ALBUM REVIEW ~ THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA ~ 'ZII'

I'm Music Magazine, The Devil Wears Prada, TDWP, metalcore, ZII, Solid State Records, Forlorn, Nightfall, Termination

It’s been 10 years since the explosive release of one of the most iconic EPs in the history of metalcore. The Devil Wears Prada has finally released ZII (Solid State Records), the “sequel” to the 2010’s masterpiece, Zombie EP. Mike Hranica (vocalist) mentioned that originally the band was to write a couple songs and release them on a 7” but with quarantine, they decided to release another EP. Released on May 21, 2021, ZII mixes the heavy “in your face” riffs that made the original EP so loved, with some of the newer sounds that TDWP has been experimenting with on their latest album, The Act.

“Termination,” the first single, released on April 23, 2021 set the stage for this upcoming EP. What better way to get everyone hyped than to throw a “in your face” heavy track. Following with the second single “Nightfall” a week before release. Upon the EP release, a music video was thrown our way for what could be considered a third single. “Forlorn” really captures that mix of heavy vibes you’d find on the og Zombie EP with those chilling, but catchy choruses you can hear in the recent release from the band. Jeremy DePoyste (rhythm guitar/clean vocals) really brings out that feeling of hopelessness that you would most likely be experiencing if you were in an actual zombie apocalypse. This song and video just hits the mark when it comes to the idea of being lost in an apocalyptic world fighting to survive.

This long awaited continuation of the Zombie EP was not only one of the most anticipated releases but as a die hard fan of The Devil Wears Prada and their iconic EP, I know most fans were slightly afraid of the possible disappointment. I for one believe it stacks up to expectations and would gladly listen to a third, which according to Hranica could happen in the future. Let’s just hope it’s not another 10 years and amidst a pandemic. We’ve done enough, we don’t need to “Upset The Sickness.”

I’m Music Magazine Contributing Writer Tj Poynter

The Devil Wears Prada – ZII EP tracklisting:

1. Nightfall

2. Forlorn

3. Termination

4. Nora

5. Contagion