Rockers Zero Theorem release a “Swarm”

Unearthing rock’s gauntlet, Zero Theorem teases what’s about to be unleashed in the first single from their Killing II EP (out later this year) in the explosive “Swarm”. Rob Zombie or Disturbed re-imagined, Zero Theorem is a Los Angeles-based band with brazen guitars and perceptive lyrics. “Swarm” is just one way to beat the summer heat.


After expanding their fan tribe with 2018’s ATARAXIS, an EP that yielded Top BDS Active Rock singles “Area” and “Becoming”, Zero Theorem has quenched their fans’ thirst for powerful, aggressive guitars. Flooding the listener with a cobalt-blue sounding rhythm and lead guitar, “Swarm” also showcases lead singer, Caesar’s charismatic presence. He pushes himself in this storyline and readies the listener for moments where “he asks are you ready?” Or “can you feel it?”

An ambitious drum sequence throughout “Swarm” piles together aggression and poignant observance. “Swarm”, says Caesar in a press release, is about “the struggle between authenticity and blissful ignorance.” Drummer Jake Hayden teeters the line alongside this theme, running parallel are his passion and overwhelming power. He matches the pattern of a bee swarm – hitting hard at most points as if the bee colonies were all present; at other moments in the song, the pounding is thinner, as if the colony were spreading apart. Hayden’s kick drum motion is a gut punch over and over. Coupled with bassist Eloy Palacios and rhythm guitarist Max Georgiev, this part of the band is like the triangle offense in basketball. They weave in-and-out and are ready for a million different outcomes. Rounding out the band is the seismic riffs of guitarist Roy Lev-Ari.

“Swarm”, visually represented in a futuristic, animated film by Lubomir Atan, interprets the compounding feelings and emotions the band conveys musically. I think the idea that they wouldn’t be showing their own (human) faces is ideal, and justifies the self-involvement they sing about in the track. The video paints a bleak future, where robotic ‘beings’ are manufactured and produced to be selfie-taking machines, and their souls extracted. Take the picture now, smile wide, keep the gift you have and use it, I’ll be here on the side, sings Cesare. He adds dramatic tone to the phrase smile wide. It’s hard to imagine this video having the same impactful experience if it were live action video. Perhaps a live concert, but that’s all. You’d probably still see all the selfie takers in the crowd.

Like the video, the song sends the listener down a rabbit hole of questions. You start to question if you’re part of the herd, or if your own individuality is sincere. Caesar’s voice is secure and confident enough to be the teacher to the lesson you’re learning and I bought into the emotion and the modern chaos. It would be easy to place this song into industrial rock, but Zero Theorem holds it heart close to the sleeve and embellishments and the music bed have tiny slivers of hope that shines through. The amount of excess of pure rock is empowering and the little silver linings proves this band has honest to God heart and instincts.

Mark Druery