das erste review zur neuen Zero Mentality scheibe

[benfink]

ZERO MENTALITY
»invite your soul«

Release: 25th of Feburary 2007 CD on GSR-Music / limited gatefold-Vinyl on Demons Run Amok

*by Sven a.k.a. Gonzo, the Merch-Man

First and for all, if you came here to expect a full on praise and overall uncritical review for the upcoming album of my travellin'-mates: you got a point - but it won't be true for the whole of what this record represents to me. I admit, I am biased, but just to let you know: I got a good reason to be affiliated with this band, and I am ready to live with that. What the fuck, sounds like the cheesy editorial to a 1990s HC-fanzine ...hum, maybe that's why this is it: MY SHIT
»invite your soul« is far more than just the second release by a band you like. it is far more than just the next step steppin' stone in ZERO MENTALITY's journey into the world of music. it is far more than just another way of releasing the fiend within oncemore & in the same vein. »invite your soul« is not a transition. it is not the first attempt to step away from what ZERO MENTALITY is about. but this is also not quite like that what you might expect it to be - be it a continuation of what has been done before or be it the total opposition to that.
ZERO MENTALITY definitely needed some time to cope with the departure of guitarist Dominik Stammen for joining friends in Born From Pain. But as this album still takes use of some of his ideas, and relying on the power of a song-writing band-unit, ZERO MENTALITY still is about the same power, catchiness and unforseen ideas that they were known for. The takeover of Thorsten Groborz on the defunct guitar position leaves no desires to be fulfilled, even more adds a welcome twist for those who are able to judge on techniques and styles at that position. On the top of that, since André Neubert (also playing in thrashy powerforces as Burial and Doomtown) joined in on bass the sound of ZERO MENTALITY got a whole new underlying brunt and influx of ideas. So, at this point, and judging by my experience with them as personas, the band is by far more a unit and musical force than alot of other underground-acts around. Dennis Sommer (also known for his fame in old-schoolers BLACK FRIDAY '29) on guitar lives a vital flavor in sound and song-writing. Then there is Ben Fink, whose vocals, performance and lyrics are known to be a trip into the inner depth of life. A definite standout is the unbeatable (pun intended) drumming of Marcel Hilgenstock, whose drive and fine sense is even more obvious due to the production. For that, ZERO MENTALITY once more relied on the skills of Hatesphere-Frontman Jacob Bredahl and his Smart'N'Hard-Studio in Denmark. He managed to keep every aspect of the familiar Z.M.-sound and even expand it into new realms. It's a clear, on-the-point yet wall of sound-machine that needs this record to be played as loud as you neighbors probably won't like to.
The most interesting thing about the whole thing is, that »invite your soul« is a record that manages to be reanimation and a whole new era.
»invite you soul«: the first track on this album starts with something one would not especially consider to be a hard-man's trip into this world. But since also mighty MERAUDER made use of whale's singing at the intro of a record, and there is underwater-bomb sounds like we all know from "Das Boot", ZERO MENTALITY score a good point here. They take the whole thing of with a rolling intro based on instrumental power, which i happen to like somehow the most about this band.

»alone again«: straight into the second track, Z.M. blast you ears with a sing-a-long classic in the vein of much beloved »traitor of my own« and »nicht mehr«. this track will make it easy for all fans of the band to get into the journey this album has to offer. I really like the switch between German verse and English chorus on it. The later is this time taken over by Thorsten - and, boy, this is by far more than just a first attempt, it's something that should be used more often due to its concise impression. For those willing to feel, apart from the moshy breakdown, »alone again« is abit more of a rocker than previous efforts in this field.
The most interesting thing about the song is, that I was blown away by how much the lyrics reflected my innerself at one point of time. Ben yet again wrote a piece that depicts a lost soul in disguise, now ready to leave nothing unadressed.
»constant confusion«: the definite most Thrash-Metal part of the record comes as no surprise to everyone who knows about how much this company of musical travellers (me included) likes to "drink beer with HATESPHERE". there is no doubt that parts of this song where very much influenced by the same roots as those Danish dudes. making this world their own (because it already was part of their world), ZERO MENTALITY wrote a song, that clocks in at 3:24minutes of rage and in-your-face. the lyrics were an assignment from Ben to me for having a piece on so-called "German Angst", and complaints…

»past regrets and future fears«: from the first moment I heard this song, I totally fell in love with its rocky catchiness. This is by far the most head-noding and hand-clapping music that Z.M. ever wrote. Reciting an ancient piece, the lyrics are true spells on life and the hook-up moments of this. "indeed the idols i haved loved so long / have done my credits in this world much wrong / have drowned my glory in a shallow cup / and sold my reputation for a song". Riding on a rythmic beat, p.r.a.f.f. makes you wanna hit the dancefloor, close your eyes and just experience the beauty of letting yourself go and travel into the world of these melodies and guitar-riffs. A definite hit!
The most interesting thing about »past regrets and future fears« is , that by the first encounter I already thought of songs written by The Hellacopters, Turbonegro or the like. And with the kinda spoken-word breakdown/built-up I totally felt Scandinavia all over. I just recently had a random skip moment at night driving, where the song was followed by parts of "Apocalypse Dudes" - and, damn, I was right…
»urban sins«: as the second new song presented on ZERO MENTALITY's myspace profile, this song should be known to carry on the rock-influences in the first part and the chorus. What impresses me most about it is the reclaiming bass-line right before that thing turns into a mosh-monster of it's own rights and then thrashes it all out with a hard-hitting "chaos, confusion, ... chronic, disorder, …". A very good summary of much what is to be found on »invite your soul«, but definitely not a song I would miss after the next album.

»loser in love«: the title of this song already has something emo-ish about it's theme, and that is also true to my ears for the guitar-riffs that start this. later on, this impression switches back and forth, by adding a melody-rock and fist-pounding flavor to the dittie. "now I left behind this bizarre menage a trois" is nothing you now should consider for the mentioned musical influences, but be willing to grace yourself with.
The most interesting thing about it is the quite built-up at about two minutes into the song, where Z.M. show off their sense for heart-felt deepness and make it easy to overcome possible melancholy with a compelling guitar solo afterwards.
»good death«: taking a step into Thrash again, this song almost manages to be overrun by itself. At least Ben's vocals are abit out of place sometimes, and I also don't like the plain and simple first half speed attack of the song that much. It feels almost natural that Jacob Bredahl has a guest apperance on this, but as much as I like his guttural screaming, I feel abit disappointed that this became part in the strongest section of the song, the catchy guitar riffing in the midst of it, followed by a SLAYEReresque take-away.


»menschenfeind«: talking of Hatesphere, this next song has a solo by guitarist Pepe. Originally being meant as the title song to this album, these 4:28 minutes are already well-known to those who witnessed the live-sets of Z.M. in the past couple of months. This midtempo-stomper relies on a catchy guitar riff once again, and combines a melodic approach with a strong rythm. The German vocals couldn't fit more proper to any of the other songs on »invite your soul«, because their harsh sound gives »menschenfeind« a special feel that is somehow unique about ZERO MENTALITY.

»vanish with a rose«: in comes the track that surprised me the most while listening to this album for the first time. I knew there was always talk about accompanying female vocals to a ZERO MENTALIY song. But with the help of Danish rock vocalist Anette Ellesgaard »vanish with a rose« becomes a breath-taking moment in the history of the band. By now, this one shares the "most played"-list together with »past regrets and future fears«, and slowly taking the lead. The in-tune and mesmerizing vocals of A.Ellesgaard are contrasted by the harsh roars of Ben in a more than memorable way - and the pounding music comes close to your heart in the same way.
The most interesting thing about »vanish with a rose« is, that the lyrics once again are true to my life by any means. "constant faith does still exist / cherish this godgiven gift / slowly fading you and me / pasttime of eternity"
»words to scorn«: after a more mid-tempo part of the record, ZERO MENTALITY crank out a real devastating attack in a classic Hardcore-start followed by a bashing moment of riffing. At first listen, I could have lived without this one, and still don't think it contributes too much to the overall feel of »invite your soul« - rather than showing off that they are capable of still doing fast songs. Singled-out, the song is a bit more apart from previous efforts and to me reflects the new influences that came with Andre into this band - without him having to write this (which I don't know about).

»glueck auf«: this instrumental at the end of the record might be know to most as the intro played to 90% of the shows Z.M. played for over a year. this new positioning really has its truth about it, when it fades from a band-effort to a piano-part that keeps dragging on the theme in a way it will follow you into your dreams.
The most interesting thing is the quotation of Charles Bukowski at the very end. it might appear somewhat sarcastic or cynic, but with a large part of »invite your soul« this also can be indicative of a moment of truth. you'll have to find out for yourself…


To sum things up, this album is musically and lyrically much more interesting and challenging as I ever hoped it would be like. There are some things that don't fit into my personal taste, but ZERO MENTALITY very much prove that I got more than one reason to be part & fan of the whole thing. I don't have to agree with everything they do, but still they manage to surprise me in a big way, make me feel at home, make me not wanna loose it - and work hard on what they can achieve, even sometimes when it seems to be displaced by something else. »invite your soul« has lived up to it's title as far as mine is concerned…
The artwork for the album, for which at least some photos and parts of it are also visible on the ZERO MENTALITY's myspace profile, is unique and with the exceptions of some typing errors (my last name is Christiansen, you fool!) creates an unmistakable brankmark As with everything else on this album, it shows off all the heart, soul, body & mind put into this effort. Just one thing: I don't like fish…

ZERO MENTALIY »invite your soul« is a record that will be remembered by years time, and not because it's a brilliant effort in itself but for indicating what this band is capable of doing. The future seems bright… and listening to »invite your soul« taught me that in many ways!!!
Thanks Andre, Ben, Dennis, Marcel, Thorsten - Thank You, ZERO MENTALITY

Sincerely,
yrs Gonzo

[dinexalone]

alles was ich will ist heute noch bumsen und diese platte....

oh es klingelt...

[niffi]

vö 25.02....... review 08.12............... aha!

[fipsie]

alles was ich will ist heute noch bumsen und diese platte....

oh es klingelt...

meine meinung

[greyli]

alles was ich will ist heute noch bumsen und diese platte....

oh es klingelt...

BUMSEN IST ÜBERBEWERTET..... ....die scheibe ist wichtig

[benfink]

vö 25.02....... review 08.12............... aha!

diesen monat kommt noch ne split 7inch mit the setup um die wartezeit zu verkürzen.

[8BALLINASOCK]

....die scheibe ist wichtig

gut kacken kann ich auch so, ... bumsen is wichtiger!

[Afro]

. bumsen is wichtiger!

sowas aus deinem mund...tztztz

[dinexalone]

vö 25.02....... review 08.12............... aha!

wenn es ne scheibe von bikini parkway railroad mosh hampel wäre würdest du deiner mutti schon seit 4 monatem bei der gutenachtgeschichte von erzählen.

[niffi]

vö 25.02....... review 08.12............... aha!

wenn es ne scheibe von bikini parkway railroad mosh hampel wäre würdest du deiner mutti schon seit 4 monatem bei der gutenachtgeschichte von erzählen.

nunu...


ps: achja, und nur weil du das vllt nicht drauf hast, heißt das nicht das es "gehampel" ist....

[schurize]

alles was ich will ist heute noch bumsen und diese platte....

oh es klingelt...

BUMSEN IST ÜBERBEWERTET..... ....die scheibe ist wichtig

und das aus deine mund...