Zao

Zao's first record with vocalist Dan Weyandt, Where Blood & Fire Bring Rest finds the West Virginians embracing metalcore over the hardcore punk of their first two records (and singers). Weyandt's gargling wraith screech and baleful lyrics, coupled with sheets of detuned guitar saturation, set a bar for Christian metalcore in 1998 even as the band drifted in and out of the Christian scene after Weyandt joined. "Lies of Serpents, a River of Tears" is likely one of the best "hunted by Satan" songs ever, and the middle breakdown/mosh of "A Fall Farewell" simply cannot be played loud enough.