Dawn Over Zero or DOZ for short, has been an entity for 7 years, with the current lineup charting the last 3 of those years. Made up of Mike Mears( Guitar/Vocals),  Mack Linan(Drums), Steven Abbenante(Guitar), and Jonathan Boyce(Bass/Vocals). Dawn Over Zero brings a progressive rock edge and energetic live show to the stage and now into your c.d. player with their newest and first full length release, “Unity & Division”.

The album begins with a short, kinda creepy intro, harking to what one would generally find at the beginning of a DOZ live show in the first track “Caricatures”. Starting out you might think it’s a cover of Korn’s “Shoot and Ladders”, but it’s far from that and quickly turns into melodic vocals provided by Mears. The next song titled “The Obvious” brings the same melodic vocals and is joined by the same on guitar. Though the song is a bit repetitive, it still retains a catchiness that keeps the listener hearkening till the end. The third track on the album is their first “single”, and for good reason. “Carry Me Home” is not only a well written tune, it also offers a great message hidden within the song. From the very beginning it builds intensity before undertaking a steady, yet rhythmic verse on into a driven chorus. “Give And Take” is the fourth title on the album and brings a bit more of a “Pop” voicing to the table. With hints of melodious rock and an edginess to keep the record driving to the fifth number, “Kidney Stone”. Don’t let the title throw you off. Like most of the songs on this album I personally couldn’t find a correlation between the title and the song its self. “Kidney Stone” offers a blend of the harmonious vocals partnered with an edgy chorus, making this one of the harder songs on the album, but at the same time retaining an appealing arrangement.  Song number six is one of those songs that could easily make or break a band. Covers, when done right can surpass the original composition, but if done wrong can hurt both the band and the song.  In this case the band nailed Johhny Hate’s Jazz’s Hit, “Shattered Dreams”. So much in fact I found myself liking  Dawn Over Zero’s version more than the original. The next song, “Monkey Do” offers you a taste of the darker side of DOZ, with overdriven guitars, heavy bass groves, and tight snare work, this song lets you know that Dawn Over Zero is indeed a Rock band. “Short On A Dime” is the eighth song and one of my personal favorites on the album. Thenxt to the last song one the c.d. shows a softer side to the band. “Sound Of Goodbye” is a ballad of sorts, showing that the band can tone down their sound while still retaining exceptional songwriting and showmanship. The mood doesn’t stay “soft” for long with the last and final track “Four Days”.

All in all, “Unity & Division” is a well produced, well written album. Lightyears from the bands past releases and a scope into the future of Dawn Over Zero. This is a staple of my local music arsenal and I highly recommend this album to add to your collection.

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