At times unsettling, always dramatic, unusual, and ultra-musical, From Zero's assured debut, One Nation Under, will appeal to those who enjoy their hard rock technical and full of progressive moments and fluid time changes... more » à la King's X. Fortunately, overall, the quintet of well-schooled players that comprise From Zero don't let stellar chops interfere with songcraft. "Check Ya" is a gem, vocalist Jett's talk-singing is melodic, with the soaring, memorable choruses melding well with the left-of-center tempos that prevail here and in many of One Nation Under's 11 songs. Full of intra-song contrasts, From Zero is seamless in their stylistic shifts, from mellow and moving to fierce in "The Other Side," and moving from a heavy mosh vibe in "Jeer" to the edgy hardcore rap feel of "Horrors." The modern, heavy prog-rock genre once propelled by bands like King's X never found a huge following, though it boasts a rabid one. From Zero, straddling the line between modern metal and prog-rock, and rife with tattoos, spiky hair, and killer, often likeably oddball musicianship, could as easily tour with Ozzfest as they could with Dream Theatre or System of a Down. --Katherine Turman« less
At times unsettling, always dramatic, unusual, and ultra-musical, From Zero's assured debut, One Nation Under, will appeal to those who enjoy their hard rock technical and full of progressive moments and fluid time changes à la King's X. Fortunately, overall, the quintet of well-schooled players that comprise From Zero don't let stellar chops interfere with songcraft. "Check Ya" is a gem, vocalist Jett's talk-singing is melodic, with the soaring, memorable choruses melding well with the left-of-center tempos that prevail here and in many of One Nation Under's 11 songs. Full of intra-song contrasts, From Zero is seamless in their stylistic shifts, from mellow and moving to fierce in "The Other Side," and moving from a heavy mosh vibe in "Jeer" to the edgy hardcore rap feel of "Horrors." The modern, heavy prog-rock genre once propelled by bands like King's X never found a huge following, though it boasts a rabid one. From Zero, straddling the line between modern metal and prog-rock, and rife with tattoos, spiky hair, and killer, often likeably oddball musicianship, could as easily tour with Ozzfest as they could with Dream Theatre or System of a Down. --Katherine Turman
From zero scores with their debut One Nation Under
bazaar000 | barrington, il United States | 05/16/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Adrenaline. chaos. substance. All are words that describe the debut CD One Nation Under by From Zero. These 5 men from the metal capital of the world (Chicago) vent their fears, angers, hopes, and passion into one irisistable album that kicks today's metal into overdrive. With such anthems of revolution as "Smack" and "Erase", it proves that they disserve all the recognition and more then they have received from radio stations nation wide. With fans on every continent, From Zero have proven them selves to similar acts as Sevendust and Taproot. With the "throw your fist in the air" melodies in "Check ya", and the heart-pumping riffs in "Jeer", you wont ever take this CD out of your stereo, car, or walkman. Simply put, it is the most indispensable CD to hit stores in the last year. From Zero is worthy of the reputation given to Chicago acts like Disturbed, Relative ash, Stabbing Westward, and Soil. One whole length through this album with out a doubt, you will "run for cover when the ZERO comes to get ya!""
Need more attention and recognition
Justin Horne | Tampa, Florida United States | 07/26/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of the strongest debuts I have ever heard. I consider these guys to be one of the three top nu-metal bands with Sevendust and Disturbed. Jett's vocals are amazing, whether he's choosing to be intense or subtle. The production on this album is superb-the sound quality is very precise. "The Other Side" is the best written song, a beautiful yet eerie piece that picks up in the middle with some wonderful vocal tradeoffs between shouting and harmony singing. As far as tap your foot, rock out ...songs go, the first single "Check Ya" needs radio airplay and MTV airplay very soon. "Erase" is even better. The vocals on "Circumstances" are so catchy it's ridiculous and "Horrors" is worth listening to every time just for Jett's addictive line: "We're all just who-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-hores." The best guitar driven song is definitely "Suffering", which has an opening riff that could have been written for 80s metal fans, and that's me too. Overall, if you like metal with REAL vocals, this is the cd for you...jeez these guys need a bigger push, there so good it's scary!"
For those conflicted
jadedcipher | Portland, OR United States | 08/11/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this at Target, I won't lie. I was thinking about buying it on Amazon, but then I spotted it at Target for $8 and figured what the hell. And for $8 it's a really good deal. From Zero seems like a musical combination of Sevendust and Likin Park. This isn't a good way to find that grail that most nu-metal fans are seeking (perfect originality, something new), but as far as good goes, if bands like Disturbed and System of a Down are your zennith, then for for you From Zero will be just a step up from average. If you prefer the stylings of Sevendust or bands like them, you should seriously consider picking this one up."
Hidden gem of a disc
W. C Donovan | Boston, MA | 09/26/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's astonishing this band hasn't taken off with a hulk of mainstream success. As far as nu-metal goes, From Zero has one of the better sounds in the genre's pantheon. Melodic singing, tight riffing, catchy song structures (check out the chorus on "Erase," or the infectious melody of "The Other Side")...this band has the necessary constituents for success. However, success has apparently eluded them while other inept bands garner all the attention. Then again, I'd rather pay less than ten bucks for this strong album than shell out almost eighteen for a Trapt CD. But don't take it from me; GET THIS DISC!!!"
From 0 to 4
vlad | Moscow, Russia | 06/06/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Not bad. Especially if a softer side of nu-metal is for some reason closer to you.A lot of melody shining through the usual heaviness, highly professionally played instruments, and impressing vocals are what offered to enjoy on the cd. Not that heavy, not too poppy, aimed to the masses that appreciate a mainstream melodic heavy rock.The real stand-outs are Smack, Erase, Other Side, Jeer, Tomorrow's Light, Suffering, and Gone.After this one you may easily switch to their recent album."