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EVIL ZENITH, a Rock n' Roll duo from Rockford, IL, somehow manages to create and release their debut album during the year that never was.
While the masses were fighting over toilet paper rolls at Walmart, Micky Torpedo and Skitch Patterson did what they do best, make music.
EVIL ZENITH was a band in its infancy when the pandemic hit. After only a handful of live performances, the pandemic blew in like a grenade. Fast forward a few months, after having time to digest this new existence, the band reconvened. They had a few socially distant recording sessions in the summer of 2020 at Underground Squirrel Studio in Rockford, IL, eventually completing the album the following winter.
This self-titled debut is a rowdy, grungy, angsty, and at times, beautifully landscaped collection of unique tunes, that make a great musical snapshot of this shared moment in time. All the songs were written and performed on a Bass VI, which makes for an interesting sound. The album features guest appearances by Phil Torpedo (noise guitar), Amanee Avery (saxophone), and great cover art by Laura Gomel.
“This self-titled debut is a rowdy, grungy, angsty, and at times, beautifully landscaped collection of unique tunes, that make a great musical snapshot of this shared moment in time.”
Photos by Micky Torpedo
A few highlights are the bombastic swing of "Godzilla We Fight." Which is a nice little wink and a nod to the great Bo Diddley. Then there's the fire-y vocals on "Shed My Skin," which echos the finer moments of the grunge era. Then there's the driving ass kicking of "American Beauty." This song starts out deceivingly quiet, but quickly builds into a crescendo of angst and madness. Especially the breakdown where the Bass VI holds tight while the drums slowly enter in a haphazard manor, only to take charge and drive the song off the final chorus cliff.
There's also the track "Mind Over Matter," which tackles the subject of suicide, inspired by the recent passing of a friend to the band. The song hits hard at the top, then when that section comes around again, there's a swirling drum part that leaves a disorienting feeling. When it comes again at the end, it's joined with a chorus of vocals harmonies that resolve on a hopeful major chord.
Get Your Own Copy
Do you still prefer to have hard copies of your favorite albums? Me too. You can support the band by purchasing their disc at their website, evilzenith.com or on their Bandcamp Page. If you want to keep up to date on the band, follow them on Facebook and Instagram. You can also stream on Spotify or Apple Music, or most any major streaming platforms.
Artists
Dana E.K. is a staff writer for Black Squirrel Underground and Underground Squirrel Studio.
© 2021 Black Squirrel Underground