Chicago based instrumental quartet ZAIUS formed in 2010, and released their first work as an EP in 2011, titled "All Your Friends Are Dead, followed by a 2013 EP "Divided by Tides." Signed to Prosthetic Records, the band presents their 2017 debut LP "Of Adoration," which contains eight new tracks. Instrumental music has always struck a chord with me. Bands who are exceptional at it are able to make melodies that sound like and can take the place of the vocals. Shredding prowess always impresses, but good songwriting at its core is always better. Someone once asked me if I could sit through a four-band set of just instrumental music, to which I eagerly replied "absolutely." With just a couple exceptions, I connect more to music than I do with lyrics. Let's get to the album here without further delay.

"Phaneron" is an easy-listening opening track. There is some sorrow, some sadness in the chord patterns, but also some beauty. The two interlock throughout the track as if they were destined to co-exist. It's a heavy enough song for Metal fans for sure, but the heaviness does not overshadow the structure of the composition. Towards the end it slows, letting the light soak in. "Echelon" is a moody and melancholic number, with a bit of a bite. The tempo is pushed by Mike on the drum kit, who does a nice job with fills at just the right places. Jeremy's bass carries some of the sound as well, with nimble fingering. The guitars gather steam to the end, adding layers like the tiers of a well-crafted wedding cake. "Reformer" has a bit of a more refined sound, more straightforward in its delivery. Still, there is texture here, as it moves along at a slower pace, and a dreamy sound at times, like watching that multi-colored bug on the cover ride the wind of a soft breeze.

"Sheepdog" is a mellow affair with some wonderful ambiance, and just enough guitar presence to sound alluring and celestial. I'm not usually sold on the idea that "less can be more," but it sure hits the mark here in this song. "Magnolia" is stunning in its simplicity. It has a Post-Rock kind of sound, where the guitars are not driven by one main riff, as the notes and chords dance around in an open space, taking your mind through possibilities rather than a destination. The heavier parts of the song however are very impactful, as emotions run freely. Though it's hard to pick a favorite on the album, this song might be it. It is cleverly crafted and offers a true glimpse into the soul of the composer(s) in my opinion. "Seirenes" is a little bit of a longer song, stretching over six minutes. There are both tender and heavy moments here in this track, reminding you that you are listening to instrumental Metal, with Post-Metal elements.

"Anicca" is a little sweeter, and a bit more vaporous. The melodies float in the air above you, gently rocking back and forth. "Colin" closes the album. The main riff darts in and about with notes moving up and down the scale, and some drum fills in what would probably be the chorus (if there were vocals) provides both animation and accents to the track. The lead guitar breaks register high, piercing through a shrouded veil of ambiance. ZAIUS's "Of Adoration" is a well-oiled machine of spirited instrumental Rock/Metal/Post Rock that really takes advantage of all that these three genres have to offer to a listener. What the album does not do is overwhelm you with crazy time structures or a flurry of notes that are hard to taste. Instead, they slowly and steadily crafted song that you can connect with emotionally, and are easily assimilated.