In case you couldn’t attend, here’s SCAD Radio’s top 5 sets at 2017 A.U.R.A. Festival in no particular order.

The Funeral Portrait

The post hardcore outfit brought a theatrical and high energy set that was sure to have turned many people into fans at the end of the day. The band played very early in the day, and yet still drew the eyes of every person in the venue. The music was played very well, sounding somehow even better than the record. The on stage antics simply elevated the performance to the next level, starting with vocalist Lee Jennings reaching out into the crowd and ending with the band members running around onstage while their guitarist swings the guitar around over his head by the strap, narrowly missing hitting the amps and other band members. If you were not a fan of the Funeral Portrait at the beginning of the day, you would have been by the end of their set.

Oh, Sleeper

This Fort Worth metalcore act is no stranger to the scene. The band has been together since 2006 from members of other big name acts like Wovenwar, Between the Buried and Me, and the controversial As I Lay Dying. The experience shows as the Texas band played one of the tightest sets of the day with impressively high energy. The band had arguably the nicest and most interesting stage set up, with the drums to the side of the stage and a dazzling light show full of strobe lights and other exciting stage effects. The band’s stage presence was infectious and drew one of the most energetic crowds all night. There was even a drum solo in the allotted time the band had for the set. Every member of the crowd was left wanting more, with a loud encore chant. Unfortunately, the set times were definite, so there was no encore. But that didn’t drain any of the wonder or amazement from the room that Oh, Sleeper provided.

Microwave

On a bill brimming with hardcore and metalcore acts, you might have been curious as to whether or not the emo-ish punk rock band would be able to fit in. Not only did they fit in, they drew a great energetic crowd, which is especially commendable because of the fact that their set was so early in the day. In fact, the very first mosh pit of the entire day broke out during Microwave’s performance of “Lighterless” off of 2016’s Much Love. The band commanded a crowd full of people jumping and singing along, all while having fun on stage. Although the band hasn’t been in Savannah since a performance at Sweet Melissa’s two years ago, they certainly seemed at home and were accepted back into open arms.

Unearth

Unearth is one of those bands whose imprint on the metalcore scene is unmistakable. Inspiring countless acts in the scene from August Burns Red to Killswitch Engage to Atreyu, Unearth is one of the most important bands to ever be a part of the metalcore and hardcore music scene. We were all excited to see the legendary band perform, and the performance certainly lived up to the expectations. The band’s amazing legacy was showcased in a set that played everything from their earliest hits to their 2014 album which ultimately ended with the iconic “My Will Be Done”. With technical and melodic guitarwork, aggressive drumming, and dynamic vocals, the band certainly was a treat for fans of metal of all kinds.

Zao

Along with Unearth, Zao was another band on this bill that is hugely important to hardcore and metalcore music. Some say that no band is as responsible for the metalcore genre as Zao, whose music essentially merged metal music with hardcore punk. The band played a set with a lot from the recently released The Well Intentioned Virus, as well as hits from albums like Liberate te ex Inferis and The Funeral of God. The band played an energetic and emotion fueled set that led to some of the night’s rowdiest mosh pits. Fans of hardcore new and old were mesmerized throughout the duration of Zao’s incredibly engaging set, and what more could you ask for from a band’s live show?

Visit SCADRadio.org for more A.U.R.A. Fest news and interviews.  

The post A.U.R.A. Fest 2017 Review appeared first on SCAD Radio.

Whether you’re a fan of heavy riffs and brutal breakdowns, technical guitar work and melodic vocals, here’s SCAD Radio’s guide to the bands slated to play on February 18, 2017 at the Garden of Ships Of The Sea Maritime Museum.

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Unearth

From Boston, Massachusetts, Unearth is one of the most prolific metalcore bands to ever hit the scene. Their imprint on the genre is unmistakable from August Burns Red to Killswitch Engage to Lamb of God. In fact, the band’s name was coined by their very desire to change the genre and its sound. With a mix of unclean vocals, catchy choruses, and melodic and technical guitarwork, Unearth will be sure to capture listeners of metalcore, hardcore, and everything in between, especially during a live performance.

For Fans Of: August Burns Red, As I Lay Dying, The Devil Wears Prada

For a taste: My Will Be Done from 2008’s The March

Zao

This legendary band is credited with being one of the pioneers in the metalcore genre which bridged metal music with hardcore punk. After bursting on the scene in 1995, they released some of the most influential metalcore albums, like 1999’s Liberate te ex Inferis and 2004’s The Funeral of God. Now the band is back with brand new The Well Intentioned Virus after a 5 year hiatus. Be sure to catch Zao if you’re looking for a mix of new music and metalcore classics.

For Fans Of: The Dillinger Escape Plan, Converge, Norma Jean

For a taste: Savannah from 1999’s Liberate te ex Inferis

Oh, Sleeper

Comprised of ex-members of Between the Buried and Me, As I Lay Dying, As Cities Burn, and Terminal, Oh, Sleeper is a metalcore act from Ft. Worth, Texas. After releasing 4 full length albums and 2 EPs, Oh, Sleeper is ready to release an independent album after a 4 year break from the studio. Armed with punchy bass, heavy hitting guitar work, intense double bass drumming, and a mix of clean and unclean vocals, Oh, Sleeper is not a band to miss when they are on stage.

For Fans Of: blessthefall, Miss May I, For Today

For a taste: Vices Like Vipers from 2007’s When I Am God

He Is Legend

Starting out in 2003, He is Legend is a band that mixes many different genres to ultimately create their own music style. Although they take influences for Nirvana and the Smashing Pumpkins and give it an aggressive and faster twist, the band is impossible to nail down to one genre. Right before an American tour with Norma Jean and Capsize, He is Legend brings their music to Savannah at A.U.R.A. Fest.

For Fans Of: A Day to Remember, Dance Gavin Dance, Every Time I Die

For a taste: Eating a Book from 2004’s I Am Hollywood

I Set My Friends On Fire

I Set My Friends On Fire are a fun loving band that employs the use of catchy synth lines and mixes it with the instrumentals and vocal delivery of metalcore to create a genre that is now known as electronicore. The band originally claimed a massive fanbase through the internet, originally through a cover of Crank That by Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em. The band later shone through comedy through several collaborations with Youtube comedy sensation Smosh. The band keep showcasing their fun and experimental music and will bring back old school electronicore to Savannah before the release of their new album, Caterpillar Sex.

For Fans Of: Enter Shikari, Attack Attack!, A Skylit Drive

For a taste: Things That Rhyme With Orange from 2008’s You Can’t Spell Slaughter Without Laughter

Microwave

Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Microwave is set to be the next big thing in the emo revival. They have 2 full length albums and 4 EPs full of deeply personal, but never corny, music which falls somewhere between pop punk and post hardcore. After releasing Much Love in 2016 and touring with bands like The Wonder Years, Motion City Soundtrack, Man Overboard, and most recently Tiny Moving Parts, Microwave is set to take the stage at Savannah’s A.U.R.A. Fest.

For Fans Of: Senses Fail, Modern Baseball, Sorority Noise

For a taste: Lighterless from 2016’s Much Love

Tides of Man

Tides of Man is the perfect band for someone craving instrumental and progressive in the vein of post hardcore. While the band originally started out with music akin to Circa Survive, Tides of Man moved to a more instrumental direction following the departure of Tillian Pearson (currently a member of Dance Gavin Dance). The band plays music that sets a heavy mood, but also likes to play with unusual time signatures and sometimes plays some flamboyant riffs that would not seem out of place on a Tiny Moving Parts record. The music fan who appreciates musical prowess would be amiss to skip this performance.

For Fans Of: Explosions in the Sky, Mogwai, Strawberry Girls

For a taste: Hold Still from 2014’s Young and Courageous

The Bunny The Bear

The Bunny The Bear are one of the largest, and still rising, current electronicore bands. The Bunny The Bear have earned their name and are easily recognizable from their rabbit and bear masks. The band uses programmed electronic elements to back their music and add metalcore elements on top, with the Bunny providing unclean vocals while the Bear provides clean vocals. Be sure to catch The Bunny The Bear if you like to see a high energy performance with experimental music.

For Fans Of: I See Stars, Eskimo Callboy, The Browning

For a taste: Aisle from 2011’s If You Don’t Have Anything Nice to Say…

SycAmour

SycAmour is a band best described as mixing the theatrics of Panic! At the Disco’s A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out and the aggressive nature of post hardcore. Currently in the studio recording new material, SycAmour is a band that will be sure to capture the listener with their bright and extensive vocal range, infectious guitar work, and hardcore music accents.

For Fans Of: Circa Survive, Emery, Too Close to Touch

For a taste: Calm Down Juliet (What a Drama Queen) from 2014’s Indulgence: A Saga of Lights

The Funeral Portrait

Atlanta’s The Funeral Portrait is no stranger to Savannah, having performed most recently at the Black Box Theatre. But it’s always a treat to see the band perform as they put on a stunning live performance. The band has been described as theatricore, a mix between something very theatrical and the post hardcore music genre. Be sure to catch The Funeral Portrait to see one of post hardcore’s quickest rising bands.

For Fans Of: Crown the Empire, Escape the Fate, Alesana

For a taste: Casanova (C’est La Vie) from 2014’s For the Dearly Departed

Attalus

Attalus is a post hardcore band reminiscent of those from the mid 2000s, but also seems to use a sound that reminds one of Brand New as well as emo bands like Sunny Day Real Estate. With catchy melodies, bright showy guitar work, interesting drum work and unclean vocal accents; Attalus is a band that takes what made music of the mid 2000s so great and puts a fresh spin on it.

For Fans Of: Brand New, Thrice, The Receiving End of Sirens

For a taste: Sirens from 2015’s Into the Sea

Native Suns

Native Suns is a band that works to create a blend between interesting post hardcore instrumentals with vocals similar to Saosin’s Anthony Green or Hands Like Houses’ Trenton Woodley. The band keeps their music interesting by mixing melodic lead vocals, bright guitar playing, and punchy drums and bass. Post hardcore fans are sure to enjoy an atmospheric performance which captures the spirit of the recording when seeing Native Suns at A.U.R.A. Fest.

For Fans Of: Hands Like Houses, Chiodos, Scary Kids Scaring Kids

For a taste: Clockwork from 2015’s Relay.acquire

Me and the Trinity

Me and the Trinity is a straight edge band from Savannah and an old favorite in the local hardcore scene. Me and the Trinity looks to reunite at 2017’s  A.U.R.A. Fest after a breakup in 2015. The band will be bringing all the brutality and hardcore that made them a local back to the stage this February. Hardcore and metalcore fans shouldn’t want to miss the mayhem this band is sure to bring.

For Fans Of: Poison the Well, Silent Planet, I The Breather

For a taste: Gown from 2014’s Crux

Vatican

Vatican is another local act playing this fest. The band has been hugely active, touring all over the southeast region of the United States. Vatican’s music features a more groove metal oriented sound, but with heavy influence from 90s hardcore, 00s metalcore, and more recent death metal. Be sure to catch Vatican ahead of their tour with Heavens Die.

For Fans Of: Zao, Cattle Decapitation, I Declare War

For a taste: Barely Breathing from 2015’s Drowning the Apathy Inside

Be sure to visit A.U.R.A. Fest on February 18, 2017 for food trucks, cold craft brews, and, of course, some of rock and metal’s finest.

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SCAD Radio gets on the phone with influential metalcore group Zao’s lead guitarist  Scott Mellinger ahead of their performance at 2017 A.U.R.A Fest in Savannah, GA. 

Zao, who released their first full length album All Else Failed in 1995, are credited as one of the pioneers in the metalcore genre which bridged metal music with hardcore punk. Scott has described Zao as “an extreme metal band with very introspective lyrical content”.

Since their inception in 1993, Zao has released ten full length albums, four EPs and a two-disc DVD documentary, whilst garnering an international fan base. The group are back after a 5-year hiatus with brand new album The Well Intentioned Virus.   

Kush at SCAD Radio: For those who haven’t heard of you, would you say that there is album that serves as a good entry point into Zao’s music?

Scott Mellinger of Zao: To be honest with you, I think the newest one is probably one of the best because it does have little indications of what we’ve done in the past. I mean, I guess our main ‘hit’ record (though I don’t really think we have a ‘hit’ anything). Liberate Te Ex Inferis is the record that I think people point to. Funeral of God is another one that I think people point to. So those two, and this new one as well.

Kush: Alright sounds good, so what are Zao’s plans going into the new year?

Scott: I mean, kinda just staying the course, playing as much as we can. We are in the process of doing some recording so we plan on having something, probably EP size, released by the end of the year. That would then go into funding the next full length album which probably would be out sometime 2018.

K: And I know you guys have been in the scene for a while now, so what would you say are the most exciting things happening in metalcore at the moment?

S: Well, I think there is a resurgence, that I’m seeing, in kind of a DIY ethic that was there when we started. I think a lot of people are seeing – I mean when we kinda bowed out a little bit I think that this music is the closest it’s ever been to the forefront of metal. So some of the bands we toured with back in the day, like Lamb of God and Killswitch Engage, have seen and blossomed into the next wave of metal, like the bands that people look to. I think, though, there’s bands like Code Orange, and even Nails, and some of these other heavy influenced hardcore metal bands are starting to kind of do things their own way and I’m really excited about that.

I mean even for us, we just released our own record, so the internet and some of the social media aspect of it has given some of the bands a little more of a voice than they would have had before. I still think some bands won’t get heard through it. There’s a lot of bands out there, but I think a lot of people are trying to take it and do their own thing with it.

K: And on the other hand, are there any recent trends in metalcore that you’re not a fan of?

S:  Ooh, well, I [laughs] maybe this is because I’m biased because I’m not a good looking dude, but I was a little – you know, it was a little awkward to watch bands play this style of music and kinda put a lot of emphasis on their look. I didn’t necessarily imagine or foresee this style of music accepting that, because I always felt like hardcore really came from punk. And punk was kind of a, you know, shunning of people being a certain way or looking a certain way. It was kind of just for misfits and people that felt like outcasts.

So, yeah, I guess the one trend that surprises me is that there are a lot of bands out there that are under the metalcore, or whatever, moniker and they’re kind of look like – there’s like a look to them? [laughs] Which is a little strange, but whatever man. I’m to each his own. If you like it, do what you got to do. I listen to all kinds of weird s**t, so it doesn’t matter.

K: Absolutely. [laughs] So I know Zao recently came back to making music after a fairly long hiatus and so what were some of the challenges associated with returning after such a long time?

S: I think the biggest one for us, and this is more of a self-imposed one, is that when you come back from any more than a five year thing when you’re a band that’s been around as long as we have, we were really cognizant of not becoming nostalgia, you know? I mean I don’t know if there’s a way to combat that really. The way we felt was the best way to combat that was to release a new record and pour our hearts into it and make it as good as we can so people would recognize that the new is just as good as, if not better than, the old. But we were really, really kind of aware of the chance – because there’s a lot of bands and I don’t poo poo it or anything, like I think it’s great.

There’s some bands coming back and doing reunion tours of records that I love, so I’m like all for it, whatever they want to do. But we’ve always been the kind of band, and the type of people that don’t like to do that. I don’t like to do that. I don’t like to rest on the past and don’t like to use the past as something that could move you forward. I like using the present to move us forward. So, we were more into the idea of writing new material and getting back out there with the strength of the new material.

K: And speaking of the new material, some of the songs on your new album The Well Intentioned Virus come from a very personal space, I’d say. Did this make working on the album any more difficult? Or did it prove to be artistically liberating for you?

S: I think artistically liberating. I think Dan (Daniel Weydant, lead vocals) especially but all of use this band as a catharsis. You know, all of us go through bad things. I’m lucky enough that I found something like playing music  to help me get through some of these tough things. And I use my guitar playing, my songwriting, as kind of a tool to help release some of that sadness, frustration, whatever. I know Dan does the same. It’s cheap therapy for us. [laughs] You know, you could just go in and funnel a lot of that emotion that you have in the writing. And then those songs – it can be tough.

I know for Dan, Dan will write lyrics that are extremely (emotional) and maybe have happened to him at one point in his life. So when he has to revisit that when he’s singing the songs, if you’re not in the right headspace it could put you into maybe a little more depressed state. But I think he looks at it as like his way of getting that emotion out of him and liberating himself on that sadness or whatever it is. So we try to – I think we really do – we really focus on, just, putting all that emotion into something and then releasing it and that’s kind of what helps us through our daily lives, you know?

K: Yeah, absolutely. And I know Zao has gone through a variety of lineup changes over the years since the band’s inception. Has this made it difficult to retain the band’s identity in your opinion?

S: I don’t think so. The one nice thing, because I noticed there’s a lot of bands that go through lineup changes and I really do think the main reason for lineup changes is more of just where people are in their lives. So financial state is really important. If you can’t support yourself or if you can’t give up a 9 to 5 job to do a band, there’s nothing wrong with that. It just, it is what it is. So I think, you know, in Zao’s situation there were times where we were trying to be a full 8 to 9 month touring band and some people couldn’t do that. It just wasn’t viable. We make something, but it’s not enough to support a family, if that was your plan, or if you have a family already or whatever. If people leave the band for some of that situation, I don’t think there was a lot of animosity with people who have left the band.

And really, if you think about the way the band has gone, you had that original incarnation of it that left one member to kind of build it back up again and since that, I mean Zao really hasn’t changed much. I think Dan is big reason for the success Zao got when he had joined the band and I don’t think the band really looked – as long as Dan’s involved, me and Russ (Russ Cogdell, rhythm guitar) have been in it a long time. Even now, with Marty (Marty Lunn, bass) and Jeff (Jeff Gretz, drums), they have been pretty consistent members and are going to be consistent members from here on out. Since 2005, everyone has been pretty stable for probably the longest time of our band. But I still do see the band as a big – with Dan being a one of the biggest parts of it. So, since he’s there, me and Russ, like I’ve said, have been there for a while – I see the band in two phases, sort of. And we’ve been in that second phase for a pretty long time.

K: And do you think that there are any benefits to changing a band’s lineup?

S: I think so. I think that a new member can give you a whole different perspective. That’s one thing always tried to do. You know, any time there’d be somebody new – we’re not the type of people that are real apprehensive about having people have a voice. So, when a new member would come in, we would always be willing and open to hear their ideas to what songs can do and where songs can go. Jeff’s been a huge help. I mean, Jeff, just in his abilities – he is a trained musician. His eclectic style and what he listens to has really helped us trying to move forward as a band.

I think it can reinvigorate you if you have new members that are really excited. They can also kind of put the focus back on the whole of the band. The longer members are in, they start getting their own little ideas and they become insular and stuff. And so, you’ve got this new guy that maybe brings the focus back and “Oh! This is what we’re trying to do as a band!” So, yeah, I think having new members can help.

K: Despite no longer being classified as a “Christian band”, do you feel that the beliefs from your earlier works influence your material in any way?

S: Eh, maybe. Me, personally, I’m an atheist. I’m probably the more that than anyone else in the band. But I know all of us have kind of changed a lot of the viewpoint on that stuff. I think Dan has always, since he’s been in the band, called out the hypocrisies in religion. And, now as he’s gotten older, and a little more open to other things, maybe he’s sort of closed the chapter to that part of his life. He still sees what great there can be in Christianity and religion and what horrible hypocrisy there can be. He still does sing about seeing some of that stuff.

But, at the same time, as a band, that’s the one thing I hope separates us, because there’s a lot of bands out there that don’t have any kind of religious background or they don’t have any or want any religious overtones in their music or any of that stuff and they rally and they fight Christianity, which that’s something we’re never going to do. I mean, I like to have people open minded and as long as they’re cool with the way I am, I’m absolutely cool with the way they are. So, we’re not the type of band that’s ever going to fight Christianity or be against it in any way. And we totally appreciate those type of fans. So, I would say there’s still some. A little bit of it in there.

K: Yeah absolutely. Over the years, I’ve noticed that Zao has had a focus on just open mindedness in general, not just religiously, you know?

S: Yeah, mm hm.

K: It’s just been something you’ve fought for.

S: Yeah, yeah, we’ve always done that, even when Zao was considered – I mean people would call us the Christian band. There’s a lot of intricacies with that. And it wasn’t just black and white for us. Ever. So when Dan would write about it, a lot of the time he would write about it was to call it out. It wasn’t necessarily to be up there and preaching saying you should be this. It was “Hey, you guys are doing this and you’re telling people one thing and doing other things behind closed doors.” So, yeah, we’ve always had that weird fight with it. [laughs]

K: [laughs] And, just to close things out, what can we expect from Zao’s set at Savannah’s A.U.R.A. Fest this coming February?

S: Well, we’re totally understanding of what people like and we do understand that people pay very, very good money to come see a band play songs they remember. So, we’re never not going to play older songs. We’re definitely going to do a lot more new stuff, too. I think the record has been received well enough that we’re really – we’re extremely excited. We love the new songs. We can’t wait to play those. So I think you’re going to still get a good balance of new and old. And yeah, I just think you’re going to see five older dudes up there giving their heart because this is what their heart’s all about. [laughs]

K: [laughs] Alright, awesome! Thank you so much for taking the time to talk.

S: Oh dude, my pleasure.

K: Thank you so much.

S: Yeah, my pleasure dude. Thank you.

Be sure to catch Zao performing at 2017 A.U.R.A Fest in Savannah on February 18, 2017 at the The Gardens of Ships Of The Sea Maritime Museum.

The post The Ultimate Zao Interview appeared first on SCAD Radio.