Root Zero – Dark Rainbow
Release Date: 16th May 2025
Label: Self Released
Bandcamp
Genre: Progressive Metal, Doom, Post-Metal, Alternative.
FFO: Soundgarden, Deftones, Katatonia, Cult of Luna, Opeth, Swallow the Sun.
Review By: Mark Waight
Welsh progressive metallers ROOT ZERO are just about to release their very engrossing debut album “Dark Rainbow” on the world, and in doing so they may well cement their standing as one of the front-runners in the principalities excellent new wave of talented bands.
With influences from as far afield as Soundgarden and the Deftones through to Katatonia and Cult of Luna, ROOT ZERO offers something a little different to the staple with a totally unique and irresistible charm of their very own.
ROOT ZERO are Sasha Bannister (Lead Vocals), Giacomo Fiderio (Keyboards/Co-lead vocals), Llyr Williams (Guitar), Wren Wood (Guitar), Rob Edwards (Bass) and Joshua Powell-Gibbs (Drums).
“The Good Times Never Last” and that is so true for the short instrumental introduction that leads us nicely into the brooding “Inner Turmoil,” a punchy, gothic track with some beautifully haunting vocals and a brutally bleak undertone.
The heavy pounding riff of “I Drowned in the Desert” has a sprinkling of eastern spice and a softer scirocco undercurrent running through it, but it’s the vocals that really do it for me as they are serene. With a much blacker ambiance, “Notti D’Inverno” is however a little lighter on the ears and presents the more progressive side of ROOT ZERO to good effect.
Released as a single, “Ignis Fatuus” rocks proper hard with a hack-sawing riff that seamlessly interchanges places with brighter interludes in a successful continuation of that ever-present battle between the forces of light and darkness, and long may it continue! “Tumbleweed” at times appears like it may simply blow through on a gentle breeze before making its presence known and kicking back hard!
The wonderful “Dry” pairs the two vocalists together in a dreamy composition that slowly builds in intensity without ever fully letting go and releasing the tension, leaving the listener like a coiled spring eagerly awaiting the next song! The gloriously gloomy instrumental “Depression” rolls in like an all-consuming black dog of a sound wave that drags you right down into the pits of despair with its ferocious canines. There really is no escape for you as melancholy takes hold!
Epic title track “Dark Rainbow” is an absolute showstopper that pushes all of ROOT ZERO’s skill set and music-craft fully to their limits in a truly genre-bending and mind-blowing fashion – wow!
Penultimate track “Litha” plays out in almost the same way but for me has more of a concept and experimental feel to it. The siren like vocals are divine and leave you in absolutely no doubt that ROOT ZERO have a very big future ahead of them if they continue along this same path. Last up, “The Infection” slowly spreads over you by taking complete control of your body and mind as you succumb to the seductive and opiate like power that is now flowing through your veins. Surreal, enjoyable and totally captivating!
“Dark Rainbow” is progressive metal for adults with an open mind and a wide attention span who don’t just want their music spoon-fed in short bite sized chunks as seems to be the norm these days. The songs are deeply absorbing, with ROOT ZERO putting absolutely everything out there in such a way that you can almost grasp their pain and anguish in your own hands or deep within yourself. Serious music lovers will adore this album and enjoy it for many years to come – recommended!
(4 / 5)
