ZAO Uncensored

ZAO's official Web site describes the band as being able to deliver messages with "all of the subtlety of a massive head trauma." That works for us—especially when one of their messages is animal rights! On the fringe of releasing their album The Funeral of God, the metalcore mavens squeezed in some time to sit down with peta2 before heading out on the Praise the War Machine tour. Despite the celestial theme of their new album, ZAO proved surprisingly down-to-earth.

p2: In an ideal world, how do you think God would want people to treat animals?

ZAO: I think we should respect animals as much as we respect the next person. I have a lot of vegetarian and vegan friends. I personally don't hunt or fish—I think that is wrong. I love all animals! I believe in not harming animals.

p2: Did you have any animal companions while you were growing up?

ZAO: I had a dog named Gizmo. He was a Chihuahua crossed with a fox terrier. He was small, but he was so hyper. He would run into walls and stuff!

p2: Do you think there is a reason people would want to choose an animal shelter over a pet store?

ZAO: Supporting your local shelter is good. I treat animals like I treat humans. I think animals have their own personalities like humans. They should be treated with respect—all the respect of humans. I definitely support getting pets at shelters versus buying new pets.

p2: Are there any animal issues that you feel strongly about?

ZAO: Dissecting. There are programs out there that will teach the anatomy of a frog. That seems more sensible than killing any animal.

p2: What do you think your fans can do to help animals?

ZAO: Try to find alternatives. A lot of people don't know what they are eating or what they could be eating instead. I have seen some pretty crazy stuff, and now I try to eat healthier. I won't eat things like hot dogs or red meat.

p2: Why did you decide to stop eating hot dogs and red meat?

ZAO: All the stuff they put inside is really gross. I have seen some crazy dairy-farm and cow videos. It is sick and disgusting.

p2: What kind of stuff did you see in the video?

ZAO: I remember the process to the whole thing. It is an endless cycle and a life is a life. There are other ways to do things besides killing cows and pigs. People should find other things to eat.

p2: Say one of your fans heard about our KFC Campaign and wanted to help. What would you suggest they do to let KFC know that birds should not be treated that way?

ZAO: Call their friends and send them e-mails. Take a stand. Spread the knowledge to your friends.

Wanna help spread the knowledge? Join the Street Team's war on KFC and sign up for peta2 E-News for updates on ZAO and all your favorite bands.