Zao - Awake (6/10)
Well, where do I start? Cool packaging, awesome artwork, newest release from an incredible band. I was stoked to get this, and if not for the clean singing this album would be a gem. I was waiting so anxiously for this to come out, and at first listen, was very pleased. It's heavy and catchy and everything Zao does well. Then the singing kicks in. The melodies are just not good, save for ONE song. Every song would be an incredible pleasure to listen to if they would just cut out the singing. UGH! This is so frustrating. I hate having to write this, because Zao's last two releases have been my favourites. I don't understand why they have to go and ruin things by adding clean vocals. Daniel Weyandt's screaming is insane. If they could just leave it at that, this album would be near PERFECT. But I give it 6/10. Huge letdown.
