Zero Theorem

July 31, 2020

2040

Zero Theorem release a futuristic sci-fi animation for the track, Swarm.

At a time when the world seems that it has gone off the rails on a Crazy Train, LA-based metal band, Zero Theorem, are releasing “Swarm” to express their frustrations with unfolding events. The song encapsulates the feeling of rage and lack of control many are experiencing around the world. The single is the first from “The Killing II” EP, slated to bow later this year.

Swarm opens with the unnerving dissonance of bees buzzing, suggesting a blind hive-mind mentality, before the onslaught of the opening heavy guitar hook. The song is a radio-friendly 3:57, and Zero Theorem doesn’t waste one second of it. Polished song writing keeps the pace of the song moving along, while still conforming to industry stand norms of song structure. There is a good use of dynamics in a quieter bridge, followed by a brief and tasteful instrumental section. The repeating mantra of, “I envy you,” juxtaposed against huge drums, low-tuned guitars, and massive production quality earns Swarm a high replay value.

Insightful and never at loss for in-depth analysis of situations, Caesar (the lead singer of Zero Theorem) caught up with Slickster Magazine to discuss Swarm.

Slickster: Hi Caesar. Thanks for talking with Slickster Magazine about your new track, ‘Swarm’. What would you like tell us about it?

Caesar: First, Thank You to everyone who has listened to the track and helped make it a success! The song is kind of a clarion call for people not to fall into the trap of just living live on the surface and not diving deeper into what’s really going on in the world today.

Slickster: In the press release for ‘Swarm’ it states, “Although written and produced prior to the recent worldwide pandemic, economic crisis, and protests against racial injustice, the song’s lyrics and subtext seem especially poignant at this moment.” That brought up an interesting moment for me, and I’ll tell you why. One of my favorite works of fiction is World War Z, by Max Brooks, in which he details the collapse of society. Published in 2006, prior to COVID-19, Brooks seems to get some things about a global pandemic spot on, and of-course other elements were just fantasy. Is there anything about ‘Swarm’s lyrics and subtext you feel you nailed on the head or others that missed the mark by a mile?

Caesar: That’s a great reference. I’m a fan of Max Brooks as well, and his father Mel has had a huge influence on me. Much of our current predicament is an example of our failure to adapt and prepare for the inevitable. Moreover, our inability to more authentically communicate continues to stifle the true genius and potential we possess. “Swarm” was written as an ode to the blissfully ignorant, but it was initially focused on more general facets of everyday life. With everything that’s happened since, it’s hard to ignore the larger implications.

Slickster: According to you, “The song (Swarm) grimly mocks the overly self-indulgent who choose lives of carefree superficiality.” Are you referring to anything specific, perhaps social media? Instagram?

Caesar: Certainly, social media plays a role, – but the critique isn’t limited to those online. The practice has been institutionalized to the extent that it can appear in a subtler and more pervasive way than perhaps realized in our everyday lives, across all forms of media.

Slickster: You are also quoted as saying, “”One of the major themes throughout ‘The Killing’ recordings is that suffering is inherent to life itself.” Please elaborate on “suffering is inherent to life” and what that means to you.

Caesar: Life is predicated upon some form of loss, death, or suffering. It’s simply wishful thinking to believe otherwise. Most of us can point to a tragedy or difficult time that was transformational to some degree, and it’s how we deal with these experiences that can make the difference. My belief is that it’s healthier and more effective overall to recognize the inherent struggle as opposed to wishing it away. It’s about living a more mindful life and looking for solutions, instead of turning away and getting caught up in mindless distractions.

Slickster: You worked with Lubomir Atan to craft a surreal sci-fi video for ‘Swarm’. In the video, there is a tremendous amount of attention to detail and sci-fi imagery. How did this collaboration come about?

Caesar: We met Lubomir online and were drawn to his work. After a few conversations, we agreed on a treatment for the video and what we wanted to convey. He did a fantastic job in capturing the imagery we felt was the best reflection of the song, and was great to work with.

Slickster: Total sci-fi nerd bonus question; Was the alien robot’s face in the video intentionally designed to look similar to the flux capacitor in ‘Back To The Future’?!

Caesar: That is amazing, Ha-ha!! No, that’s a coincidence – but a great reference!