ZEROKING

"American Savior" (Vanity Music Group; 2022)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Zeroking's "American Savior" is a no-nonsense rock'n'roll record with driving guitars, pounding rhythms and smart, powerful songwriting. The music is fresh and strong, a cross between the heavier side of Motley Crue and the modern hard rock of bands like Buckcherry. The tracks thunderous, roaring with power and lyrics that actually say something. "Dead are Dancing," for example is about the opioid crisis and its effects on the nation and, in particular, the band's hometown. "Vendetta," asks some very important questions about the internet and the proliferation of false information.

My favorite tracks were the crushing "Purge," the aggressive "DILLIGAF" (if you're wondering, it's "Do I Look Like I Give a Fuck?"), and the aforementioned "Dead are Dancing" which bounces around with a sardonic feel.

The album ends with the only "ballad" on the album, the slightly punk-ish "Never Tear Us Apart," a relatively short track that closes things out nicely.

"American Savior" is a collection of tunes from an interesting band with a unique hard rock sound and perceptive lyrics. Definitely worth a listen.

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"Kings of Self Destruction" (Vanity Music Group; 2012)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

Zeroking is a West Virginia-based quartet armed with an enormous sound ready for commercial rock radio domination as heard on their 13-track album "Kings of Self Destruction."

Bridging the gap between the Sunset Strip heyday and modern rock’s current landscape, this troupe displays a penchant for delivering driving guitars ("Girls of California") and soaring vocal melodies ("She Said," "Forget Vegas") in addition to doling out some down home dirty blues ("Southern Lady Ex-Godiva") and tender ballads straight from the hair metal archives ("Love is Dead").

Offering something for every hard rock fan from punchy to pensive, Zeroking takes the best of Pop Evil, Shinedown, and bands from back in the day like Electric Angels to create a hard rock experience full of passionate and powerful grooves.

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Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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