Zorn

Reviews

Zorn Return to Castle Death LP

Philadelphia’s ZORN has steadily improved and found their proper footing since their inception, becoming something of an esteemed band with an identity of its own. I could not quite get into their previous recordings, but Return to Castle Death is a definite win. The members are not just experts at painting their faces or dressing up, they are actually brilliant musicians too, with a flair for writing cracking metal punk songs for heathens and medieval cosplayers alike. I enjoy that they firmly build on the old school metal punk influences but still offer something different that can appeal to many chapels. Classic bands like GISM, ZOUO, and other Japanese metallic punk acts, early diabolical legends like VENOM or BATHORY, and of course their neighbours DEVIL MASTER all got invites on this brand new album. ZORN is a band I would love to see pair up with RIGOROUS INSTITUTION, as both share a passion for the catchy hook (the detail that makes a fine song into a good song) and each have their own identity. There seems to be a revival of old school metal punk, and I really cannot complain when it is inspired and done that well.

Zorn Endless Funeral LP

Philly’s metallic-driven tsunami of hardcore punk with a brutal grip, violent musicality, and a desolate, epic atmosphere (especially in the riffage from the excellent, shredding guitars) that touches on death metal’s blunt, fast cadences. The vocals are well-executed, leaving the listener on the edge of each high-pitched scream. Absolutely pummeling, histrionic, D-beat-infused rhythms lead to a trance-like pogo. The sonic charges are strong on this one, and the artwork from the record and from the band seems to be very good. Each track has something to offer, highly recommended for searchers of chaotic yet well-driven songs in the metal punk vein.

Zorn Zorn CD

ZORN releases a knot of stellar, binge-worthy metal/punk. Billed as “Philly’s creepiest cult sensation,” the band brings satanic stage rituals and theater in various forms, such as carrying band members onstage via coffins and other wholesome behaviors. The stage presence is brilliant, as is the crusted, blackened punk spewing from this release. Much comes to mind—I want to look towards BATHORY, VENOM, NEGAZIONE, and some of that D-beat for comparison. The record is tough…tough and long! Lots of value to be had, and it’s on Black Konflik!  It has become my master’s call.

Zorn Hardcore Zorn EP

No, this is not a new JOHN ZORN hardcore record! This is ZORN the ultra-Satanic metalpunk outfit from Philadelphia, and they are here to take your soul. After their self-titled EP, they unleashed four hymns to the horned one in a bastard metalpunk spawn of chorus-drenched guitars and devilish madman screams. To make it easier, you can put them in the same bag as homies DEVIL MASTER (ZORN’s singer is the main character in the “Black Flame Candle”). Lay down your souls to ZORN’s rock’n’roll!