Rating: 8 / 10 Stars
ZACKY SICKNESS is: Zack Settergren (vocals), Jacob Lizotte (all instruments)
REVIEW – ZACKY SICKNESS, the brainchild of Zack Settergren, continues to carve out his unique place in the metal scene with ‘Storm The Gates (feat. Jacob Lizotte) – EP‘. Due for release on March 17th, 2022, via Sickness Studios, this EP showcases his relentless drive and ability to adapt, blending aggressive metal with dynamic atmospheric elements.
Settergren, a seasoned vocalist since 2010, first made waves with his former band BLACK HARE, which shared the stage with internationally known acts like ALIEN ANT FARM, POWERMAN 5000, Hed P.E., DOPE, and MOTOGRATER. However, financial hardships forced him to relocate to a smaller town where finding metal musicians proved difficult. Undeterred, he turned to solo production and discovered Jacob Lizotte through royalty-free metal instrumentals. What began as a collaboration on two tracks for Songs From the Black Sheep has since evolved into a full-fledged partnership, with Lizotte producing and composing the instrumentals for all ZACKY SICKNESS releases since Stonebreaker. The duo continues to push the boundaries of genre and sound, never shying away from experimentation.
The EP opens with The Voyage Begins, setting the tone with ambient keyboards that gradually build, adding layers of drums and atmospheric textures before erupting into a driving force of intensity. Storm The Gates delivers pulsating rhythms and explosive riffs, accompanied by commanding vocals that demand attention. Will Anyone Be There? brings a perfect balance of pounding drums and thumping bass, inviting listeners to stomp, chant, and let the music take over.
As the energy builds, Life Is Just An Airport delivers a hard-hitting anthem with searing guitars and an undeniable groove that encourages fist-pumping and headbanging. Zoltar’s Fortune ups the aggression with thunderous rhythms and ferocious vocals, while Liars And Thieves closes the EP with an introspective soundscape, allowing the listener to drift into its haunting melodies.
Storm The Gates (feat. Jacob Lizotte) – EP is a testament to the evolution of ZACKY SICKNESS, showcasing the depth of Settergren’s vocal versatility and the intricate instrumentation provided by Lizotte. Their collaboration continues to redefine expectations, proving that metal can be both brutally heavy and artistically expansive.
For more information on ZACKY SICKNESS, visit:
www.Facebook.com/ZackySickness
www.Instagram.com/Zacky_Sickness
www.YouTube.com/Zackdabest
www.Spotify.com/Artist/ZackySickness