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ZVI is the solo output of Ron Varod (Kayo Dot, Sabbath Assembly, Psalm Zero, So is the Tongue). Slowly taking shape over the course of a few scarce live outings and recordings dating back to 2004, Varod's self-titled debut was finally released in 2014. Death Stops Us All followed in 2016, featuring guest vocalist Alan Dubin of Khanate/Gnaw, engineer Colin Marston (Gorguts, Krallice), and the mastering talents of James Plotkin (Khanate) to better capture Varod’s expansive sonic palate.

The past several years have seen ZVI embark on several tours throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe opening for acts such as The Black Queen, Mouth of the Architect, Jonah Matranga (Far, etc.), and Telefon Tel Aviv, as well as a slot on the 2018 Roadburn Festival in Tilburg, Netherlands alongside Converge, Godflesh, Zola Jesus, and Godspeed You! Black Emperor.

While previous ZVI material can be interpreted as a minimal experimental drone twist on the traditional singer/songwriter, 2019 ushers in a new era of experimentation with Deer Pink. In collaboration with producer Randall Dunn (Sunn O))), Anna Von Hausswolff, Boris), Varod’s third full-length offering introduces psychedelic analog synths and warped drum machines while almost flirting with pop melodies and forms. The six-track LP was mastered by Brian Pyle of Ensemble Economique, features contributions from Carl Gene, Toby Driver (Kayo Dot, Secret Chiefs 3, Tartar Lamb, Vaura), and Matthew Keys (A Fucking Elephant), and is complemented by the artwork of Paul Cristina. Deer Pink will be available in Spring 2019 via Nefarious Industries on CD/Digital, as well as a special limited edition 7” single.

"Drone is a genre that gets a lot of worried looks. ‘Isn’t that just listening to the same note over and over again for hours?‘, I can already hear someone say. Well, gladly I have the perfect artist right here to give you a taste of what very good drone can be. ZVI with his new album Deer Pink guides us into a strange world juxtaposed between colorful tape music sounds and bleak drone. The first track “Kettle Dreams” […] has an almost operatic feel to it now, slightly reminding me of Pink Floyd’s accompanying movie to their record The Wall. This is music at its most creative." - Everything Is Noise

"At its core, Deer Pink sounds like Loren Connors playing his signature style of bluesy, free improv guitar in a post-apocalypse world soundtracked by Trent Reznor‘s more atmospheric work. The dynamic, expansive palette this implies should be unsurprising, given Ron Varod’s work with Kayo Dot and Psalm Zero outside his output under the ZVI banner. The collection of tracks on Deer Pink are exceptionally composed and fine tuned down to every last detail, leading to vast atmospheres that still feel meticulously crafted. […] Deer Pink allows listeners to traverse a rich web of textured soundscapes replete with bold, exceptional ideas. Fans of the broader web of Kayo Dot alumni will undoubtedly enjoy the trip." - Heavy Blog Is Heavy

"Ron Varod (Kayo Dot, Psalm Zero, Sabbath Assembly, etc) has created one of the most moving records of 2019, which is why we feel so honored to be sharing with you this amazing video... This record is sonic proof that music has the power to build and destroy. ZVI’s music is making me feel human again!" - CVLT Nation

"Anna Calvi meets Peter Gabriel meets Glassjaw? That’s a pretty apt description for this mind-bending, slow-burning song. It starts out with just some psychedelic electric guitar, but it turns into something much grander." - BrooklynVegan

"'Dear Pink' builds slowly, moving us from passages that threaten to fade into silence to others that are deeply emotional, cathartic. Guitars buzz and chime, electronic glitches flicker throughout and the percussion provides the faintest heartbeat against an enigmatic vocal line slow to reveal its secrets. ZVI offers up an intriguing and appropriately dark 'Undenied' that's one part darkened prayer, one part invocation of the muse." - PopMatters