After nearly a year-long hiatus from touring and newsworthy updates, Zao still exists and look to release a new album in the near future. Here's what guitarist Scott Mellinger has to say:

"What's up guys, Scott here. I finally have some news to share. There is most definately going to be a new record and we will have some demos up soon. Like I said before Zao is not dead but taking on a new life. We hope to be playing some shows in our area and playing cornerstone illinois this year. There will be more updates coming as soon as i get them. Thanks again for everything, without you guys there is no Zao!"

The current lineup features longtime members Dan Weyandt (vocals), Scott Mellinger (guitar), and Russ Cogdell (guitar), as well as The Fear Is What Keeps Us Here bassist Marty Lunn and drummer Dean Minerva. You can read more about the current state of the band, why their not touring, what happened to their (most recent) drummer Jeff Gretz, and other such insights in an interview posted last January on their Myspace.