ZAO

There are three acts called Zao.

The more well-known group under the name Zao (pronounced "zay-oh") is a metalcore band. They came onto the Christian metalcore scene in 1993 in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and as of 2006 they are based in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. They have now gone on record to say that they no longer consider themselves a 'christian band', but rather a band of Christians, in the line of Johnny Cash or U2. This is partly due to some conflicts with the Christian establishment, with the singer's home church condemning the band as music only the devil could make. Zao is currently signed with Ferret Records. They were previously signed to Solid State Records. Their new album "The Fear Is What Keeps Us Here" was released on 6/13/06.

Zao is also infamously known for being a band, much like Napalm Death, of which none of the original band members remain in the lineup. Jesse Smith was the longest running band member, serving as the drummer from th...