Asbury Park was no match for Zero 9:36, as the band took over the House of Independents on April 11th on their They Were Always Here Tour. With a high-powered opening from SAGE and a sharp follow up from Elijah, Zero had the perfect energy for the set for the rest of the night, catching a room that was primed for the explosive energy they were about to ignite.

Zero immediately  kicked the set off with their newest release, “Make Me Feel”, followed by “Underneath”. The band was dressed entirely in black while red, blue, and white lights strobed nonstop across the room. As the band ripped through their setlist, they seamlessly blended their older releases with their recent album, They Were Always Here. “Holding on”, “Break,” and “Kill Me” were played back-to-back, leading an unrelenting rhythm that didn't give the floor a chance to cool down. The crowd blurred into constant motion while fans traded between moshing and aggressive two-stepping, showcasing just how New Jersey likes to welcome the bands it loves. 

The Philadelphia band founded by Matthew Cullen is backed by Kalen Anderson on drums, Coby Rossi on guitar, and Aj Loera on bass. Their sound blends alternative rock, heavy metal, rap rock, and pop punk into one continuous production that never really settles into a single lane.  The lineup has masterfully turned Zero’s studio projects into a live masterpiece. On stage, that transformation hits differently; it’s louder, heavier, and far less polished in all the right ways to absolutely engage the audience.

“Stuck in My Ways” and “Chasing Shadows” were worked into the middle of the set, mixing in a little extra rap before the heavier run. The lighting never settled, shifting between harsh red washes and flashing white bursts that mirrored every drop and break in the set. Fans watched in awe as the band shredded “Adrenaline” and “Until the Day I,” two tracks that showcased the group’s range between raw aggression and melodic hooks. 

The momentum peaked during “System,” a cathartic release that turned into full-volume crowd screams and a heavy breakdown that locked the entire room into a synchronized headbanging. They saved the heaviest impact for last, closing the night with “The End.” 

Review by Bek Allegretti