What makes a group of people believe that Fighting Zero could be worthy enough to open for bands like Hoobastank and Velvet Revolver? What makes the powers-that-be pick Fighting Zero to be in Revolver Magazine?
Simple:
The music. The energy. The raw emotion. The hooks. The silver lining.
In December 2003, Scott decided to follow a different vein of music and began forming Fighting Zero. The music wasn't supposed to sound like anything else out in the mainstream today, but would fill a void that some of today's music actually forms. By using his classical, modern rock, funk, blues, and hip-hop influences, a music style was born that has yet to be comparable to anything out there. Blending powerful melodies, fat crunchy guitars, driving bass, groove-laden beats, and unpredictable sampling, Fighting Zero forms a music unlike any other.
In February 2004, Scott pulled on long-time friend Brett Kempf to hold down the sampling and sequencing. Former bandmate, Steve Berlen, was brought on board to keep the drums tight and solid in March 2004.
Underneath the complex time-changes and phrasing, a radio-friendly song flow with giant hooks is subconciously present, making the listener want more. That is quite evident with their song "Refine," which has been receiving airplay on Citadel Communications' subsidary and local radio station, 97.9X. Not only has the song won the weekly original show's "Favorite Underground Artist" multiple times, but has been at the heart of each on-air interview of Fighting Zero.
Scott, Steve, and Brett started working together on forming the now present sound of Fighting Zero and have received great reviews regarding their sound on websites like Audiostreet.net, Garageband.com, and JamWave.com, as well as being a featured band in nationally-published Revolver Magazine (April 2005 Issue).
REVOLVER Magazine:
"...Based in Wilkes-Barre, PA, Fighting Zero combines heavy and engaging
guitars, heartfelt melody, and solid drums layered with smart
samples/sequencing. Lead by Scott VanFossen, this group follows no rules."
Pete of JamWave.com:
"...you guys ROCK!!..."
Thovex, NY on Garageband.com:
"...the musicianship is tight...it's really creative and sweet sounding!"
The line-up would not stop it's evolution there. Due to geographical hinderences, Steve Berlen would step out of filling the percussion spot, and Brett Kempf, out of the sampling arena to focus on schooling.
Back to Square-One.
Scott would take a temporary hiatus to play with a band called, "An American Liar." But it was obviously apparant where Scott's heart lay with the advent of being a featured band in nationally-published Revolver Magazine. Scott left An American Liar to keep pursuit of his baby, Fighting Zero.
With people gaining national interest (as well as International--Fighting Zero has been written about in French blogs), Randy Elmy (formerly of An American Liar, End of the Grey) and Ed Glazinski (formerly of Imperfect Vision, Cyphilis) were pulled on to hold down the drums and bass, respectively.
Change is constant, and so it change in lineups in bands. Again, the table would rotate, but this time, Zhach Kelsch, formerly of Idol Eyez and Marshwood Road, was brought on to hold the drum/percussion trophy. Dave Longo, formerly of 3 Stoned Men, has been added to the lineup to keep the bass thumpin' and super tight. The new line up will hit harder than anything previously accomplished in Fighting Zero. This is assured.
Fighting Zero has even climbed to the Top 15 of both the Alternative Metal and Metal charts of Audiostreet.net as of recently (as high as spot #2 and spot #11, next to bands like Atreyu, Scars of Life, and Endo), continuing to climb, showing signs of great things to come. A debut EP release is in the process of being completed as well as a follow-up in the Northeastern U.S. region.
