Metal Underground.com

"If Disturbed, Avenged Sevenfold, Godsmack & Sevendust had a four headed love child, they'd name it Core Zero!" Taken from the band's very own website, this is about as apt a description of Core Zero's "Doxology" as you're going to get. It's plenty melodic, but some backing screams and thick, sludgy guitars make it a bit heavier than your average hard rock radio fare.

The star of the show is definitely Greg, the band's lead guitarist, who livens up tracks like "Give It All" and "Like A Disease" with solos and fills that have a nicely bluesy feel. His lead guitar work contrasts well with lead singer Bryan's rhythm parts, without distracting from the groove.

Bryan's vocals are more than adequate, with the slower "Home" and "Stand By Me" especially giving him a chance to stretch out melodically. At the same time, he's a completely competent hard rock shouter, giving a good growling tone to "Like A Disease."

Dave, the band's drummer, propels the songs forward well, keeping slower stuff like "Behind These Eyes" from becoming plodding. He also helps give the album's heaviest track, "This Is War," its nicely thrashy vibe.

This isn't the most groundbreaking album you'll ever hear, and there are times ("This Is War," in particular) when the Disturbed feel becomes especially pronounced. The band does this kind of thing well, but many listeners will find themselves wishing the band had come up with something with a little bit more of an original sound. Still, if you like Disturbed, Godsmack, Avenged Sevenfold and Sevendust, you'll find plenty to love on Core Zero's "Doxology."