Zamza (Return to Super Rock Group!)
Sometimes it’s so disappointing when you hear about bands you like breaking up. My heart skipped a beat the day Soundgarden disbanded, but not all hope was lost. A few years later members from Soundgarden and Rage Against The Machine joined forces to form the super rock group Audioslave, which later became one of the biggest bands of the decade.
With a new decade underway the time has come for another phoenix to rise, but this time around our heroes helm from the ashes of two Japanese juggernaut bands. Released through Mar Rock Records, ZAMZA, is the combination of JUDY AND MARY’s bass player, “Banshee Aliouxce” (Yoshihito Onda) and drummer “KOHTA” (Kohta Igarashi) alongside guitarist “Hiroki” (Hiroki Ito) and vocalist “Zinc White” (Jinsei Tsuji) of the band ECHOES, which found success with their 1989 hit “Zoo.” On top of making music, Zinc is also the first Japanese writer to win the prestigious French Prix Femina Award for his literature. The four men teamed up in 2007 and have been working at full-throttle ever since, leading up to the U.S. release of their debut album, Manga Rock.
Filled with melodic hooks and edgy guitar licks, Zinc’s vocals provide listeners with just enough angst to headbang and mosh without causing too much damage. Backed by stellar production, each instrument’s harrowing presence is felt throughout the album’s synth-filled jam sessions. From the opening guitar on “Satori” to the epic chorus of “America”, Manga Rock takes audiences on a sonic rollercoaster that gets better everytime you ride it. With copies of Manga Rock already flying off the shelves in Japan, it’s only a matter of time before these rock heroes impact the American music scene.
The best part about a band like ZAMZA is how it appeals to established fanbases as well as younger audiences who’ve never heard JUDY AND MARY or ECHOES. So don’t fret the next time your favorite band breaks up. You never know what super rock group may come from it.
—————- Reported by Sam Frank
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Sam Frank works as editor-in-chief of UnRated Magazine, NYC.
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