Zao - Definition and Overview

Zao is a Christian metalcore band with hardcore punk influences. They came onto the scene in 1996. Originally formed in Ohio and West Virginia, Zao pioneered the Christian metalcore genre (along with fellow contemporaries Living Sacrifice). The word "zao" is Greek for "alive".

Discography

Studio releases

• The Ties That Binds - (1995)
• All Else Failed - (1996)
• The Splinter Shards the Birth of Separation - (1997)
• Where Blood And Fire Bring Rest - (1998)
• Training for Utopia & Zao Split EP - (1998)
• Liberate Te Ex Inferis - (1999)
• (Self Title) - (2000)
• Parade of Chaos - (2002)
• All Else Failed - (2003)
• The Funeral Of God - (2004)

Live and compilation releases

• Legendary [Compilation] - (2004)

• Live @ the Underworld [Unofficial Live Web Rip] - (10-17-2003)

Demos and bootlegs

• All Else Failed [Demo] - (1995)

• Weyandt-Smith Session [Demo] - (8-22-2003)

• Liberate Te Ex Inferis Demos [Demo] - (Pre 1998)

• Tape Demo [Demo] - (1994)

• Ashworth Session [Demo] - (2003)

Note*

All this "unsellable and unreleased" material can be obtained through a P2P program: Soul Seek (http://www.slsknet.org), at your own discretion.

Side Projects & Other Bands

• Autographs & Blowjobs (199?) -Home Recordings

• Jade Meridian (1998-Present) Demo's Recorded

• Nodar (199?) Home Recordings; Russ Cogdell playing guitar, and together with Shawn Koschik (all the programming, arrangements and drum machine) and Brandon Linden doing the vocals, only 2 songs recorded available at their site. (http://www.plaine.net/nodar.html)

• Seasons in the Field -(1998) Split w Pensive - Psalms of Ariana; Daniel Weyandt playing Bass and Backup vocals with Russ Cogdell on guitar and Stephen Peck on Drums.

• States of Melba (199?) -Malevolent Legumes; Russ on guitar.

• Pop Weaver (199?) -Home Recordings; Shawn Koschik

Band members

Current members

• Daniel Weyandt - Vocals & Bass - (1997-)
• Russ Cogdell - Guitar - (1997-)
• Scott Mellinger - Guitar - (1999-)
• Sean Koschik - Bass - (2004-)
• Stephen Peck - Drums - (2004-)

Former members

• Joshua Ashworth - vocals (2003)-(2004)
• Cory Darst - Vocals - (2001-2002)
• Shawn Jonas - Vocals - (1996-1997)
• Roy Goudy - Guitar - (1996-1997)
• Rob Horner - Bass - (1999-2000)
• Brett Detar - Guitar - (1998)
• Mic Cox - Bass - (1996-1997)
• Jesse Smith - Drums - (1996-2004)

External links

• Zao Official Homepage (http://www.zaoonline.com)
• Ferret Records: Zao (http://www.ferretstyle.com/artist.php?aid=27)