Biography
Based in Evesham, Worcestershire, Zark emerged, phoenix-like, in 2012 from the smouldering ashes of a series of long defunct metal, stoner and doom bands from the 2000s. With an eye on the glory days of experimental, progressive, longer form music of the 1970s, their output is challenging yet melodic, rewardingly intricate whilst simultaneously approachable.
TALES OF THE EXPECTED
Based in Evesham, Worcestershire, Zark emerged, phoenix-like, in 2012 from the smouldering ashes of a series of long defunct metal, stoner and doom bands from the 2000s. With an eye on the glory days of experimental, progressive, longer form music of the 1970s, their output is challenging yet melodic, rewardingly intricate whilst simultaneously approachable.
OPUSCULE PART 1
2021’s Opuscule is a Lovecraftian tentacle-fest, drawing on a wider pool of influences including Haken, Motorpsycho and Leprous. Bitter Coated Tongue features some of their most ambitious and expansive songwriting to date, setting its sights on the 12 minute mark yet ultimately falling 21 seconds short (thanks a lot So Solid Crew…). Other highlights include the introduction of local guest artists on flute and fiddle, the spectacle of a man singing with a box on his head (or into a bottle), and much greater and varied use of vocal harmonisation.
MIDNIGHT MATINEE
Zark’s third and latest album, Midnight Matinee, draws on the influence of mid-20th century cinema, with songs inspired by the slasher/horror films of Giallo, classic science fiction and creature-feature B-movies. Featuring guest artists from around the world, the sonic palette is broader and more experimental that previous outings while retaining their penchant for complex storytelling and erratic riffs. Honing in still further on the smell of its own farts, the album’s tracks are interspersed with ambient sounds and field recordings which serve to enhance the atmosphere and storytelling. It is a distillation of the best of the previous albums, and a further step toward the progressive.
