EP REVIEW: ZII – The Devil Wears Prada

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA‘s career is in an interesting position. 2019’s The Act saw them push the boundaries of their sound; consequently, some fans felt alienated. With that said, predecessor Transit Blues (2016) was evidence that the band’s metalcore stylings had ran out of room for manoeuvre: it was stick or twist. Cynicism suggests then that we may need to question the thought process behind ZII. As the follow up to their wildly popular Zombie EP 11 years ago, is this a plea to bring old devotee’s back into the fold? Or a signal of a sonic 180 degree turn?

Purpose behind the EP’s existence becomes irrelevant as soon as Nightfall launches out the gate. Its visceral tempo is topped only by vocalist Mike Hranica‘s cutting growl. Your heart will warm when you hear the sextet jump back into the apocalyptic concept. Lyrics like “Is this the night of our demise” and “Can you make it till dawn?” put you right back on the front line with a weapon in hand. And if that doesn’t get your heart racing; the earth shattering “They rise at night” mosh call definitely will.

Ironically, the bands foray into melodic themes on The Act pays dividends on Forlorn. The vocal play offs between Hranica and Jeremy DePoyster are finely balanced. And though the two have been vital assets for each other for over a decade now: their scales have scarcely been so evenly weighted.

ZII wisely avoids lifting the structure out from Zombie EP and slapping a new number after it, this is a modern THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA effort. The middle eight tempo change of Nora is arguably the closest the band have sounded to hardcore, while Contagion‘s recurring cleans add dynamism to an otherwise relentless 25 minutes. It’s a bold, commendable step from the six piece. Such was the fanfare surrounding the EP’s announcement: the band could have played it monotonously safe here.

Given the band’s last 18 months, ZII was a potential banana skin for THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA. But the Ohio crew have instead revitalised their career. Most impressive: they’ve done it by relying on their current skillset as opposed to weighing all their hopes on the draw of fan nostalgia. This is less of a throwback, and more of a return to the ring for one of best to ever burst from the modern metalcore bubble. Where the band go next is anyone’s guess. Regardless, it’s the most exciting THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA have felt in a decade.

Rating: 8/10

ZII is set for release on May 21st via Solid State Records. 

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