Zao’s hometown of Greensburg, Pennsylvania isn’t known for many things besides being in close proximity to the mall where George A. Romero filmed Dawn Of The Dead. That isolation has allowed the band to steer clear of popular trends.
Zao’s original incarnation formed in the mid-90s with evangelical zeal. When that version of the band fell apart, Zao would come to change the course of heavy music. Recently hailed by Alternative Press as “one of the most important albums of 1998″, Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest took the conventions of hardcore and heavy metal and turned them upside down.
When Scott Mellinger joined Zao for the following years “Liberate te ex Inferis”, it began a song-writing partnership with Weyandt that persists to this day. “Self-Titled” was written and recorded by Dan, Scott and Jesse Smith (the only remaining holdover from the pre-B&F days) and featured a vast amount of experimentation with electronics, dark soundscapes, and melodic interludes. “Five Year Winter” continues to be one of Zao’s most popular songs in the live setting. The trio created “Parade Of Chaos” together as well, pushing the envelope even further.
Zao’s first album for Ferret Music, The Funeral of God, was recorded as a five-piece with producer Eric Rachel (Atreyu, Every Time I Die). The album became Zao’s biggest selling record to date and saw them receive their first airplay on MTV2 and Fuse as well as major press accolades.

Why did you change out your stock pickups?
“I love the clarity and the thickness of the JB. We play pretty involved chords and we need a very heavy tone that you can make out all the notes with, the JB does it perfect.”
Which pickups do you use and for which guitars?
“I use the JB bridge and the ‘59 neck pickup. I have them in all of my ESP’s and in my Fender Telecasters. The sound is HUGE! It is very clear and dynamic sounding and with a lot of thickness. I don’t use a ton of gain but these pickups just sound massive with my Marshall JCM 800. With my Seymour Duncan pickups, I am able to hear every note I play. Having a good tone definitely makes it more fun to play and write. Seymour Duncan has always been a staple in my sound. If you want the heaviest tone with the clearest responsive, look no further.”
How would you describe your playing?
“I’ve been playing guitar for 21 years and I think what I like most is being creative. I enjoy doing weird chord structures, doing things that aren’t average and normal.”
How would you describe your music?
“Oppressive. We like our songs to kind of sound like the world is coming to an end.”
ZAO is: Dan Weyandt, Scott Mellinger, Russ Cogdell, Martin Lunn, And Jeff Gretz
After tours with bands like Bleeding Through and Dillinger Escape Plan, Zao recorded “The Fear Is What Keeps Us Here” with Steve Albini (Nirvana, Pixies, Neurosis) then they hit the road with In Flames, Trivium, Demon Hunter & Throwdown.
Side Project: Lonely Ghost Parade
Some advice from Scott:
“You can find anything to inspire you. For me it’s life, my family, all the wonderful music that exists in the world. When it comes to writing a song, sometimes a riff will just hit me and I’ll record it and the song will flow, other times I’ll have half a song and leave it for a later date. I always try to clear my mind and hope something just comes, usually it works. My adivce is that you should never give up on a part- it may be used somewhere else. Do not put yourself in a box. There are tons of different music styles – learn from them all. Also, listen to no one but your heart. And always persist and believe in yourself because no one else will. And appreciate every fan you make – they are the only reason you will succeed.”
Worst performance experience?
“I fell on stage and bloodied my nose. I learnt to not expect things to work out- they could always fail. If they do, just flow with it!”
For more information on Scott and his bands please check out:
http://www.myspace.com/zao
http://www.twitter.com/officialzao
http://www.facebook.com/ZAO.Official
http://www.lonelyghostparade.com
http://www.facebook.com/lonelyghostparade