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Zero Hour
| "Dark Deceiver" |
Released in 2008 / SR-3042 |
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| "Specs Of Pictures Burnt Beyond" |
Released in 2006 / SR-3034 |
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In 1993, almost everyone thought that metal was history. Guitarist Jasun Tipton and bassist Troy Tipton, twin brothers from the San Francisco Bay Area, did not succumb to these prevailing doubts. They believed that even through the darkest hour, metal would live on, and they set about forming a band that would not only keep progressive metal in a place of honor, but would shatter the mold in the process. In creating Zero Hour, the brothers envisioned a dark, heavy, emotional vibe, expressed through intricate arrangements, forceful vocals, and meaningful lyrics.
Zero Hour self-financed their first release which established the group as a prog-metal tour de force upon its issuance in 1998; an initial pressing of 2,000 units sold out quickly, leaving fans worldwide anxiously awaiting more Zero Hour material. The praises of the press flowed from around the globe, and the self-titled debut garnered raves from Flash (Italy), Snake Pit (Germany), Hard Roxx (UK), and many more. Michael Rensen of the premier German magazine Rock Hard proclaimed, "Zero Hour is one of the five Best Progressive Newcomers in the late '90s!"
The band's second album "The Towers of Avarice" (Released by The Laser's Edge/Sensory label) won sparkling reviews from nearly every magazine around the World it appeared. Such magazines included Hit Parader, Metal Maniacs, Bass Player and Sci Fi (US), Aardschok (Netherlands), Metal Hammer (Hungary), Rock Hard (Germany, France), Heavy Oder Was? (Germany), Scream (Norway), BW&BK (Canada), Hard Rock (France) and in countless webzines and fanzines. The band quickly established a solid fan base around the World. They successfully toured Europe and performed twice at Prog Power USA in Atlanta, the largest prog-metal music festival in the World.
Zero Hour is now fronted by vocalist Chris Salinas (formerly of Power of Omens. Salinas’ dynamic vocal range breathes new life into the band, once again taking them back to the heights they hit on ”The Towers Of Avarice”. ). The new line up recorded 7 songs under the guidance of the eminently talented Producer/Engineer Dino Alden. The album is titled "Specs of Pictures Burnt Beyond" and is already being hailed as one the years most anticipated releases. In early November, the band will be hitting the road to promote the new album with their first ever shows in the Northeastern United States. The momentum of Zero Hour is stronger than ever as they continue to carve their name into prog-metal history.
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| "A Fragile Mind" |
Released in 2005 / SR-3028 |
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Zero Hour is one of the most promising newcomers in the progressive metal underground. The mix of heavy riffs, atmospheric keyboards, brilliant clean vocals, complex song structure and metaphoric texts that hits the nerve of all fan of impressive metal, who counts bands such as Fates Warning, Sieges Even, Spiral Architect, Pain of Salvation or Dream Theater to their favourites. It's easy to draw parallels to the big names of the genre, yet Zero Hour really sounds unique. – Heavy Oder Was
Troy Tipton and bandmates navigate endless miles of tricky passages and odd ostinatos on their way to prog-rock/death metal heaven. – Bass Player
After one false start and with a new vocalist on board, Zero Hour are finally ready to unleash their long awaited third album. The band's second album "The Towers of Avarice" took the progressive metal world by storm in 2001. The band quickly established a solid fanbase around the world. They successfully toured Europe and performed twice at ProgPower USA in Atlanta, the largest prog-metal music festival in the world. 2003 and 2004 saw the band in a holding pattern as they recorded what was to be their follow up release. Unfortunately personnel problems forced a lineup change and new vocalist Fred Marshall was brought on board. With the long delay (and a bit of bad karma now behind them) the band decided to start from scratch and begin recording fresh. The result is the massive sounding "A Fragile Mind", an incredible statement of powerful and intelligent metal. In the past their music has been labeled as "technical metal" but this is just a jumping off point for the band's current work. Expect more power, more energy and most of all a warmer and epic sound courtesy of noted producer Dino Alden (Marty Friedman, Racer X).
Once again award winning visionary artist Travis Smith has created a stunning visual package.
It's been awhile but it was worth the wait - "A Fragile Mind" is Zero Hour's defining musical statement. |
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| "Metamorphosis" |
Released in 2003 / SR-3020 |
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Zero Hour was built from the ground up to take prog-metal to a new level - Metal Maniacs.
Zero Hour's intricate riffs and progressions remind me of a more metallic Dream Theater meets early Megadeth meets Meshuggah (but with a vocalist who can sing!) - Hard Radio
A classic revisited.
Before their ground breaking Sensory debut, The Towers of Avarice, Zero Hour had released an EP in the hopes of scoring a recording contract. The self-financed Metamorphosis established the group as a prog metal tour de force upon its issuance in 1998; an initial pressing of 2,000 units sold out quickly, leaving fans worldwide anxiously awaiting more Zero Hour material. The praises of the press flowed from around the globe, and the self-titled debut garnered raves from Snake Pit (Germany), Hard Roxx (UK), and many more. Michael Rensen of the premier German magazine Rock Hard proclaimed, "Zero Hour is one of the five Best Progressive Newcomers in the late '90s!"
Since the release of "Towers" the band has been featured at two sold out Prog Power USA festivals, toured Europe twice and generated world-wide acclaim.
Sensory is proud to reissue Metamorphosis complete with two unreleased tracks from the original studio sessions, two demo tracks and new packaging featuring the stunning artwork of Travis Smith. With this reissue now in place, the past has come full circle for Zero Hour and the future is theirs to be had. With the group now hard at work on their third release De-Evolution, the future is looking very bright indeed! |
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| "The Towers of Avarice" |
Released in 2001 / SR-3011 |
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A tightly woven matrix of extreme progressive metal underscores a desolate vision of a future gone awry...
Zero Hour represent the cutting edge of tech metal. The band features twin brothers Jasun and Troy Tipton on guitars and bass, drummer Mike Guy, and vocalist Erik Rosvold. Working with Dino Alden the band has now produced The Towers of Avarice, a conceptual work that conjures a bleak vision of the future. The story tells the tale of two societies - one above ground obsessed with consumption and the restless slaves living underground that are under their control. The band has intensified their already intricate sound by eschewing longwinded solos in exchange for complexity and power. Guitar and bass interlock seamlessly only to be interrupted by a staccato assault of crushing guitar riffs and soaring vocals. Rosvold is a truly gifted singer, often compared to Ronnie James Dio and John Arch. He grabs the spotlight with his angst ridden vocals, conveying all the drama that unfolds in the tale. This truly is a future classic of complex progressive metal.
The album features surrealist artwork and graphic design by Travis Smith. |
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