The Fear Is What Keeps Us Here [Limited] [CD & DVD] by ZAO (CD, Jun-2006, Ferret Music USA)

Any one thats a Zao fan knows, that this is one of those bands that changes with every new album they have written, literally every new album has had a different line-up of band members. With their new label, Ferret Records, though, they have managed to maintain some consistency with The Fear is What Keeps Us Here compared to their last offering, The Funeral of God. To buy and listen to this cd is really only about 75 percent of the experience of Zao, this band must be seen live. If you like any of their albums, even a little bit, you must find one of their shows and attend. You will love them even more. The raw energy and power that this band displays in a live venue is unparalelled. That is the sound that Zao has always tried to capture in their recordings, and i think they have come closer than ever in "The Fear." Tracks two and three are the most addictive songs on the cd, "Physician Heal Tyself" and "Everything You Love Will Soon Fly Away," the latter being the album's single. The bonus DVD with the cd is also very cool, you can go behind the scenes to watch while the band members record and mix the album. One thing that suprised me was that the album was recorded on tape, not digitally, and there is some commentary on the DVD about how opposed the members are to digital recordings, and you can hear the difference on the cd. It sounds potent and vigorous, and well, like Zao. What more can i say? A great buy for any Zao or heavy metal fan.

Holy Cow!
Outstanding Album! The last two records, since Zao signed with Ferret have been excellent. Theyve sounded so much tighter since Funeral of god, and so much more powerful. This album gives me chills sometimes. It's fast, heavy, dark, tough, real, and in your face, and they do it so right in this album. I absolutely love it. The dvd is short, but very cool also. Can't go wrong with Zao.