At this point in their career, Zao is legendary (no pun intended). After going on hiatus for several years, the band released one hell of a comeback album with 2016's The Well-Intentioned Virus, and we've been eagerly salivating for the follow-up record ever since. Well, good things come to those who wait patiently, and Zao is set to release their 12th full-length album The Crimson Corridor on April 9 via their own Observed/Obeserver Recordings. The first taste of what to expect from the record came in the form of "Croatoan," and we are absolutely stoked to bring you a premiere the destructive second cut from The Crimson Corridor, "Ship of Theseus."
Right out of the gate, this track completely smashes. It is vintage Zao through and through, propelled by a tricky main riff and Dan Weyandt's signature bark at the forefront. Lyrically, if the song's title didn't give it away, the track focuses on the Ship of Theseus paradox. The band shared:
"If you are not aware, or are not caught up on Wandavision, the Ship of Theseus paradox is this: If Theseus had a ship, and over time individual parts are slowly replaced until, eventually, no original parts remain? Is it still the same ship? Also if you make a NEW ship out of the discarded parts? Which is the real Ship Of Theseus? Or is it neither? Zao is nothing if not self aware."
“This song is an enigmatic tribute to the long surreal history of Zao and its shared parallels with the Ship of Theseus paradox," Weyandt explained. "It also explores the idea that the band is somehow an entity in and of itself beyond its members past and present.”
Whether you're a longtime follower of Zao or are just now discovering them, there's nothing here not to like. Pre-orders for the Crimson Corridor are currently available at www.zaoonline.net. You know what to do.
