ZERO DOWN – Larger Than Death

Seattle Metal and Punk Rock scene veterans, Zero Down, are self-described updated old school Metal blending 70s Arena Rock with NWOBHM guitar riffs influenced by Judas Priest, Accept, and Thin Lizzy. Their fifth album since their formation in 2002 is clearly crafted within their stomping grounds. The production imparts a dated but wonderfully clean soundscape blending the mixing style from Thin Lizzy’s 1976 release Johnny The Fox with their 1981 release Renegade. Unfortunately, Zero Down’s song craft doesn’t match their idols.

“High Priestess” leads with a thick, hook laden riff and lyrics inspired by the 1973 film Live and Let Die. It’s a good song which relies heavily on its meaty riff and oft repeated chorus but doesn’t color outside those lines. While this formula of catchy riffs and lyrics works once, Zero Down unsuccessfully repeats this formula for remainder of the album. The songs are flat and lack memorable riffs and lyrics. The Punk Rock vocals which lack depth and range compound the lackluster effort. If listeners manage to endure, they are rewarded with the final two songs. The instrumental title track sets up the anthemic “Horns” and sends the album out on a high note. The well-crafted ode to Heavy Metal has attention-grabbing riffs, clever lyrics, backing vocals, and multiple interesting bridges.

Larger Than Death starts and ends well demonstrating the veteran members of Zero Down can write strong Traditional Heavy Metal songs. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough quality ideas presented here to strongly recommend this album.

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TRACKLIST (Highlights: 1, 10)

1. High Priestess
2. Mean Machine
3. Lightening Rod
4. Racoon City
5. Curandera
6. Western Movies
7. Preacher Killer
8. Lone Wolf
9. Larger Than Death
10. Horns

LINEUP

Lenny Burnett – Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Vocals
Matt Fox – Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Vocals
Ron E. Banner – Bass, Vocals
Chris Gohde – Drums
Mark “Hawk” Hawkinson – Lead Vocals & Screams