Zao

Zao (pronounced /ˈzeɪ.oʊ/) is a band from Greensburg, Pennsylvania and one of the founding metalcore groups. Founded in 1993 in Parkersburg, West Virginia, Zao has hosted several musicians and endured numerous roster changes to the point where no original members remain. Singer Daniel Weyandt and guitarists Scott Mellinger & Russ Cogdell are seen by most fans as the "core" of Zao. Christianity has been a key influence in the band's work; because ... more

Zao (pronounced /ˈzeɪ.oʊ/) is a band from Greensburg, Pennsylvania and one of the founding metalcore groups. Founded in 1993 in Parkersburg, West Virginia, Zao has hosted several musicians and endured numerous roster changes to the point where no original members remain. Singer Daniel Weyandt and guitarists Scott Mellinger & Russ Cogdell are seen by most fans as the "core" of Zao. Christianity has been a key influence in the band's work; because the founding members claimed to have a strong relationship with God, they were considered a devoted Christian band, which changed as time passed. Former drummer Jesse Smith slowly changed the band's vision. As Dan Weyandt entered the band, the lyrics became less obviously Christian. Because only half the band's members identified themselves as Christians, Zao no longer considered itself a Christian band but rather a group of open-minded artists. However in an interview posted on their myspace, their manager pointed out that due to another line... less