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Zero Down: Larger Than Death

Heavy Metal

4.0/5.0

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Minatauro Records
Released: 10.08.2018
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 15.08.2018

If Classic Rock, Metal Hammer, BWBK, and heavy metal historian Martin Popoff are to believed, you've been missing out on Zero Down, Seattle's missing link to the American underground heavy metal scene. But that's why it's called an underground; there's not much recognition to be found. Nevertheless, my first experience with Zero Down was 2014's No Limit To The Evil, a solid expression of a modern interpretation of classic heavy metal.

Zero Down

With their sixth long player, Larger Than Death, the very same statement can be made. Zero Down ventures little from their roots, mixing classic metal with some punk undertones, perhaps even amping up the power, speed, and heaviness of their heavy metal. The twin guitar riffs are sharp, harmonious, and robust; the solos, blistering. The rhythm section delivers the gallop, groove, and heaviness. And vocalist Mark "Hawk" Hawkinson still sounds punk angry and raw as ever, quite the contrast to the guitar harmony and rock groove.

With no exceptions to the songs, from start to finish, Zero Down brings the heavy metal with no respite. (That's to say their are no pussy ballads here.) But there are some notable tunes. With Western Movies, you get a brisk bass and drum start to lead the song into full-tilt speed metal. Similar, Lone Wolf features a tough bass line from Ron Banner to start, then twisted with some slight acoustic guitar. After this, the song is simply heavy and steady, yet continue to note the ongoing rumble of the bass. For songs that deliver some latent toe-tapping hard rock groove listen for Racoon City or Horns. Suffice to say, with Larger Than Death, Seattle's Zero Down stays consistent and true to their interpretation of classic heavy metal, and so with familiar and enjoyable results. Recommended.

Suffice to say, with Larger Than Death, Seattle's Zero Down stays consistent and true to their interpretation of classic heavy metal, and so with familiar and enjoyable results. Recommended.

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Formed 23 years ago, Finland's Excalion has had a turbulent musical career. Before releasing a trio of albums between 2005 and 2010, they had personnel changes. Currently, only the drummer and keyboard ... [ Read More ]