First and foremost I want to apologize to the guys in ZoneZero. This review is way overdue, and that’s on me. However, like I tell my students, you have to sometimes find the positives in things, and here the positive is I have listened to this album nonstop since it came out, and I find something I missed every single time I listen to it. I absolutely love this release, and if you are a fan of metal, you will to.

I like to say music can be like a time machine for us if we allow it. This album is just that for me. From the very first note, I am instantly transported to 2000-2001. I can see myself in my Korn t-shirt, JNCOS, red cap, and ball chain necklace around my neck. It’s a Friday night, and I’m hanging with my friends listening to whatever new album recently came out while talking about how the week sucked. And then just the right song comes on, and we all would head bang in unison. If Strychnine Dream had come out then, it without a doubt would have been a regular for my friends and I. 

The first track “Losing My Grip” is such a great song. This track would fit nicely on Cold’s second album. The aspect that most impressed me are Jordan Sloan’s vocals. I have only know him as an instrumentalist. I have seen him play drums, bass, and guitar, but this is the first time I’ve heard him as a vocalist, and he does a great job at it. And live he is an excellent front man. “All in your Head” is another standout track: the guitars at the beginning are so brutal, and they bring to mind Spineshank, which were a much underrated band. Go listen to them, now!!!!! The screams here are also on point. “In My Veins” is one that reminds of a song that would be used in WWE when they are showing the backstory to a feud before a pay-per-view. And I absolutely love it. “Be Like Me” very well might be my favorite on the EP. It has a really nice groove to it, and I constantly find myself humming this one and moving a little. This is the one you will find me really getting into live.

Overall, this is a really solid debut EP. These guys worked hard on this, and it shows—not only recorded, but live. I caught their first show, and they blew not only me away but the crowd as well. They were the talk of the night. It was released back at the end of January, and I’m already excited for their next release. Nu-metal is no longer obsolete in 2020, and ZoneZero are leading the charge here in Columbus and Ohio, so you may want to follow the leader. Because this album is going to hit you like a Ten Ton Hammer!!!!!