Review Summary: From the vocals, the guitar riffs, and the drums, each member puts their all into the 40 minutes of this amazing album.
When Zao started back in the early 90's as a hardcore punk band, I'm sure they never had a clue how acclaimed they would become nearly 20 years later. A few years after formation, Zao released their 4th album Liberate Te Ex Inferis. You really could say this is their second album though, since the majority of the band, save drummer Jesse Smith, left the band prior to Where Blood and Fire Brings Rest. The change that came with that album was enormous, and really it was an entirely different sound. Where Where Blood and Fire had already set the tone for a very dark mood, Liberate took it even further. The Guitar Riffs were much more aggressive this time around, especially the opening riffs in "Skin Like Winter" and "The Ghost Psalm".
The album starts off with an intro, that actually is quite quiet, and seems to prepare the listener for what is to come next. The drums slowly build up as the simple riff is played until just after midway point, you come to realize what you are about to hear. Right at the end of the song a sound clip is played, and adds all that much more to the atmosphere and energy to the album. The strongest song, even though they all are in there own way, is without a doubt "The Ghost Psalm". Right from the beginning another sound clip is played saying, "wanna make a deal, like a deal to the devil?" After that you hear what is in my opinion, the most unique and disturbing vocals for any genre. Throughout the song Daniel will repeat lines over and over, yet they never tire. Right up till the conclusion of the song, where the final cry of "So close" is whispered, Daniel will use several different types of screams as well as talking. The best way to describe his vocals overall is between a lion and a snake.
Jesse's drumming and Russ and Jeff's guitar playing is not to be forgotten. Even though the riffs can be quite simple throughout the album, the way they are played adds so much feeling and energy to the music. "Desire the End", is just one of the many songs that is executed perfectly right from the start. It opens with a simple guitar riff melody, and by now we are nearly expecting to hear Daniel's vocals come in with full force. It is still very difficult to predict when the change will happen sometimes though, and right after the first verse another quieter melody is played, however this time it is repeated a odd amount of times. When you think it is nearly over, it will repeat yet again. This is what makes it so amazing though, and you will be sitting in your chair with anticipation to what is coming next through multiple listens.
Now the drumming may not be the strongest ever, but it is done in a way that makes it difficult to gauge the next move. My personal favorite part is the final instrumental, in which Jesse uses all the drums and symbols consistently throughout the entire song. It starts off with a simple riff, much like the intro, and the entire song is like one massive outro, with the drumming being the strongest part on the song. As the song reaches the four minute mark, you begin to hear the pace quicken which leads to his final solo. It is very difficult to describe this as any genre. If it is to be put in one it would be metalcore, however there are several progressive elements in here as well. This is none short of a Classic, and even though the vocals may take a long time getting used to for some, it is well worth the time.
Strongest Songs
All of them are, but if I had to choose, The Ghost Psalm, Skin Like Winter, and If These Scars Could Speak
Weaknesses
Vocal's may be a bit to take in upon first listen
