The Fear Is What Keeps Us Here

Infobox Album | Name = The Fear is What Keeps Us Here
Type = studio
Artist = Zao


Released = June 12, 2006 (Europe)
June 13, 2006 (US)
Genre = Metalcore
Length = 37:52
Label = Ferret Records
Reviews =
* Allmusic Rating|3.5|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:stk9iknfbb19]
* Kerrang! Rating|5|5
* HCS.net Rating|4|5 [http://www.hardcoresounds.net/modules.php?name=Band_List&file=cdviewer&func=2725 link]
* Relevant Magazine [http://www.relevantmagazine.com/pc_article.php?id=7217 link]
Last album = "The Funeral of God" (2004)
This album = "The Fear is What Keeps Us Here"
(2006)
Next album =

The Fear is What Keeps Us Here is the ninth full length album by metalcore band Zao. It was released on June 13, 2006 on Ferret Records in the US and on June 12, 2006 in Europe. The album showcases the addition of drummer Jeff Gretz and bassist Martin Lunn. It was tentatively titled "The George Lucas Neckfat" [http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/BlabberMouth.Net/news.aspx?Mode=Archive&Date=11/12/2005] .

Album Note

The album was released in two versions. The limited edition deluxe edition contains expanded artwork and a bonus "making the album" DVD. Both versions contain the same music. Some pre-ordered copies of the album came with a separate sheet of paper with easier-to-read lyrics for each song.

Concept

There is no strict concept to the album, as on The Funeral of God. The album deals with more obscure/varied subject matter. Topics throughout the album include death and loss of everything you have (Everything You Love Will Soon Fly Away), Politics (American Sheets on the Deathbed, Kingdom of Thieves), frustration with false interpretations of the bands purpose (It's Hard Not to Shake With a Gun in Your Mouth), That we cant do it all alone (Physician Heal Thyself), American priorities (Pudgy Young Blondes With Lobotomy Eyes) and zombies (My Love, My Love [We've Come Back From the Dead] ). The band says the underlying theme is "loss of control."

ound

It's been called the most abrasive Zao record to date. Steve Albini's live to analog-tape production (with no computer "fixing") and the band's decision to track all of the drums, bass and guitar live lends an accurate representation of the band's live sound. Even Weyandt's vocals are given the same treatment as he sang with a hand-held microphone through an amplifier to simulate an over-driven P.A. at a small club show. Instead of adding the progressive elements that were introduced on the album The Funeral of God, it takes a somewhat raw, death metal/black metal sound.

Track listing

# "Cancer Eater" – 2:39
# "Physician Heal Thyself" – 3:56
# "Everything You Love Will Soon Fly Away" – 3:07
# "It's Hard Not to Shake With a Gun in Your Mouth" – 3:53
# "Kingdom of Thieves" – 3:23
# "Killing Time 'Til it's Time to Die" – 3:02
# "There is No Such Thing as Paranoia" – 3:06
# "Pudgy Young Blondes With Lobotomy Eyes" – 3:56
# "My Love, My Love (We've Come Back From the Dead)" – 2:48
# "American Sheets on the Deathbed" – 2:47
# "A Last Time For Everything" – 5:15

Credits

*Dan Weyandt - Vocals
*Scott Mellinger - Guitar/Vocals
*Martin Lunn - Bass/Vocals
*Jeff Gretz - Drums
*Steve Albini - Recording Engineer