(4 Out of 5)

On Zebrahead’s latest endeavor entitled Phoenix, the Orange County-based band rise from the ashes and deliver a one two punch of hook-filled pop harmonics over a metallic, hardcore punk foundation.  Phoenix is one of the band’s most cohesive efforts to date; filled to the brim with enough energy to power a small city and enough hook to garner some sing-a-longs.

Vocals at hyper speed as shown on a track like “Mental Health” continue to floor this reviewer.  Zebrahead has seemed to find perfection in blending punk with metal and then after throwing some hints of hip-hop influences into the mix, Phoenix is truly a unique listen.  This album seems to be more hardcore than the band’s previous effort Broadcast to the World, but the resulting package still offers danceable guitar melodies on “Ignite,” ska influences on “Mike Dexter is a God, Mike Dexter is a Role Model, Mike Dexter is an A**hole” and a little bit of hip-swiveling groove on “Be Careful What You Wish For.”

With production efforts coming from Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, P.O.D., Lucky Boys Confusion) and Cameron Webb (Social Distortion, Motorhead), Phoenix is well polished without sounding as such.  The anthemic “The Juggernauts” is sure to get some fists pumping, but in the end this is still the Zebrahead that has flourished for over a decade now.

Suggested Listening: “The Juggernauts,” “Mental Health” and “Ignite”

By: Adam K. Zak III - Senior Editor / Founder