Liberate Te Ex Inferis is the fourth studio album by American metalcore band Zao. It is considered by many to be their most experimental and darkest album. It was released on Solid State/Tooth & Nail. This album features the addition of bassist Rob Horner. Liberate is the first Zao album to feature Scott Mellinger, who replaced Brett Detar after his decision to pursue The Juliana Theory full-time.
Both drummer Jesse Smith and vocalist Daniel Weyandt have stated during interviews that the music of post-metal band Neurosis had a heavy influence on this album's overall sound.
The album received the vinyl treatment in May 2011 from Broken Circles Records. It features new cover art, designed by Brent Lakes. It was re-issued on vinyl a second time in 2022, by Solid State. That version features all new artwork by Dave Rankin, who had previously done the artwork for Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest.
Content The theme of the album art is based on Dante's inferno, as the songs are grouped in pairs named after the rings in hell.[ Liberate Te Ex Inferis] at AllMusic Because of this arrangement, the album is often mistakenly labeled as a concept album. The band members themselves, however, had nothing to do with the idea and very little input on the artwork and layout.Interview with Dan Weyandt (2001) , Bandoppler. Retrieved July 22, 2007
The album contains several samples from the science fiction horror movie Event Horizon. The title of the album, which is Latin for "Free Yourself from Hell", is also a quote from Event Horizon.
Track listing
Personnel Zao Daniel Weyandt – vocals Scott Mellinger – guitar Russ Cogdell – guitar Jesse Smith – drums Rob Horner – bass Production Brandon Ebel - Executive Producer Bernie Grundman - Mastering David Johnson - Photography Jason Parker - Artwork, Graphic Conception, Graphic Design Barry Poynter - Producer
References