Year Of The Zero's
3rd World Inc. Records, 2000
REVIEW BY: Paul Hanson
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 01/05/2001
The Los Angeles metal scene used to mean Dokken, Ratt, Motley Crue, Poison, Van Halen and a slew of other bands that made their mark in the 80s. When Seattle hit, many automatically considered the scene "dead" as record executives clawed at bands that sounded close to Nirvana and Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. In retrospect, that move made sense. Just as when Ratt broke out with "Round And Round" and established the LA sound, executives saw dollar signs in their eyes. You can't really blame them.
But you also can't help but wonder what became of the scene. Sure, the scene has made some national waves with Korn, Fear Factory, and Rage Against The Machine, among others. But what about other bands, not yet on Ozzfest? What conditon is the scene in?
Having only been to LA in 1983 (on a family vacation when I was 12), I can't reasonably say anything about the LA metal scene with any degree of certainty. I live in Iowa, after all.
That disclaimer written, the hottest LA metal band has to be Killingfield, whose Year Of The Zero's release is a very bright inferno of hope that the scene will, one day, be back to the focus of this nation when it comes to metal music.
After you purchase this CD, skip ahead to track 10, "What It Is." After a 1:49 soft introduction, the band launches into an aggressive rant with drummer Brendan locking in tightly with bassist Chan and guitarist Bebe. Vocalist Phil sounds closest to Phil Anselmo in this track with a gruff, down your throat delivery.
After you've survived that onslaught, go ahead and return to "Full Throttle," the lead-off track. Upon a mid-tempo guitar riff, Brendan and Chan lock in while vocalist Phil sounds similar to a Chino/Deftones sound. The beautiful aspect of this song is that it breathes. It is not too fast which would rush the musicians into delivering their parts; nor is it too slow which would bore the listener. It is perfect.
As is the rest of this CD. There is not a single dud among the 11 tracks. It's obvious the band is comfortable with its material. It's obvious the music rocks. It's obvious I just gave you a new item for your post-holiday wish list.