DIVIDED BY ZERO
The Black Sea
Sik World Records 2006
www.dividedbyzero.tv

What’s the 4-1-1?
San Diego based group drops their debut album. This is also the first album released by their record company.

Genre
Metal / hard rock

The Good
Right from the onset, “Ashes of Armies” hits you with frantic pulsing drum beats and driving heavy riffs. A reggae/ska style guitar lick guides you through the melodic verses, while the fury returns with the chorus. It’s more intense drum work on “Chemical,” but the guitars focus more on melody and structure than on crushing riffs. The chorus is both tuneful and quite catchy. “Damn the Dream” leads in with a wah-wah guitar lick and follows through with meaty riffs and powerful vocals. The chorus has a rock-radio feel and is the most infectious of the bunch.

“Drowning Not Waving” has a repetitive hook with both its music and lyrics. It’s less in-your-face than other tracks, but it’s still killer. Clean single-note guitar picking supports enduring and emotional vocals on “Helicopter.” The gloves come off and Divided By Zero come out swinging on “Double Negative.” The group mixes a little ferocity with serenity. I don’t think that distortion can get any heavier than on the track “Don’t Wait.”

The Bad
Not a damn thing!

The Verdict
Just when you thought that the resurging metal scene was starting to fade away, here comes Divided by Zero to renew your passion for metal. The Black Sea will make you throw up the devil horns and thank God that you’re a metal fan.

Did You Know?
Divided by Zero formed from the remains of Ghoulspoon. Ghoulspoon won “Best Hard Rock/Metal Band” at the 2001 San Diego Music Awards.

Rating: out of 5

--George Dionne