[photos by Meg Wachter]
New York City-based PSALM ZERO prepares to release their third LP, Sparta, in late February, directly in conjunction with an Eastern US tour with Kayo Dot. With the action now only a month away, Kerrang! is hosting the exclusive premiere of the band’s new video for “The Last Faith,” alongside a feature as part of their Underground States Of America series.
After nearly four years of writing, rehearsing, and solo project excursions, PSALM ZERO – the art metal outfit led by guitarist/singer/songwriter Charlie Looker – returns with Sparta. Having garnered respect in the metal underground over the past seven years for their intense blend of disparate styles and genres, PSALM ZERO delivers another statement of their truly unique vision of heavy music.
This eight-song Sparta is PSALM ZERO‘s first album with Looker handling all vocals, guitars, synth, and programming, with Keith Abrams (Kayo Dot) on drums and additional synth, and Ron Varod (Kayo Dot, Zvi) on bass. Additionally, the record features guest lead vocals on “Return To Stone” by Kristin Hayter (Lingua Ignota) and backing vocals on “Open Wound” and “A Pill” by Daisy Press. Sparta was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Seth Manchester at Machines With Magnets (The Body, Daughters, Marissa Nadler), and features art and design by video artist Zev Deans (Ghost, Behemoth, Chelsea Wolfe). The album marks both a moment of bold new beginnings, and the furtherance of a consistent vision.
Kerrang! writes in part how Sparta, “sees the band diving into deeper sonic pools. Some of the band’s grinding, stark industrial sound has been traded for a yearning doom metal vibe, with added layers of synth bringing ecclesiastic textures to the compositions therein. Strangely enough, though, though the album might feel less agitated and warlike than its predecessors, it’s title might suggest that it was written as such in reaction, rather than tribute, to the chaotic times we all currently live in.”
The video for PSALM ZERO‘s “The Last Faith” was directed, filmed, edited by Joan Pope.
View PSALM ZERO’s “The Last Faith” video and the Underground States Of America feature at Kerrang! RIGHT HERE.
While the band’s first two albums were released via Profound Lore Records, Sparta will be the first PSALM ZERO record to be issued through Looker’s own Last Things Records, set for vinyl and digital release February 24th.
Find preorders for Sparta on vinyl and digital HERE.
As Sparta sees release, PSALM ZERO will embark on an Eastern US tour in support of the album. Beginning February 29th, the trek sees the band supporting Kayo Dot on a winding route through Detroit, Columbus, Indianapolis, Chicago, Madison, St. Louis, Nashville, Little Rock, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami, Columbia, Charlotte, Falls Church, Philadelphia, ending in New York City on March 22nd.
PSALM ZERO w/ Kayo Dot:
2/28/2020 Galaxy Brewing Company – Binghamton, NY
2/29/2020 The Sanctuary – Detroit, MI
3/01/2020 Ace Of Cups – Columbus, OH
3/02/2020 Black Circle Brewing – Indianapolis, IN
3/04/2020 Cobra Lounge – Chicago, IL w/ Blktxxth
3/05/2020 Communications – Madison, WI
3/06/2020 Fubar – St. Louis, MO
3/07/2020 Little Harpeth Brewing – Nashville, TN
3/08/2020 Vino’s – Little Rock, AR
3/10/2020 The Bakery – Atlanta, GA
3/11/2020 Nighthawks – Jacksonville, FL
3/12/2020 Will’s Pub – Orlando, FL
3/13/2020 Las Rosas – Miami, FL
3/15/2020 New Brookland Tavern – Columbia, SC
3/17/2020 The Milestone – Charlotte, NC
3/18/2020 VFW 9274 – Falls Church, VA
3/19/2020 1984 – Wilmington, DE
3/20/2020 Century – Philadelphia, PA
3/22/2020 Mercury Lounge – New York, NY [info]
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