Track Listing

1. Ostia
2. Chthonian
3. Carbon
4. Beata Viscera
5. Erinys
6. Soulympics
7. Axion
8. Mimosa Hostilis
9. Obsidian
10. Orc

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #97189 in Music
• Brand: Dig
• Released on: 2009-02-17
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .12 pounds

Customer Reviews

When In Rome...
("Carboniferous" by Zu)

Zu are a Roman (as in from Rome, Italy) instrumental trio consisting of drummer Jacopo Battaglia, bassist Massimo Pupillo and saxophonist Luca T. Mai. They specialize in the sort of wild, loud experimentalism that is constantly compared to the more aggressive recordings of John Zorn (i.e., Electric Masada). Those expecting Jazz or other fusionoid tendencies should be warned, though. Zu are definitely more of a rock band--a brawny, rabid noise rock band to be more precise. While their past efforts had a "jazz" element (courtesy of those saxophones), on "Carboniferous," they attempt to crush your skull and grind it into so much dirt to prove their R-O-C-K credentials. Sure, there's no guitars to be found, but Pupillo distorts his bass to produce low-end riffs n' roars. Likewise, Mai's saxophone never noodles; it squeals, honks and gernerally skronks things up. Battaglia cements the deal; those are no brushes in his hands for sure--his relentlesness is closer to the industrial of early Swans or the math-metal of Helmet. As a matter of fact, with their whiplash time changes and tempo shifts, they eliminate all kinds of clutter normally associated with jazz, such as soloing or even melody. Ipecac recordings head lunatic Mike Patton was so impressed with their chops that he not only signed them, but also contributes the only vocals on the album for the track "Soulympics" in his patented gibberish grunting. As if to also prove they don't don't need no stinkin' vocals, this is the weakest track on the album. In fact, the only moment of relative restraint here is album closer "orc," but even that seems designed to kill. What's all the more impressive, though, is that it never grows tiring. These monsters are good for both moshing and listening. In fact, this is one of the best of '09 so far.

Recommended for fans of: Lightning Bolt, The Flying Luttenbachers, Helmet, Blind Idiot God. Not to mention repeatedly slamming your head in a car door.

Incredible!
This album won't be for everyone, but if you have an ear for this type of music, the energy in it will leave you stunned. Listen to a sample on this site before buying. After repeated listenings, it just gets better & better. I cannot describe the style, or sound. It's just powerful. Great Album.

Hardcore
A real workout for both brain and hi-fi. Gotta listen to it form CD to get the full hit (not a crappy MP3 download).