Genre: Hardcore/crustcore/grindcore
Origin: Germany
Released: 2009
Website: Zodiac
Label: 7 Degrees Records, Amplified Anger Records
Uploaded: 13.01.10

Zodiac were new to me, and if I’m not mistaken a fairly new formation as well. From what I’ve read they apparently have something referred to as the Bremen sound, and I have absolutely no idea what the hell that means. They’ve also been compared to Rorschach and Uranus on several occasions, but I’m not familiar with any of those two bands. So we’re off to a great start since I have no idea what to expect. One of the first things I noticed about this release was the hefty booklet; twelve pages for only five songs. The inside artwork sets quite a dark mood in its somewhat minimalistic starkness. But not only does it look great, it also fits perfectly in with the music it relates to, ‘cause Zodiac certainly sounds dark, stark and moody.
The sound is great as it’s hefty, obscured and just a little bit murky, but with an overwhelming darkness hovering over it creating a terrific atmosphere. And as the riffing sets in and this powerful voice starts chanting I have no other choice but to surrender myself to the beast. They manage to bring in such emotions with their riffs, the melodic lines are overwhelmingly catchy, and with the energy the drumming brings to the table and the aggression of the harsh, dark screaming voice it transforms into a great beast. Zodiac mix and match all kinds of genres here, and one can hear everything from death metal to crustcore within the riffing. And one can never be sure of what the hell will happen around the next corner as the tempo changes are vast. They’ll grind you to dust, they’ll slowly churn you into mulch and they’ll just hammer your senses. It is extremely dark, haunting and powerful.
Eventhough it’s only five tracks, and way too short since I just want more, more and more, one goes through so many feelings throughout this vinyl. Imagine mixing the agonized crustcore of later Acursed with the heavy and dark metal aspect of Mörser, add the desperate hardcore vibe of Carol, the relentless grindcore of Y, a hint of the obscure powerviolence of Tumult and just a dash of the emotions of From Ashes Rise. It makes for a versatile recording, but it flows incredibly natural, it’s catchy, energetic and powerful as hell and it leaves me just begging for more.

Tracklist:
01. Drei
02. Schrebergarten
03. Schöner schein
04. Abgesang
05. Nutzer