Review: Zu ‘Ferrum Sidereum’

Imagine a soundscape, a vast and echoing chamber filled with rumbling bass, screeching saxophone, and the unpredictable crash of drums. This is the sonic world of Zu, the Italian experimental doom-core jazz power trio. Since their formation in 1997 in the little coastal town of Ostia, not far from Rome, they have been forging a unique path, blending the freedom of improvisation with carefully constructed musical ideas. Think of a jazz ensemble suddenly veering into the dark, heavy territory of doom metal, all while maintaining a sense of playful exploration, with a bit of a lobotomy sense of escapism.

Their music is challenging, pushing and rewarding with moments of breathtaking and surprising beauty. They stand out as a crucial part of the Italian underground scene, crafting something both heavy and intellectual, bridging gaps between seemingly disparate genres. Zu‘s impressive collection of music speaks volumes about their artistic mind-bending curiosity. Their fifteen studio albums reveal a band constantly evolving. But what truly sets them apart are their collaborations that span a remarkable array of artists, from the iconic Mike Patton and avant-garde musician Eugene Chadbourne to the intense Japanese math-core noise band Ruins and Current93’s David Tibet, illustrating Zu‘s fearless exploration of different musical territories.

Much like the venerated Italian ‘70s experimental rock band Area, they have similarly managed to blend improvisation and musical constructiveness, and since then, they have exhibited an unwavering commitment to this dynamic fusion throughout their own impactful career. Indeed, their consistent output and daring artistic choices cement their legacy as essential architects of the experimental doom jazz sound, leaving an indelible mark on the global underground music scene.

Having thoroughly explored their discography, both as a music critic and rock radio presenter, I’ve consistently been captivated by how they masterfully weave a myriad of influences into a uniquely exploratory sound that always pushes new boundaries. From the pulsating free jazz of their debut, Bromio, to the experimental, glacial ambient spaces of Jhator, and the electro-free jazz oddities found in Identification With The Enemy – their compelling collaboration with Japanese musician Nobukazu Takemura – each release stands as a singular adventure.

Yet, beneath these distinct sonic landscapes, the echoes of their inspirations are undeniably present; one can discern the visceral energy of B-Shops For The Poor, or Earth Ball clashing pleasantly with the unbridled spirit of Free Nelson Mandoomjazz, or even the intricate progressive rock inflexions of Patto’s Money Bag.

After a significant hiatus of nearly seven years since their most experimental album to date Terminal Amazonia, recorded after their travel experience in South America, the trio resurfaces with Ferrum Sidereum, proof of their unwavering dedication. This album is their fourth release under the esteemed British label House Of Mythology. The title itself, translated from Latin as ‘iron of the stars’, hints at the album’s core concept – the profound spiritual importance of meteoric minerals in ancient cultures. This celestial connection permeates the music, creating an atmosphere that is both unsettling and captivating.

The band meticulously crafted each track, weaving together diverse elements that contribute to the album’s overall intense and immersive experience, marking a powerful evolution in their artistic journey. Ferrum Sidereum unleashes a torrent of sound across its eleven tracks that immediately engulf you in an atmosphere thick with seething dissonance and harsh industrial textures.

an atmosphere thick with seething dissonance and harsh industrial textures…

A subtle, almost spectral growl underlies the compositions, evoking a sense of cathartic fear, particularly evident in the track Golgotha. The music is turbulent, characterised by heavy drums, piercing guitars, and unsettling synths, culminating in moments of breathy sax, as exemplified in Kether. Each piece feels like a volcanic eruption, burning fiercely before leaving behind a chilling darkness. This stark contrast between fiery intensity and glacial coldness defines the album’s unique sonic landscape, creating a feeling of awe and unease in equal measure.

The sonic journey culminates in moments of unexpected grandeur. La Donna Vestita Di Sole stands out as a track that blends cinematic scope with raw brutality. It encapsulates the album’s overall aesthetic, unveiling Zu‘s ability to create music that is both visually evocative and emotionally devastating. As you listen to The Celestial Bull And The Woman, a surreal sense of calm washes over you, until it becomes turbulent and suffocating like Rage Against the Machine on the run.

The experimental industrial sounds of Perseidi blend seamlessly with the title track, creating a rich wave of sound that feels both strange and beautiful. The gentle melodies weave through your thoughts, wrapping you in their ethereal embrace, inviting you to drift into a moment of serenity. Yet, this peace is fleeting, as the music shifts dramatically.

The concluding notes burst forth with a cacophony produced by all three instruments, transforming the atmosphere into a heart-wrenching soundscape. Each harsh note feels like a battle cry, echoing the struggles and emotions we all face. The contrast of this turmoil against the earlier calm leaves you with a deep sense of reflection, pondering the delicate balance between peace and chaos in our lives.

There’s a palpable desire for emotionally destructive escape within their compositions. A cathartic release that exhausts your most mentally draining psychological energies, often blending primal tribal rhythms with expansive, cloudy ethereal soundscapes that feel both unsettling and profoundly visceral. This culminates in a relentless barrage of manic pulsating basslines, intricate guitar riffs, and desperate, excruciatingly distorted saxophone laments, collectively delivering an almost lobotomising sensory experience.

Listen to Ferrum Sidereum, it’s an experience, an immersive and deeply spiritual sonic experience, cementing the trio’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of extreme music.

Label: House Of Mythology
Band Links: Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram

Scribed by: Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Caccamo