Leading off of the crossroads between the bands Disturbed and Lincoln Park, California’s Zero Theorem forge a force to be reckoned with in the thriller “Swarm”. Piling on the sounds of gnawing emotions with machine-line precision, this song just doesn’t fall into place. It claws and fights it way to front-and-center. Reaching new heights, “Swarm” is the latest track from this hit-making factory behind the recent tracks “You”, “Area” and “Becoming”.
Still focused on the one-titles, the Zero Theorem discography gets better with “Swarm”. According to the band’s press materials, this song “grimly mocks the overly self-indulgent who choose to live carefree superficiality. However, the critique isn’t about dwelling on the negative or embracing cynicism but rather facing our challenges with a realistic and constructive attitude.” Sounds simple? Right? Where Zero Theorem convince their audience is in the earnest vocals and sharply focused guitars.
BANDCAMP: https://zerotheorem.bandcamp.com/
Did I mention the drums yet? The timing and tempo of this song plows through lead singer Caesar’s vocals. He can still be heard, but he is most potent when his last words to each stanza have the most sting. He can sometimes sound mumbled underneath the heavy layer of drums and guitar work. It’s okay, I found the music to be positively awesome. It’s the type of song that has mounds of sweat equity put into and it shows. Change juice, as some YouTube workout fitness gurus might call this one – it changes the listener and takes them to a different, albeit assertive state of mind. As much as it sounds mean and angry, Cesare really does have compassion in his voice.
Keep the gift you have, he sings, his advice for people running amuck trying to be a part the cog in the machine. The gift you have is your soul, what makes you the person that you are. I thought that was an equally endearing and poignant line. Swarm, swarm, the band echoes behind him in the chorus, as if it were chanting coming from George Orwell’s army from Oceania and the Thought Police. The unmatched guitars are just pelting the listener, over and over. It’s an all-encompassing sound that sends shockwaves to the listener, with aftershocks still hitting hours later.
DEEZER: https://www.deezer.com/en/artist/12328874/radio?autoplay=true
Los Angeles – based, Zero Theorem follows a long list of nu-metal and alternative rock bands from the state. They possess a strong foundation with modern hooks and a slight nod to forefathers like Godsmack, Papa Roach, Shinedown and California’s Deftones. Zero Theorem is lead singer Caesar, guitarist Roy Lev-Ari, guitarist Max Georgiev, bass guitarist Eloy Palacios and drummer Jake Hayden. “Swarm” is from the band’s upcoming EP, The Killing II, expected still this year. However you view the world, be it Orwellian or through the lens of someone with practicality (like Zero Theorem), then this song starts the discussion. In its own way, it’s a protest song. It might not be the same level of revolutionary as Joan Baez, Rage Against The Machine or N.W.A., but it’s a song that stimulates conversation and artistic connection.
Troy Johnston