Our first Review for DARK DECEIVER!!! - Page 2

Kenneth R. · April 20th, 2008, 04:37 AM

Hell yeah man!

My job right now involves a lot of driving, and it's the only CD in the deck all night.

And the more I listen, the more I love it. That seems to happen a lot with you guys. I've got to promote ZH more with my bros cause there is no band as awesome. You rule!

ZHJ&T · April 20th, 2008, 12:07 PM

Dude that means a hell of a lot. That's awesome with everything listen you hear more, enjoy more and that is what we try with every release.

THANK YOU for letting us know my bro Kenneth. this is what it's all about for us. We always want to create music that we really feel strongly about and to hear the listeners really enjoy it is the BEST.

Hope we can hit some shows out and see you soon Kenneth....YOU RULE!!

Jasun

Kenneth R. · April 20th, 2008, 02:41 PM

Definitely dude!

AngleofDeaf667 · April 21st, 2008, 03:51 AM

Hopefully the shipping to Australia doesnt take too long i really cant wait to hear this!!!!

spatch · April 21st, 2008, 09:06 AM

Great review Ken you really need to do this at a professional level I am sure some sites would love to have you write for them

Kenneth R. · April 21st, 2008, 02:19 PM

I actually did some stuff with a friend of mine (doomsdayzach) for Global Domination. I reviewed the cover art and he reviewed the music. If anyone needs a critic, I'm game.

Eyesore · April 22nd, 2008, 12:56 AM

A reviewer friend has the promo and he says it's the band's most intense album yet. He said it's so chaotic that's it's one step away from being completely unlistenable, the audio equivalent of the images that give people epileptic seizures. Haha! But he says it's awesome!

I can't wait to hear it.

Eyesore · April 22nd, 2008, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenneth R.

I've got to promote ZH more with my bros cause there is no band as awesome. You rule!

Def Leppard is. Sorry. It had to be said.

progmetaldan · April 22nd, 2008, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenneth R.

Dude, you just bought the best 2 albums!

Indeed!

Cool review btw

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngleofDeaf667

Hopefully the shipping to Australia doesnt take too long i really cant wait to hear this!!!!

+ a billion. I'm hardly gonna have time to digest Specs and Towers before having to get my hands on this one!

Kenneth R. · April 22nd, 2008, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eyesore

A reviewer friend has the promo and he says it's the band's most intense album yet. He said it's so chaotic that's it's one step away from being completely unlistenable, the audio equivalent of the images that give people epileptic seizures. Haha! But he says it's awesome!

I can't wait to hear it.

That's a good description of it. It slays

sava · April 25th, 2008, 03:09 AM

I am completely blown away. This album is fantastic. Zero Hour is going to a more complex, chaotic and progressive direction with each album.
Awesome!!!

ZHJ&T · April 25th, 2008, 12:27 PM

Right on Sava and STOKED you dig it.

Right on Progmetaldan...... Thanks for grabbing all the CD's man and hope you enjoy them all.

METAL and have a great weekend everyone.

Jasun

ZHJ&T · April 25th, 2008, 10:07 PM

Another awesome review and want to thank Carlos for letting us know about the review.

http://www.smnnews.com/category/reviews/

If you read my review of the Blotted Science album a few weeks back, you’ll know how dear I hold bands like Fates Warning, Watchtower and Spiral Architect close to my heart. California quartet, Zero Hour has been playing the kind of hi-tech progressive metal that not only falls into this kind of categorization, but also lives up to the mighty legacies these bands have created for themselves. ZH’s new album, Dark Deceiver is the sound of a band driving forward with complete comfort and control. Guitarist Jasun Tipton leads the charge, pulling out every guitar trick out of the Shrapnel Records (circa 1989) catalog along the way. There are neo-classical twin-harmonies, shred runs and the kinds of buzzing arpeggios that would make Tony MacAlpine jealous in his glory days!

Sure, Tipton isn’t the only guitarist doing this kind of thing right now but few bands pack the songwriting muscle that ZH do. Tracks like “Lies” and “Resurrection” might be filled to the gills with acrobatic guitar lines, but there are strong songs at the foundation of them. Vocal dynamo, Chris Salinas also breaks out on this one proving why he is one of the most popular front men in the progressive community today. His high-pitched stuff here is right up there with Jon Arch (Fates Warning) and his more mid-ranged lines brought Russ Anderson from Forbidden to mind.

The choppy arrangements might prove to be too intense for mainstream listeners but their blend of challenging time signatures and seamless hooks should not be ignored by more adventurous metal fans. The twisting cyclones in “Power to Believe” alone are worth the price of admission! Mike Guy (drums) and Troy Tipton (bass) are the kind of rhythm section that a band of this level absolutely has to have to be able to pull this kind of material off. Guy’s footwork is awe-inspiring and definitely puts him in a class all to himself! So let it be known, Zero Hour has crafted a true modern day progressive metal classic with Dark Deceiver. The question is will people discover it.

Rating: 8.5/10
Label: Sensory Records
Website: www.zerohourweb.com

By Carlos Ramirez

progmetaldan · April 25th, 2008, 10:34 PM

Awesome!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZHJ&T

Right on Progmetaldan...... Thanks for grabbing all the CD's man and hope you enjoy them all.

METAL and have a great weekend everyone.

Jasun

No worries, totally my pleasure...

fading · April 26th, 2008, 05:01 PM

Yes, hopefully I will have a copy of Dark Deceiver SOON!

ZHJ&T · April 27th, 2008, 12:17 PM

Another review and thank you Tommy for bringing this to our attention.

http://www.ytsejam.com/modules.php?n...ontent&id=1384

Zero Hour – Dark Deceiver

2008 Sensory/Laser’s Edge Group

A couple years ago I interviewed this band and they said that when playing live it was common for a ‘mosh pit’ to break out during their performance; damn straight it is. With music as aggressive as theirs, what are you going to do, sit in your fucking seat and rock back and fourth in a near catatonic state, I don’t think so. From one of the heaviest and most technical progressive metal bands out there comes Dark Deceiver, one of Zero Hour’s most challenging and aggressive pieces of work to date, border lining within the extreme metal fringes, yet keeping the melodic consciousness in full force at all times.

With very album the music becomes more and more perplexed, being skillfully executed with experimental time signatures; being relevant to the music of Spiral Architect and Twisted into Form, but with a more tuneful stance. Powerful through and through, cuts such as “Resurrection,” the dark grinding “Lies” (nice falsetto vocal use, I must say), the bass solo of “Tendonitis,” and the mood laden title track are tried and true to the no holds barred/no bullshit approach when it comes to plummeting the aggravated aggression that Zero Hour entails.

While the record beholds what most might hear as multi-faceted mathematical rhythms, diminished arpeggios, and sophistication brought to it’s most extreme form, Dark Deceiver is far from being one of those ‘pretentious records,’ where the band forgoes atmospheric soundscapes and keyboards, where the record itself immediately starts up with its sinister bludgeoning riffage. In a string of releases, Dark Deceiver proves to be one of Zero Hour’s finest hour.

Added: April 26th 2008
Reviewer: Tommy Hash
Score:
Related Link: Zero Hour website
Hits: 20
Language:

Eyesore · April 28th, 2008, 03:24 PM

Ah, so jealous. I hope Newbury Comics has a copy tomorrow. Can't believe I forgot to order this album! I'm the worst fan ever! Haha.

ZHJ&T · April 28th, 2008, 06:31 PM

You're a great fan Eyesore as you alway support ZH.

I've had a bunch people say wow man I didn't know you had a new disc coming out. Specs really didn't come out very long ago and I can see people being a little shocked we got DD out in the amount of time.

METAL MY BRO!!

Jasun

Eyesore · April 30th, 2008, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZHJ&T

You're a great fan Eyesore as you alway support ZH.

I've had a bunch people say wow man I didn't know you had a new disc coming out. Specs really didn't come out very long ago and I can see people being a little shocked we got DD out in the amount of time.

METAL MY BRO!!

Jasun

Haha. Thanks. No, I knew the album was coming out. I just, I don't know, thought it was coming out in a month or so.

No worries! I shall buy it, hug it, love it, and call it George.

usaprogmusic · April 30th, 2008, 07:37 PM

Here is another review, from USA Progressive Music, just posted today:

http://usaprogmusic.com/joomla/index...-Dark-Deceiver

batmura · May 1st, 2008, 12:36 PM

Hey Ken that's a great review! My CD is on its way as I type this.

How many minutes does the CD run by the way?

Kenneth R. · May 1st, 2008, 01:58 PM

44:36

ZHJ&T · May 1st, 2008, 03:09 PM

Zero Hour - Dark Deceiver (Sensory)

By: David E. Gehlke

A great idea on paper: the combination of over-the-top tech metal ala Cynic, Atheist, et al, with clean, progressive vocals, Zero Hour are now coming dangerously close to perfecting their own indelible brand of hyper-prog metal.

2006’s Specs From Pictures Burnt Beyond was a largely enjoyable affair, relishing in more than a few “kitchen sink” forays into the depths of over-the-top prog metal. Its follow-up, Dark Deceiver follow suit, but in more rationale and gradual fashion.

http://www.blistering.com/fastpage/fpengine.php/link/1/templateid/13901/tempidx/4/menuid/2
The guitar/bass shred tandem of Brothers Tipton (Jason and Troy) is on full display on opener “Power to Believe,” with the duo reeling off a flurry of sweeps and manic bass fills. “Inner Spirit” is full-on Zero Hour, as labyrinth of adventurous guitar maneuvering segues into a call-and-response bit from singer Chris Salinas, who again proves to be the right man for the spot.

The graceful “Resurrection” ranks as one of Zero Hour’s more melodic moments, while the bass solo “Tendonitis” (more please) only serves to solidify Troy Tipton’s place as a prog metal virtuoso. The stop-start frenzy of “Lies” and potent “The Passion of Words” keeps Dark Deceiver off-balance and unpredictable, making the album more enticing as things move along.

Zero Hour’s balls-out approach may turn some people off initially, but further listens reveal a band putting actual songs into their structure, with hooks coming from all areas, especially those jaw-dropping bass runs. Dark Deceiver is another notch in the belt for Zero Hour, who again, are becoming ever so close to putting this into absolute perfection.

www.myspace.com/zerohourband

ZHJ&T · May 1st, 2008, 03:10 PM

http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdrev...ourdarkdec.htm
Zero Hour - Dark Deceiver
About.com Rating
By Chad Bowar, About.com

Zero Hour - Dark Deceiver

Sensory Records
Zero Hour have been around for a while and have released several CDs. They are well known to those who follow the progressive metal genre, but not as familiar to the rest of the metal world.
Dark Deceiver is progressive metal with an edge. It's highly technical with outstanding musicianship from guitarist Jasun Tipton and his brother, bassist Troy Tipton. Troy really gets to showcase his chops on the instrumental "Tendonitis." The songs range from focused 3 minute tracks to complex 12 minute epics.

Chris Salinas is Zero Hour's vocalist, and he also does a good job. From effects laden spoken word to melodic singing to Geoff Tate-esque belting, he is very versatile. In addition to being edgier and more aggressive than the average prog metal band, Zero Hour also manages to add in enough hooks and melody so it's not all technical wankery. Dark Deceiver combines the sensibility of groups like Meshuggah and Dream Theater into Zero Hour's unique sounding concoction.

(released April 29, 2008 on Sensory Records)

Kenneth R. · May 1st, 2008, 06:10 PM

all positive so far! Cause you guys are just so friggin ace my man!

April 20th, 2008, 04:37 AM	#26 (permalink)
Kenneth R. Autumnstone Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Hallways of Always Posts: 15,924	Hell yeah man! My job right now involves a lot of driving, and it's the only CD in the deck all night. And the more I listen, the more I love it. That seems to happen a lot with you guys. I've got to promote ZH more with my bros cause there is no band as awesome. You rule! __________________ __________________The greatest story leaves you before a door to the dark. Last edited by Kenneth R. : April 20th, 2008 at 04:46 AM.

April 20th, 2008, 02:41 PM	#28 (permalink)
Kenneth R. Autumnstone Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Hallways of Always Posts: 15,924	Definitely dude! __________________ __________________The greatest story leaves you before a door to the dark.

April 21st, 2008, 02:19 PM	#31 (permalink)
Kenneth R. Autumnstone Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Hallways of Always Posts: 15,924	I actually did some stuff with a friend of mine (doomsdayzach) for Global Domination. I reviewed the cover art and he reviewed the music. If anyone needs a critic, I'm game. __________________ __________________The greatest story leaves you before a door to the dark.

April 22nd, 2008, 12:56 AM	#32 (permalink)
Eyesore Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Boston Posts: 838	A reviewer friend has the promo and he says it's the band's most intense album yet. He said it's so chaotic that's it's one step away from being completely unlistenable, the audio equivalent of the images that give people epileptic seizures. Haha! But he says it's awesome! I can't wait to hear it. __________________ "Happy people have no stories." —Therapy?

April 25th, 2008, 10:07 PM	#38 (permalink)
ZHJ&T Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 1,071	Another awesome review and want to thank Carlos for letting us know about the review. http://www.smnnews.com/category/reviews/ If you read my review of the Blotted Science album a few weeks back, you’ll know how dear I hold bands like Fates Warning, Watchtower and Spiral Architect close to my heart. California quartet, Zero Hour has been playing the kind of hi-tech progressive metal that not only falls into this kind of categorization, but also lives up to the mighty legacies these bands have created for themselves. ZH’s new album, Dark Deceiver is the sound of a band driving forward with complete comfort and control. Guitarist Jasun Tipton leads the charge, pulling out every guitar trick out of the Shrapnel Records (circa 1989) catalog along the way. There are neo-classical twin-harmonies, shred runs and the kinds of buzzing arpeggios that would make Tony MacAlpine jealous in his glory days! Sure, Tipton isn’t the only guitarist doing this kind of thing right now but few bands pack the songwriting muscle that ZH do. Tracks like “Lies” and “Resurrection” might be filled to the gills with acrobatic guitar lines, but there are strong songs at the foundation of them. Vocal dynamo, Chris Salinas also breaks out on this one proving why he is one of the most popular front men in the progressive community today. His high-pitched stuff here is right up there with Jon Arch (Fates Warning) and his more mid-ranged lines brought Russ Anderson from Forbidden to mind. The choppy arrangements might prove to be too intense for mainstream listeners but their blend of challenging time signatures and seamless hooks should not be ignored by more adventurous metal fans. The twisting cyclones in “Power to Believe” alone are worth the price of admission! Mike Guy (drums) and Troy Tipton (bass) are the kind of rhythm section that a band of this level absolutely has to have to be able to pull this kind of material off. Guy’s footwork is awe-inspiring and definitely puts him in a class all to himself! So let it be known, Zero Hour has crafted a true modern day progressive metal classic with Dark Deceiver. The question is will people discover it. Rating: 8.5/10 Label: Sensory Records Website: www.zerohourweb.com By Carlos Ramirez Last edited by ZHJ&T : April 25th, 2008 at 10:11 PM.

April 20th, 2008, 12:07 PM	#27 (permalink)
ZHJ&T Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 1,071	Dude that means a hell of a lot. That's awesome with everything listen you hear more, enjoy more and that is what we try with every release. THANK YOU for letting us know my bro Kenneth. this is what it's all about for us. We always want to create music that we really feel strongly about and to hear the listeners really enjoy it is the BEST. Hope we can hit some shows out and see you soon Kenneth....YOU RULE!! Jasun

April 21st, 2008, 03:51 AM	#29 (permalink)
AngleofDeaf667 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Australia, Victoria Posts: 105	Hopefully the shipping to Australia doesnt take too long i really cant wait to hear this!!!!

April 21st, 2008, 09:06 AM	#30 (permalink)
spatch Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: London Uk Posts: 335	Great review Ken you really need to do this at a professional level I am sure some sites would love to have you write for them

April 25th, 2008, 03:09 AM	#36 (permalink)
sava zoplek Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ankara-Turkey Posts: 75	I am completely blown away. This album is fantastic. Zero Hour is going to a more complex, chaotic and progressive direction with each album. Awesome!!!

April 25th, 2008, 12:27 PM	#37 (permalink)
ZHJ&T Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 1,071	Right on Sava and STOKED you dig it. Right on Progmetaldan...... Thanks for grabbing all the CD's man and hope you enjoy them all. METAL and have a great weekend everyone. Jasun

April 26th, 2008, 05:01 PM	#40 (permalink)
fading Graphic Designer Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: oak harbor, wa Posts: 1,098	Yes, hopefully I will have a copy of Dark Deceiver SOON! __________________ "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions" A Chinese Firedrill New Zero Hour Website Come visit my sites: New design - Tony Lamb Graphic Designs myspace My DeviantArt

April 27th, 2008, 12:17 PM	#41 (permalink)
ZHJ&T Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 1,071	Another review and thank you Tommy for bringing this to our attention. http://www.ytsejam.com/modules.php?n...ontent&id=1384 Zero Hour – Dark Deceiver 2008 Sensory/Laser’s Edge Group A couple years ago I interviewed this band and they said that when playing live it was common for a ‘mosh pit’ to break out during their performance; damn straight it is. With music as aggressive as theirs, what are you going to do, sit in your fucking seat and rock back and fourth in a near catatonic state, I don’t think so. From one of the heaviest and most technical progressive metal bands out there comes Dark Deceiver, one of Zero Hour’s most challenging and aggressive pieces of work to date, border lining within the extreme metal fringes, yet keeping the melodic consciousness in full force at all times. With very album the music becomes more and more perplexed, being skillfully executed with experimental time signatures; being relevant to the music of Spiral Architect and Twisted into Form, but with a more tuneful stance. Powerful through and through, cuts such as “Resurrection,” the dark grinding “Lies” (nice falsetto vocal use, I must say), the bass solo of “Tendonitis,” and the mood laden title track are tried and true to the no holds barred/no bullshit approach when it comes to plummeting the aggravated aggression that Zero Hour entails. While the record beholds what most might hear as multi-faceted mathematical rhythms, diminished arpeggios, and sophistication brought to it’s most extreme form, Dark Deceiver is far from being one of those ‘pretentious records,’ where the band forgoes atmospheric soundscapes and keyboards, where the record itself immediately starts up with its sinister bludgeoning riffage. In a string of releases, Dark Deceiver proves to be one of Zero Hour’s finest hour. Added: April 26th 2008 Reviewer: Tommy Hash Score: Related Link: Zero Hour website Hits: 20 Language:

April 28th, 2008, 03:24 PM	#42 (permalink)
Eyesore Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Boston Posts: 838	Ah, so jealous. I hope Newbury Comics has a copy tomorrow. Can't believe I forgot to order this album! I'm the worst fan ever! Haha. __________________ "Happy people have no stories." —Therapy?

April 28th, 2008, 06:31 PM	#43 (permalink)
ZHJ&T Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 1,071	You're a great fan Eyesore as you alway support ZH. I've had a bunch people say wow man I didn't know you had a new disc coming out. Specs really didn't come out very long ago and I can see people being a little shocked we got DD out in the amount of time. METAL MY BRO!! Jasun

April 30th, 2008, 07:37 PM	#45 (permalink)
usaprogmusic ProgPowerGRRL Join Date: May 2007 Location: easton, pa Posts: 353	Here is another review, from USA Progressive Music, just posted today: http://usaprogmusic.com/joomla/index...-Dark-Deceiver __________________ Jill Hughes Suspyre's Manager Editor,USA Progressive Music

May 1st, 2008, 12:36 PM	#46 (permalink)
batmura Sea of Tranquility Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 2,479	Hey Ken that's a great review! My CD is on its way as I type this. How many minutes does the CD run by the way? __________________ Sea of Tranquility - The Web Destination for Progressive Music!

May 1st, 2008, 01:58 PM	#47 (permalink)
Kenneth R. Autumnstone Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Hallways of Always Posts: 15,924	44:36 __________________ __________________The greatest story leaves you before a door to the dark.

May 1st, 2008, 03:09 PM	#48 (permalink)
ZHJ&T Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 1,071	Zero Hour - Dark Deceiver (Sensory) By: David E. Gehlke A great idea on paper: the combination of over-the-top tech metal ala Cynic, Atheist, et al, with clean, progressive vocals, Zero Hour are now coming dangerously close to perfecting their own indelible brand of hyper-prog metal. 2006’s Specs From Pictures Burnt Beyond was a largely enjoyable affair, relishing in more than a few “kitchen sink” forays into the depths of over-the-top prog metal. Its follow-up, Dark Deceiver follow suit, but in more rationale and gradual fashion. http://www.blistering.com/fastpage/fpengine.php/link/1/templateid/13901/tempidx/4/menuid/2 The guitar/bass shred tandem of Brothers Tipton (Jason and Troy) is on full display on opener “Power to Believe,” with the duo reeling off a flurry of sweeps and manic bass fills. “Inner Spirit” is full-on Zero Hour, as labyrinth of adventurous guitar maneuvering segues into a call-and-response bit from singer Chris Salinas, who again proves to be the right man for the spot. The graceful “Resurrection” ranks as one of Zero Hour’s more melodic moments, while the bass solo “Tendonitis” (more please) only serves to solidify Troy Tipton’s place as a prog metal virtuoso. The stop-start frenzy of “Lies” and potent “The Passion of Words” keeps Dark Deceiver off-balance and unpredictable, making the album more enticing as things move along. Zero Hour’s balls-out approach may turn some people off initially, but further listens reveal a band putting actual songs into their structure, with hooks coming from all areas, especially those jaw-dropping bass runs. Dark Deceiver is another notch in the belt for Zero Hour, who again, are becoming ever so close to putting this into absolute perfection. www.myspace.com/zerohourband

May 1st, 2008, 03:10 PM	#49 (permalink)
ZHJ&T Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 1,071	http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdrev...ourdarkdec.htm Zero Hour - Dark Deceiver About.com Rating By Chad Bowar, About.com Zero Hour - Dark Deceiver Sensory Records Zero Hour have been around for a while and have released several CDs. They are well known to those who follow the progressive metal genre, but not as familiar to the rest of the metal world. Dark Deceiver is progressive metal with an edge. It's highly technical with outstanding musicianship from guitarist Jasun Tipton and his brother, bassist Troy Tipton. Troy really gets to showcase his chops on the instrumental "Tendonitis." The songs range from focused 3 minute tracks to complex 12 minute epics. Chris Salinas is Zero Hour's vocalist, and he also does a good job. From effects laden spoken word to melodic singing to Geoff Tate-esque belting, he is very versatile. In addition to being edgier and more aggressive than the average prog metal band, Zero Hour also manages to add in enough hooks and melody so it's not all technical wankery. Dark Deceiver combines the sensibility of groups like Meshuggah and Dream Theater into Zero Hour's unique sounding concoction. (released April 29, 2008 on Sensory Records)

May 1st, 2008, 06:10 PM	#50 (permalink)
Kenneth R. Autumnstone Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Hallways of Always Posts: 15,924	all positive so far! Cause you guys are just so friggin ace my man! __________________ __________________The greatest story leaves you before a door to the dark.