Review by JD on August 28, 2016.

My first introduction into the whole groove metal thing was, like many, the mighty groove metallers that hailed from Texas, the riff masters Pantera. I was blown away by the ferocity of Pantera from the first second I heard them and just how melodic it also was. Now jumping to the modern era, I give you ZFL.

Formed in Aberdeen, Maryland, this four piece band plays a very odd mixture of brutal groove metal with some elements of thrash metal that has tacked on some of the most intense guttural vocals to spice things up. What ends up on the record is some very unique, at times somewhat stripped down but always nasty metal.

Possessing one of the best bassist I have come across in awhile (David Billings) add one incredible riff master (Casey Anderson), a growling beast of a vocalist (Kevin Zink) and a powerhouse time keeper (Keith Zink), you have groove metal 2.0. Songs like the infectious 'Not Alone in This' or the fist in the face riffage of 'Nunpuncher' show ZFL is no newcomer as they show maturity that adds extra punch to some already powerful metal.

I have to say that this is one of my surprises of the year, a band that came out of nowhere to impress me this much. A record label needs to pick these guys up and fast and we just might have the band that can be the next to take over the vacant spot where Pantera use to be. With the right management, and producer... they will be the act to beat.

Rating: 9 out of 10