ZAN/CODY
"Beautiful N'Damned" (Frontiers
Srl; 2026)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Zan/Cody is a band featuring Zinny Zan (vocalist) and Harry Cody (guitars) of Shotgun Messiah fame. Admittedly, it's been years since I've listened to a Shotgun Messiah record but, if it sounds as good as "Beautiful N'Damned," I gotta go back and check those records out.
While researching the background of this release, I often heard Shotgun Messiah described as glam and sleaze metal. That's not how I remember it but, then again, it's been years since I listened so who the hell knows? Regardless, I don't think of "Beautiful N'Damned" as glam/sleaze either. Instead, this album brings to mind the fearless, creative work of Alice Cooper, with songs like "Sever," "Tear It All Down," and especially "She Walks With Violence" (my favorite track, which is the one truly sleazy tracks on the album).
But there's a surprise or two here as well. "Bad Bad Men" could have come off Jon Bon Jovi's album "Blaze of Glory," if that album were more gritty. And "Suffer City" is as close to a ballad as this album comes, with its melancholic lyrics and vocals (not to mention its impassioned guitar).
Out of the ten tracks here, there's not one that's dull. No filler to be found. If a track isn't flat-out kicking your ass, it's creative edginess grabs you and holds you for the duration. Sadly, my copy didn't come with the bonus track, "Fuckin Malibu," which sounds like another song I simply must hear.
Now I gotta go back and explore the Shotgun Messiah catalog, while I wait for the next Zan/Cody album to be written, recorded and released ... and that may take some time.
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Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
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Copyright © 2026 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
