Ziel
Encyclopedia
Ziel is a regional American
alternative metal
/hard rock
group based in Chicago, Illinois. Over the short 2 years of the group's existence, the group managed to have a significant impact on the local Chicago music scene and the outlying region.
band, including Jordon Popp, Anthony Lojeski and Mike Przwosnik. On August 27, the band went on a small vacation to the Warren Dunes State Park
on Lake Michigan
, in order to celebrate the hiring of Kyle Lemerand as the new rhythm guitarist, completing the lineup. Reports state that during the time the band was in the water, the sand bar beneath the group gave way, causing a rip current
. Two of the members were pulled several hundred yards off shore in a matter of minutes, before realizing the situation. Popp came close to drowning, and was pulled to shore with the help of Lemerand and Przwosnik. Lopez was nowhere to be found. The Coast Guard was able to recover Lopez, barely clinging to life. He died shortly thereafter in the ambulance en-route to the hospital.
While at the hospital, the four remaining members made the decision to carry on in Juan's memory, re-naming the band "Ziel," short for Raziel
, the "Angel of Secrets," and also Lopez's nickname. Natoma Breathes would play one last show on September 11, 2005. Originally intended as the "breakout show" for the newly reconfigured band, it was performed acoustically by the four members as a benefit to Lopez and his family. Of note is the performance of "Angel's Son" by Sevendust
, written for Lynn Strait
of Snot after his death. This song, placed at the end of the 45-minute set, marked the official beginning of Ziel with the lighting of hundreds of candles.
and Wicked Wisdom
at The Rave in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
on February 12, several small "hometown" dates around Chicago, and 3 day stint with Allele
in March. April was mainly dedicated to writing new material in preparation for an upcoming EP release scheduled later that year. Throughout May and June, the focus was shifted to local shows in hopes of building a solid hometown fan base. On July 7, after barely 10 months together, Ziel was offered a show at Chicago's Metro. Having the second-largest draw that night, this was a milestone for the band. The day after the Metro show, Ziel packed up, and headed to Hazard, Kentucky
to co-headline one of the county's largest music festivals. On August 31, 2006, Ziel appeared on Fearless Radio, a worldwide internet radio station, to promote for their upcoming EP and for shows taking place at Logan Square Auditorium in Chicago. They performed three never-before-heard songs in an exclusive acoustic format. These songs were briefly available for download on the band's website, and handed out at shows as a "teaser". Jordon Popp also took a one-month hiatus between September and October citing internal conflicts within the band structure.
, Super Mercado) to cut a 2-song sampler to promote the upcoming album. The tracks "Messiah's Anthem" and "By the Way" were tracked in early November, and released to the public for free at shows and on the band website. "Messiah's Anthem", never intended to be released as a single, garnered a fair amount of air play on Chicago's alternative rock station WKQX 101.1FM (Q101 locally) by way of James VanOsdol. Other stations across the country also played "Messiah's Anthem" and "By the Way", although the latter did not fair as well as the former.
Due to financial setbacks, and scheduling issues with the recording studio originally booked to produce the album, I Digress suffered more setbacks. After shopping around for the ideal studio and producer, Ziel and management decided on Gunpoint Studios and Bob Popp (of no relation to guitarist Jordon Popp). In February, 2007, Ziel & Co. entered Gunpoint to start pre-production for I Digress. In addition to "Messiah's Anthem" and "By the Way", ten other songs were tracked, with 3 more in consideration. Two of the songs, "Chinchilla Butter" and "Would You Say?", were fully tracked and added to the existing teaser demo released in November of the previous year. This four track sampler was again handed out at shows, now with the title I Digress Sampler.
, formerly of Dearborn
, was hired to replace Steve on drums on May 30, 2007. On July 9, 2007, citing personal conflicts within the band, Anthony Lojeski left on a permanent basis. One week later, Jordon left, expressing a need to pursue other interests and to remove himself from an "unhealthy" environment. Mike, Kyle and John decided to carry on as Ziel, auditioning bassist and drummers, but after a dispute with the former members, agreed to change the name of the band.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
alternative metal
Alternative metal
Alternative metal is a genre of alternative rock and heavy metal that gained popularity in the early 1990s. Most notably, alternative metal bands are characterized by heavy guitar riffs and experimental approaches to heavy music.-Origins:...
/hard rock
Hard rock
Hard rock is a loosely defined genre of rock music which has its earliest roots in mid-1960s garage rock, blues rock and psychedelic rock...
group based in Chicago, Illinois. Over the short 2 years of the group's existence, the group managed to have a significant impact on the local Chicago music scene and the outlying region.
The beginning
Ziel was formed in the wake of a tragedy on August 27, 2005, after the passing of Juan Pablo Lopez. Lopez was a key member of Natoma Breathes, the original name of the four-piece Hard rockHard rock
Hard rock is a loosely defined genre of rock music which has its earliest roots in mid-1960s garage rock, blues rock and psychedelic rock...
band, including Jordon Popp, Anthony Lojeski and Mike Przwosnik. On August 27, the band went on a small vacation to the Warren Dunes State Park
Warren Dunes State Park
Warren Dunes State Park is a Michigan state park, located along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Berrien County. The park's large sand dunes and lakeshore beaches make it one of the most popular of Michigan’s state parks with an average of about one million visitors annually.Large sand dunes...
on Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America and the only one located entirely within the United States. It is the second largest of the Great Lakes by volume and the third largest by surface area, after Lake Superior and Lake Huron...
, in order to celebrate the hiring of Kyle Lemerand as the new rhythm guitarist, completing the lineup. Reports state that during the time the band was in the water, the sand bar beneath the group gave way, causing a rip current
Rip current
A rip current, commonly referred to by the misnomer rip tide, is a strong channel of water flowing seaward from near the shore, typically through the surf line. Typical flow is at 0.5 metres per second , and can be as fast as 2.5 metres per second...
. Two of the members were pulled several hundred yards off shore in a matter of minutes, before realizing the situation. Popp came close to drowning, and was pulled to shore with the help of Lemerand and Przwosnik. Lopez was nowhere to be found. The Coast Guard was able to recover Lopez, barely clinging to life. He died shortly thereafter in the ambulance en-route to the hospital.
While at the hospital, the four remaining members made the decision to carry on in Juan's memory, re-naming the band "Ziel," short for Raziel
Raziel
Raziel |God]]") is an archangel within the teachings of Jewish mysticism who is the "Keeper of Secrets" and the "Angel of Mysteries"...
, the "Angel of Secrets," and also Lopez's nickname. Natoma Breathes would play one last show on September 11, 2005. Originally intended as the "breakout show" for the newly reconfigured band, it was performed acoustically by the four members as a benefit to Lopez and his family. Of note is the performance of "Angel's Son" by Sevendust
Sevendust
Sevendust is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. Formed in 1994 by bassist Vince Hornsby, drummer Morgan Rose and guitarist John Connolly. After their first demo, lead vocalist Lajon Witherspoon and guitarist Clint Lowery joined the group...
, written for Lynn Strait
Lynn Strait
James Lynn Strait was the lead singer and lyricist for the rock band Snot. He died in a car accident on December 11, 1998 at the age of 30.-Biography:...
of Snot after his death. This song, placed at the end of the 45-minute set, marked the official beginning of Ziel with the lighting of hundreds of candles.
Remain EP-era
Auditions began in late September for a replacement drummer, with little luck. In mid October, Steve Floro was hired as the new drummer after an audition that left the other members speechless. The band began rehearsal immediately, with plans to record a new EP in early December after a small string of shows. Five shows were booked through the end of November, but due to a knee injury suffered by Anthony Lojeski at one of the early shows, only three were played. Realizing Lojeski would be out of commission for several months, and hoping to make the best of their down-time, Ziel headed into the studio in mid November. Working with local producer Dave Kohut, five songs were cut for what would be titled Remain. Finished in January 2006, Remain was given as a free "sampler" at shows, and distributed throughout the country by the band. The EP was well received, although some felt it was indicative of a band "struggling to finding its way, as if all five members are tugging in different directions." This is in response to all five songs portraying five different styles, and not "complement[ing] each other properly." There were two singles released from the five-track EP, both enjoying limited radio airplay. The most notable of the singles, "Vestigial", was a constant crowd favorite, and remained in the band's live set from the moment the EP was released, until the band's dissolve in August 2007. Usually placed towards the middle-end of the set, audiences were known to sing the song louder than the band.February - October 2006
With the release of Remain on February 9, 2006, Ziel began booking for the upcoming year. They started off the year opening for Sevendust, NonpointNonpoint
Nonpoint is an American nu metal band formed in 1997. The band consists of Elias Soriano and Rob Rivera . Currently they are signed to Razor & Tie and working on new a record which is expected to be released in Spring 2012....
and Wicked Wisdom
Wicked Wisdom
Wicked Wisdom is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California formed by Jada Koren in 2002.-History:Under the stage name Jada Koren, Jada Pinkett Smith formed the band in 2002. The band consists of Pinkett Smith performing lead vocals, Pocket Honore , Cameron "Wirm" Graves , and Rio...
at The Rave in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee is the largest city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, the 28th most populous city in the United States and 39th most populous region in the United States. It is the county seat of Milwaukee County and is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. According to 2010 census data, the...
on February 12, several small "hometown" dates around Chicago, and 3 day stint with Allele
Allele
An allele is one of two or more forms of a gene or a genetic locus . "Allel" is an abbreviation of allelomorph. Sometimes, different alleles can result in different observable phenotypic traits, such as different pigmentation...
in March. April was mainly dedicated to writing new material in preparation for an upcoming EP release scheduled later that year. Throughout May and June, the focus was shifted to local shows in hopes of building a solid hometown fan base. On July 7, after barely 10 months together, Ziel was offered a show at Chicago's Metro. Having the second-largest draw that night, this was a milestone for the band. The day after the Metro show, Ziel packed up, and headed to Hazard, Kentucky
Hazard, Kentucky
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,806 people, 1,946 households, and 1,266 families residing in the city. The population density was 684.6 people per square mile . There were 2,291 housing units at an average density of 326.4 per square mile...
to co-headline one of the county's largest music festivals. On August 31, 2006, Ziel appeared on Fearless Radio, a worldwide internet radio station, to promote for their upcoming EP and for shows taking place at Logan Square Auditorium in Chicago. They performed three never-before-heard songs in an exclusive acoustic format. These songs were briefly available for download on the band's website, and handed out at shows as a "teaser". Jordon Popp also took a one-month hiatus between September and October citing internal conflicts within the band structure.
I Digress-era
Originally slated for a November 2006 release as a seven song EP, it was decided by the band and their management that a full-length album would better showcase the refined sound the band had developed over the past year. Sitting on a stockpile of close to 20 completed songs, a tentative release date of January 15, 2007 was set for the as-yet untitled album. Ziel entered the studio of local producer/musician Matt Mercado (Mindbomb, Daisy ChainDaisy chain
Daisy chain may refer to a daisy garland created from daisy flowers, the original meaning and the one from which the following derive by analogy:*Daisy chain *Daisy chain *Daisy chain...
, Super Mercado) to cut a 2-song sampler to promote the upcoming album. The tracks "Messiah's Anthem" and "By the Way" were tracked in early November, and released to the public for free at shows and on the band website. "Messiah's Anthem", never intended to be released as a single, garnered a fair amount of air play on Chicago's alternative rock station WKQX 101.1FM (Q101 locally) by way of James VanOsdol. Other stations across the country also played "Messiah's Anthem" and "By the Way", although the latter did not fair as well as the former.
Due to financial setbacks, and scheduling issues with the recording studio originally booked to produce the album, I Digress suffered more setbacks. After shopping around for the ideal studio and producer, Ziel and management decided on Gunpoint Studios and Bob Popp (of no relation to guitarist Jordon Popp). In February, 2007, Ziel & Co. entered Gunpoint to start pre-production for I Digress. In addition to "Messiah's Anthem" and "By the Way", ten other songs were tracked, with 3 more in consideration. Two of the songs, "Chinchilla Butter" and "Would You Say?", were fully tracked and added to the existing teaser demo released in November of the previous year. This four track sampler was again handed out at shows, now with the title I Digress Sampler.
Disbandment
"Honestly, in my eyes, the decline of Ziel started when we tried to force an album out of ourselves that wasn't there to begin with," stated Jordon in a conversation on his personal MySpace site. "When we fired Steve, things just got hollow for me, personally." Auditions began for Steve's replacement, but they were haphazard at best. After more than a month of searching, John SchillerJohn Schiller
John Schilling was an enlisted soldier in the U.S. Army during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Chaffin's Farm on September 29, 1864.-Military service:...
, formerly of Dearborn
Dearborn
-Places:In the United States, all named after Henry Dearborn :* Dearborn, Michigan* Dearborn, Missouri* Dearborn County, Indiana* Fort Dearborn * Fort Dearborn , in present-day Odiorne State Park...
, was hired to replace Steve on drums on May 30, 2007. On July 9, 2007, citing personal conflicts within the band, Anthony Lojeski left on a permanent basis. One week later, Jordon left, expressing a need to pursue other interests and to remove himself from an "unhealthy" environment. Mike, Kyle and John decided to carry on as Ziel, auditioning bassist and drummers, but after a dispute with the former members, agreed to change the name of the band.
Seven Day Sonnet
Anthony, Jordon and Steve have re-convened to start a new music project. Joining them on vocals is Ben VanBuskirk of local Chicago fame; and on guitar, Rick Tauber also of Breaking Through. As of December 23, 2007, Seven Day Sonnet had released a "teaser" demo consisting of the two songs "Sold Your Soul" and "New Shoes." A 7 song EP is due out in lat spring 2008, with production beginning mid February of that year.Along the Parallel
Mike, Kyle and John changed the name of the band to Along the Parallel, in agreement with Anthony and Jordon to leave Ziel as a memorial to Juan Lopez. The reason given by both sides: "Ziel will never be the same without all of the original members. Ziel is only Ziel when the right pieces are there, and no one but the people who started it will ever make up Ziel."Former
- Mike Przwosnik - Lead Vocals/Guitar (August 2005 - August 2007)
- Anthony Lojeski - Bass Guitar/Programming (August 2005 - July 2007)
- Jordon Popp - Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals/Programming (August 2005 - July 2007)
- Kyle Lemerand - Guitar/Backing Vocals (August 2005 - August 2007)
- Steve Floro - Drums/Percussion (October 2005 - April 2007)
- John SchillerJohn SchillerJohn Schilling was an enlisted soldier in the U.S. Army during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Chaffin's Farm on September 29, 1864.-Military service:...
- Drums/Percussion/Backing Vocals (May 2007 - August 2007) - Juan Pablo LopezJuan Pablo LopezJuan Pablo López is an undefeated Mexican professional boxer in the Light Welterweight division.-Professional career:On April 10, 2010, Lopez beat Daniel Eduardo Yocupicio by 2nd round K.O...
- Heart and Spirit
Studio albums
| Album Information |
|---|
Remain
|
| 2-Song Teaser
United States The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district... ) RIAA certification In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America awards certification based on the number of albums and singles sold through retail and other ancillary markets. Other countries have similar awards... : N/A |
| I Digress Sampler
United States The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district... ) RIAA certification In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America awards certification based on the number of albums and singles sold through retail and other ancillary markets. Other countries have similar awards... : N/A |
| I Digress
|
Miscellaneous Tracks
- Messiah's Anthem (acoustic live)
- By the Way (acoustic live)
- Chinchilla Butter (acoustic live)
- Clarify (acoustic live)
- Last Forever (acoustic live)
- Would You Say (live at Logan Square Auditorium)