of the list in Hydrahead’s plethora of acts. Not failing to disappoint in the areas that are expected of these bands and also delving into new more experimental depths of music, Zozobra are both exciting and have a bit of freshness to them.
Tracks that standout for me are the 7 minute long closing track “Laser Eyes” which combines all of the styles the album has used and serves as a fitting ending to the album. Other songs that catch my ears are “Sharks that Circle” using riffs and singing to the bands advantage. Alongside tracks like “Heavy With Shadows” and “Heartless Enemy” this has proved to be a very good effort from Zozobra. After listening to the CD quite a few times I have nothing but praise for this band and I’d advise that if you saw this album in a shop you empty your pockets for it!
Jonathan Teggert