The Funeral of God
The Funeral of God is the seventh studio album by American metalcore band Zao. It was released in July 13, 2004 through Ferret Records in the US, and in July 12, 2004 through Roadrunner and Ferret in Europe and Asia. It saw the return of guitarist, Russ Cogdell, and the addition of bassist Shawn Koschik and drummer Stephen Peck after the departure of Jesse Smith. A music video was made for the song "The Rising End ".
Title note
Originally the album was going to be called, Live... from the Funeral of God, but the band's management was concerned that fans might construe that to mean it's a live recording, so the title was shortened.Concept
The album is a concept album, narrating an apocalyptic story in which God, fed up with the path chosen by humanity, decides to disappear, leaving humanity to its fate. Subsequently, the world falls into a state of war and self-destruction. However, man soon reverts to a state in which he waits for God to return.Sound
Sounding different from the most albums Zao released, this record is a swing towards bands such as Killswitch Engage and Shadows Fall. It also goes for a more melodic sound than their past albums, such as in the song "Psalm of the City of the Dead".Credits
ZAO- Daniel Weyandt – lead vocals
- Scott Mellinger – guitar, clean vocals
- Russ Cogdell – guitar
- Shawn Koschik – bass, additional engineering, string arrangements
- Stephen Peck – drums
- Sara George – additional vocals on track 11
- Josh Momper – piano
- Eric Rachel – producer, engineering, mixing
- Alan Douches – mastering
- Don and Ryan Clark – art direction, design
- Kris McCaddon – logo
- Sarah Fiedler – photography
- Chris Bruno – cover photo
- Ryan J. Downey – manager