RagingRev

RagingRev is not generally a music blog, but when a band that has influenced me as much as this one has gives me an opportunity to interview them it isn’t an opportunity I can easily pass up. The band in question is the one and only Zao. Originally hailing from Greenburg, PA; Zao was one of the first bands onto the Hardcore/Metalcore scene way back in 1993…many of the newer bands are listing Zao as influences in their music today, making Zao one of the most influential Metalcore bands still kicking it today. Far removed from their original lineup, the band currently consists of Dan Weyandt (brootal vocals), Scott Mellinger (Guitar shredder), Jeff Gretz (Drum destroyer), and Marty Lunn (Ace of Bass).

Zao has influenced me for many reasons, one of the more prevalent being that the band started off as a very hardcore Christian, evangelical band. They were often looked down upon in churches because of the way they sounded or looked, much like I was and eventually faded away from the church and the faith all together. Zao is no longer a Christian band and the change from one to the other is very visible in their music. Their ninth full length album entitled Awake? will be available in a limited release 8000 CD pressing and digital format through Ferret Records on 5/5/09.

I want to thank the guys, and especially Jeff (he helped me get the guys together for this) for making this possible, for giving me the opportunity to ask these questions and for their answers as well. Following the interview there will be a short review of the album and information on buying it.

DIGG THIS!

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So as I said yesterday, last night Monica and I went to a Between the Buried and Me and He is legend concert at the Macon Venue Project. Before the show we went by Cheddars and ate–if you have never been there, the Monte Cristo is awesome, and so are the buffalo chicken wraps, and almost everything I have ever had there, I tried a Blue Moon wheat beer (with orange slice) and it was absolutely wonderful (so try it if you haven’t yet).

We then ran by the Pet-Smart store down the road and bought some food for my rats—we were running late at the time and since I am anal retentive when it comes to being on time I almost lost it with the lady that had 50 cans of cat food that had to be rung up by the ONLY FREAKING CASHIER in the place. Alas, we did make it out of there, and after we finally found a parking spot we waited in line for about 45 minutes at the venue.

Consider this your warning: There is some strong language past this point…if you are easily offended don’t read on, if you are easily offended and you still read it, don’t gripe at me about it. Capiche?

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Going to see Between The Buried and Me and He Is Legend tonight at the Macon Venue Project! I haven’t been to a good metal show in ages…very exited.

If anyone is in the Macon, GA area, the Macon Venue Project is doing shows almost every weekend, and they are pulling some pretty big names as far as bands go.

Between the Buried and Me (BTBAM) is a metalcore style band—they are kind of new on me, but so far I have been enjoying them.
He Is Legend is another Metalcore band—really love these guys, their last couple albums have been pretty freaking awesome

Advent is a Christian Metal band—i have one of their albums and I have to say, much better than cheesy as hell Demon Hunter –we will see how well they play tonight—i hope they aren’t preachy.

Nightbear –never heard of these guys, but I will let you know what i think.

I will come back after the show and put links up to all their pages, you can go to the Macon Venue Project’s myspace page if you click on the big picture of the flyer though–so check it out, they have a schedule up of all the upcoming shows on the site.

Also, I am taking my camera—does anyone know of a good wordpress plugin that allows me to upload photos just like i do on photobucket? and that works well with integrating photo’s into posts? if so, let me know.

I gotta go let my hair down–concerts like this is why i grew it out to the middle of my back.

MOSH!

Alright guys…i knew it was coming…but its official…i dont know what to blog about…i mean, trust me, there are PLENTY of silly things going on in the world of the religious…but I want to blog from the heart here….so i need some help.  I want you guys to comment here and give me topics that interest you…from technology, religion, apologetics, atheism, books, science, politics, conspiracy, 911 truth, or the occult…if it is in my realm of understanding i would be glad to answer any questions or blog about any topic you can provide. Im just stuck and I need inspiration…and im tired of hearing about McCain, Obama, and the Financial Crisis.

One of my many holdups from my former faith, is that I still really like alot of the old Christian bands I used to listen to. Underoath, Norma Jean, Demon Hunter (cheezy I know), Living Sacrifice, and mewithoutYou—the list goes on and on. These bands always spoke to me, most of them have a lyrical content that shows frustration with the Church, like I always did and speaks to the hardships of attempting to live a lifestyle that is pleasing to God. One such band is Norma Jean, and they just put out a new album titled Vs. The Anti-Mother.
I just wanted to share with you some of the lyrics from one of the songs on the Anti-Mother, that I feel can speak volumes. The song is titled Vipers, Snakes, and Actors:

Carry your flags, march into that fictional cause and show off that medal
Just don’t reach for that gun
Reach for that gun
Carry that banner, build that heart out of stone
Just don’t reach for that gun
You scaled the high horse and I felt the change
I know the difference between you and me
You cleaned the outside of your chalice but it’s filled with robbery
And self indulgence…Just like the rest of us
You wear that cross like a crown. You wear that cross like a dagger
Come down from that tower,
Nothing will be the outcome.
Nothing is the outcome

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