ZEROZONIC – Aftersane

The Norwegian Groove/Thrash Metallers Zerozonic released their debut, Dead On Arrival, back in 2008 and the sophomore God Damn, Better, Best! in 2010.  Before entering the studio to record Aftersane, their vocalist Leo Moracchioli, quit the band. Since he is one of the best vocalists of the genre in Norway, he isn’t easily replaced. The band got hold of Arvid Tjelta, a talented vocalist with big shoes to fill. Granted, these shoes are enormously big and no matter who they’ve got to replace Moracchioli, he would struggle to reach the same level as Moracchioli who is one of a kind. That being said, Tjelta does one hell of a job trying to fill these shoes. And even though it would have been great to hear Moracchioli sing these songs, Tjelta really does them justice.

The music on the album is great as always, if not even better this time around. Guitarist and band leader Daniel “Peisy” Olaisen (Blood Red Throne, Scariot, ex-Satyricon) is the only one left since the formation of the band, but he has succeeded in finding skilled musicians that take the music to a much heavier level. Zerozonic is much more hard-hitting and aggressive this time around and every song is groovy with lots of slow and heavy parts in-between that will satisfy headbangers.

The rhythm section, consisting of bass player Martin Berger and drummer Jon Erik “Elt” Bokn, also possesses world class talent. Everything is dead tight all the way and they create a solid foundation for the songs. Peisy’s guitar riffing is immense and heavy, and the leads are always kind of atmospheric and melodic at the same time as they’re technical.

The highlights are all over the place with this one, but especially recommended songs are “Party Pandemonium,” “I Am The Motherfucker,” “True Savior” and “Something To Be.” Fans of Pantera and Groove Metal in general will ought to check out this album, and people who are already fans of Zerozonic will love it!