ZAO - The Splinter Shards The Birth Of Separation

The problem with a lot of the 90s hardcore was that often bands would sacrifice musical depth for motive. It seemed the message took precedence. The Splinter Shards The Birth Of Separation gave equal precesence, mixing the Christian centered lyrics with the piercing vocals of Shawn Jonas, well placed harmonics intermixed with the strong chord progressions of Roy Goudy and Jesse Smiths drums as the foundation of the record, adding emphasis with bell hits and muted crash strikes.

Zao, subsequently, went through a slew of lineups and releases, none quite matching the sonic completeness or originality of Splinters. Shawn Jonas would say later that fans always raved about the album but that he didnt feel the same. Citing reasons such as, the actual song writing was done by the founding member and former lead vocalist Eric Reeder. However, regardless of the bands feelings about the endeavor, it left the community at large longing for more and reminiscing and one might debate, prolonging their relevance more so than without. Regardless, this release is essential in any metalcore catalog.