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Review Summary: From Zero to a rather boring album. From Zero chances are you've never heard of them even though they've been signed to Arista back in their heyday, had a music video on MTV2, and even had 3 songs getting play on radio stations. From Zero was a prime example of nu-metal, that didn't beg for the goth wannabe crowd like their genre-mates Coal Chamber, and Korn. As a matter of fact From Zero formed with the idea of "positive nu metal", they quickly were opening for big time bands in the same year of their formation these bands included Snot, Nothingface, Nickelback, and Disturbed. Arista found them intriguing and recruited them to the label.
From Zero's debut album is usually praised by fans, but bashed by critics. I'm right in the middle, where it's obvious they have talent and potential these guys just don't seem to break the mold. It's a shame really because instead of focusing on the hip-hop influence of the genre they go straight up rock, a rare, but welcome piece in the genre. Jett's voice is a really nice piece of this band his vocals are well-honed, while at the same time raw giving him a lot more power then the usual nu-metal outfit you'd see. Which makes this all the more disappointing this band has 10 times more power, and talent then most bands in the genre, but it's almost like they refuse to be creative with it.
The opening track "Smack" is nice, fast, and heavy showing a lot of the power this band has. Easily showing off the melodic side and heavy side without a whole lot of effort, and every bit feels natural. "Check Ya" which may sound like a Limp Bizkit knock-off song couldn't be further away, it's also the band's most popular song. The chorus in the song is quite catchy, and well sung. The main riff in this song is also pure catchy genius. This entire song is one hell of a catchy, melodic, yet heavy tune. "Erase" starts to see the slow-down, the chorus is almost a direct knock-off of Check Ya, and honestly feels like an afterthought. What's even sadder is that the rest of the album just blends in mindlessly, with only a few moments of standing out. "Tomorrow's Light" is the only other song that I can recommend, cause it represents the lyrical style of this band well, cause no other band can set out a song with a bleak, and depressing tone, yet rise itself out of it to encourage hope.
From Zero was a short lived nu metal band, and who knows, maybe with a good producer, and some right inspiration. This band would still be around today with all of the bands who've raised out of their nu-metal clothing. Cause these guys were already ahead of them, they could've easily gone straight up rock anytime they wanted to, but died before they had a time to see Tomorrow's Light. (see what I did there?)
Pros-
Check Ya
Cons-
Dull most of the time
Almost every song sounds the same
Talent that's not being touched
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Album Rating: 2.5
Constructive criticism please!
| | | Album Rating: 3.0
It's so fucking weird that I was going to listen to this last night before I went to bed. My oh my, does this album bring back memories of high school.
From Zero was a short lived nu metal band,
I think they put out two albums, but that was it. Great review, last line made me laugh pretty hard. Thanks for the trip down memory lane : ). I used to be the biggest nu-metal nut ten years ago.
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
Thanks!
It's odd, I found myself listening to this last night as well.
| | | Album Rating: 3.0
Going to be getting on that tonight. Will comment tomorrow. From what I remember, this was pretty average in terms of nu-metal. For further proof of how crazy I was with nu-metal, refer to my list here:
http://www.sputnikmusic.com/list.php?memberid=201024&listid=21275
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
Total props for Ultraspank, and Snot. Nice list man =)
| | | Album Rating: 3.0
Hahahaha you, myself and a handful of people on this site still respect nu-metal and that's about it. Thanks dude. Now back to your review.....I find the Pro's/ Con's to be a little dated and overused. Other than that, you have an easy to read writing style and your ideas are focused and fluid in their presentation.
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
Thank you
I'll take that into account when I decide to do my next review
| | | Album Rating: 3.0
No problem, you will find myself as well as a few others around here to always extend a helping hand. Welcome to the site btw.
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
Yeah, I found this through school, and did a couple of reviews over there, but because I was coming out a chronic capitalization problem, and the fact they were all rushed. My first 3 were dreadful, I think I'm getting lots better though.
I'm actually pleased with how this turned out since I only took 15mins. total with this one.
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The Other Side owns.
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okay.
this would be really good, except for a few minor problems. many reviewers have the same problem you have, which is to try and write like they were talking. they're different mediums, with different specifications.
this whole review reads like you were describing the album to someone, face to face. as a result, it comes off a little clunky at times. however, you already have a good mastery of the art of quipping, which is a start.
i don't know how old you are (you mentioned school, so i'm guessing quite young) but i would say that you have it in you to improve. as long as you dedicate more than 15mins to your reviews /
also, try to give the album repeated listens (at least 3/4) before reviewing, because first opinions are easily changed. also, replace pros/cons list with "recommended tracks" list. do that, and you should be okay.
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
I've listened to this album about 3-5 times, and yeah, I usually spend more then 25mins. with my reviews.
Usually I do track by tracks, I just couldn't find much to talk about here.
but, I will try to do better
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don't go Track by track, that's considered amateurish on this website.
| | | Album Rating: 3.0
this would be really good, except for a few minor problems. many reviewers have the same problem you have, which is to try and write like they were talking. they're different mediums, with different specifications.
And there's nothing wrong with this since this is informal writing. I find essay style, perfect English/ grammar makes for a really dry review. Plus ReturnToRock, it's ironic that you're giving advice when you don't know what capitalization is.
As promised, I listened to this again for the first time in years. Quite surprised with how good this nu-metal album is.
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
Well, I'm glad people are sticking up for me, and I'm glad you're enjoying this album more then I did.
| | | Album Rating: 3.0
It's not that I'm sticking up for you, I'm more or less imposing truth on smack talkers hahahaha.
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
Good enough! lol
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Hahaha Wizard. Good barb. I sometimes let my capitalization slip in the comments, for sure. Never in reviews though.
This still feels a little clunky in places to me.
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Wasn't From Zero promoted by the cast of The Real World '00? I swear I remember them working together. And one of the real world dude's is a pro wrestler or something. Oh ya ... the miz! That how I heard of this band. Got the album and it's catchy, generic, nu-metal ............ that's actually pretty good. The album after it sucked though.
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My grandpa absolutely loves this album and he showed me this when i was like 8 years old and would always play this in his old Bens. Didn't really appreciate this until a few years ago and i get major nostalgia when i listen to this. Very good album.
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