Zao consists of Daniel Weyandt (vocals), Jesse Smith (drums), Scott Mellinger (guitar).
Also see Zao (disambiguation)
Zao is a metalcore band with hardcore punk influences. They came onto the scene in 1993 in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and as of 2006 they are based in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Zao pioneered the Christian Hardcore genre, though they have now gone on record to say that they no longer consider themselves a 'Christian band', but rather a band of Christians, in the line of Johnny Cash or U2. This is partly due to some conflicts with the Christian church, with the singer's church condemning the band as performing music only the devil could make. The band still is largely religious, which is shown in their newest album, "The Funeral of God". Zao is currently signed with Ferret Records. They were previously signed to Solid State Records.
The word "zao" is Greek (ζάω) for "I live".
There have been so many lineup changes in the band that there are no original founding members left.
Ferret Records stated, "The lion's share of the credit for crossing faith-based music into a then-politically motivated and secular only hardcore scene lays squarely on Zao's shoulders. Remember a time when a Carcass-inspired hiss or a melodic chorus seemed crazy? That was the time before Zao."
Daniel Weyandt - vocals and bass - ( 1997-) Scott Mellinger - guitar - ( 1999-) Marty Lunn - bass - ( 2005-) Jeff Gretz - drums - ( 2005-)
Roy Goudy - founding member, guitar - ( 1993- 1997) Jesse Smith - founding member, drums - ( 1993- 2004) Eric Reeder - founding member, first lead vocalist ( 1994- 1995) Mic Cox - founding member, bass - ( 1994- 1997) Shawn Jonas - vocals - ( 1995- 1997) Kevin Moran - touring bassist ( 1997) Ron Gray - guitar ( 1997- 1998) Brett Detar - guitar - ( 1997- 1999) Rob Horner - bass - ( 1999- 2004) Corey Darst - touring vocalist - ( 2000- 2001) Matt Auxier - touring guitarist - ( 2001- 2002) Joshua Ashworth - touring vocalist ( 2003- 2004) Shawn Koschik - bass - ( 2004- 2005) Stephen Peck - drums - ( 2004- 2005) Russ Cogdell - Guitar- ( 1997 - 2006)¹