Reviews    The Frozen - Zero (Independent Release)
by Chris Barnes

Heartache and alcohol. Throughout human history, the two seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly. Austria's The Frozen not only were formed by a common bond catalyzed by wretched suffering and booze, they put it to music. Rock for the suffering soul. A great spin for when the female species takes a mind to ripping your beating heart out. And working up a good parting spit in the vacated cavity for good measure.

The Frozen harbor a truly remarkable sound, soulful and melodic borrowing a bit from the vintage Gothic bands of yore (remember fellow Austrians Jack Frost?) while still immersed in aggressiveness of hard rock. Tough to categorize and tough to compare to anyone else out there. To these ears at least, a good thing. Guitarist/vocalist Dennis Panholzer has a somber croon somewhere between Glenn Danzig and Pete Steele. Actually, Danzig and Type O Negative might be good touchstones for The Frozen's sound. Add in a little Rumours -era Fleetwood Mac, and you'd be there. That's right, Danzig, Type O Negative and Fleetwood Mac. Told you it was different. Definitely molded from hard rock cast, but performed in a laid back manner, infused with melody and a knack for the catchy.

I should also mention that this is an EP comprising four songs, the third release in the band's history since it's formation in '98. I should have mentioned that earlier, but it's getting late, I'm typing this after a heavy meal and I'm feeling a little fuzzy in the head.

The only problem I have with this release is the cover. Looks like one of the band members got the band logo tattooed on their chest and are looking for anyway possible to show it off. What better way than to slap it on the cover of their CD? Maybe a little self-indulgent and between you, me and the lamp post, looks kinda.... erm... gay. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I'm not sure if that's the vibe the band is looking for.

OK, I'm clearly rambling and it's time to end this review.... four solid songs, check 'em out.

Visit The Frozen website at www.thefrozen.net

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Review by Chris Barnes 11/22/03