Zoroaster Avoid the Bull, Feel the Burn
I think, if events play out according to their normal course, Zoroaster will be the first band to have been interviewed twice on The Obelisk. When/if it happens (the subject hasn’t even yet been broached, so who knows, they might decide not to do press at all), the topic of discussion will inevitably be their new album, Matador.
With production from Sanford Parker, mastering by Collin Jordan, artwork by Brian Mercer and a release via E1 Music — this is the first Zoroaster album the band isn’t releasing on their own — Matador is high-profile right out of the gate, and from what I hear there are some sonic shifts the band has undergone to complement. As a fan of the band, I can’t wait to hear how it all plays out. Here’s some info from the PR wire:
Celebrated Atlanta, GA psych metal band Zoroaster has completed work on its sophomore album. Entitled 
Matador, the record is set for a July 13, 2010 North American release date via E1 Music.
With Matador, Zoroaster dares to defy genre-classification and proves that the band’s formidable reputation precedes it for a reason. Matador is a magnetic tour-de-force, blending vivid rhythms and radiance with the band’s classic use of dynamics and power. Creative, distinct, graceful and strong, Matador features the traits of a benchmark release. From the cosmic march of album opener “D.N.R.” [one assumes it’s not a Testament cover – ed.] through to the leviathan-like closing title track, it is immediately evident that Zoroaster has joined friends — and fellow Atlanta natives — Mastodon and new label mates High on Fire as a unit determined to push modern heavy music into new and uncharted realms.
Matador track listing:
1.) D.N.R.
2.) Ancient Ones
3.) Odyssey
4.) Trident
5.) Firewater
6.) Old World
7.) Black Hole
8.) Odyssey II
9.) Matador
Zoroaster tour dates:
Brooklyn Vegan and Roxwel present:
The Summer Southern Burn tour
Featuring Zoroaster, Black Tusk and Dark Castle
June 15 Birmingham, AL The Nick
June 16 Memphis, TN Hi Tone Café
June 17 Oklahoma City, OK The Conservatory
June 18 Dallas, TX The Lounge on Elm St.
June 19 Austin, TX Emo’s
June 21 Albuquerque, NM Burt’s Tiki Lounge
June 23 Ramona, CA Ramona Mainstage
June 24 W. Hollywood, CA Viper Room
June 25 Oakland, CA Oakland Metro
June 26 San Francisco, CA Thee Parkside
June 28 Portland, OR Satyricon
June 29 Seattle, WA Funhouse
July 1 Salt Lake City, UT Club Vegas
July 2 Denver, CO Larimer Lounge
July 3 Kansas City, MO Riot Room
July 4 St. Paul, MN Turf Club
July 6 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle
July 7 Newport, KY Southgate House
July 8 Pittsburgh, PA 31st St. Pub
July 9 New York, NY The Studio at Webster Hall
July 10 Philadelphia, PA The Khyber
July 17 Atlanta, GA The Earl (*Matador CD release show!)
Doesn’t sophomore mean “second?”
These dudes already have an E.P. and two full lengths, right?
Oh, you labels…this is up there with The Sword being compared to Prong on their P.R. thingamabob. Christ.
E1 has been scooping up metal like crazy…Hatebreed, Overkill, High on Fire…
I know I must have read it, but goddamn I cannot find the first interview you did wuith the band. It’s probablty right in my face. Can you link to it?
Thanks.