Zora

Meet the Band: Zora (vocals, keyboards, production, songwriting), Xhausen (synthesizer, production)

A Classical Case: Zora and Xhausen met three years ago by chance while attending a classical concert at Severance Hall. "We had no idea that we'd be writing music three years later," she says, adding that she describes the group's music as "dystopian" and "haunting psychedelic Goth."

On the Eve of Destruction: Zora says the themes on the new album, Metamorphosis, have to do with "the chaos and unpredictability of life. I think besides life's tragedies and struggles, what drives me is not just the tragedies themselves but my repression of it," she says. "When I was young, I suppressed a lot of emotions and I think this had a lasting effect on me. When expressing myself through music, I can let myself be both free and vulnerable. Outside forces that influence me are dystopian sci-fi films like 'Metropolis' and 'Gattaca."

Why You Should Hear Them: Zora's whispery vocals recall Tori Amos on tunes such as "Alienation" and "Cybergalatica." A moody mix of electronic and organic instrumentation, the music sounds something like Portishead or Evanescence. "My lyrics tend to reflect my wandering and frantic state of mind — as well as my attraction towards fantasy and desire to find truth," says Zora. "Some of the lyrics are inspired by [author Aldous] Huxley and some, I've been told, are quite David Lynch-esque. I like the lyrical brilliance and passion of Tori Amos, the melodramatics of Muse, the edginess of Nine Inch Nails, and the experimentation of Bjork. We try to inject some feeling into this artificial world."

Where You Can Hear Them: zoramusic.com

Where You Can See Them: Zora performs with Stolen Babies, New Years Day, Lydia Can't Breathe and Otep at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, at Peabody's.

- Jeff Niesel, Scene Magazine - Cleveland Scene Magazine; Jeff Niesel

How about some dark beautiful seductive sounds, with a touch of Goth maybe?

Meet Zora.

Zora is Hungarian-born, Cleveland-based dark electronic vocalist, producer, keyboardist and songwriter. In 2012, Zora teamed up with programmer/producer Xhausen, and together they have just completed their debut full-length album, "Metamorphosis," set for release this fall, 2013. Influenced by the likes of Tori Amos, Bjork, and Nine Inch Nails, this duo’s music can be described as ethereal, yet edgy; a unique fusion of industrial, trip-hop and classic orchestral sounds married to haunting vocals and thought-provoking lyrics.

I've been listening to the album "Metamorphosis," and I'm pretty sure it is going to be on repeat mode on my Winamp player for a while.

Check out some of the tracks here, and then track down the album and get your own copy.

I'm not sure if it is the images, they do help to lean in that direction, but this song had me taking wing for an inter-stellar flight accompanied by the voice of an angel. A dark angel to be sure, but a beautiful sound.

This is track twelve on the amazing "Metamorphosis," and possibly my favorite so far.

But then again the title track from the album is totally awesome.
I just love the voice and the keyboards / synths that are providing the very very atmospheric sounds.

The overall sound of this track, this album, this Zora just blows me away. I'm loving it.

OK, I love how we can do this. Same tune but a live in-studio performance. Live music to me is always the true mark of a true performer. And Zora is more than up to the task.
This is more decadent than the video version, but you have to see both of them. Each is totally 100% relevant in their own right.

While we are in the studio lets catch another amazing burst of decidedly decadent deliciously dark music. Zora and Xhausen really rocking out here.

Zora in full throated magnificence.

This time we are going the opposite way, you had the amazing live version first and now the equally awesome music video version. Same song but very different feel. I love them both.

I think Zora owes it to herself to release a live version of the totally brilliant album. What say you?

Finally today the American Dream with a tremendous video.
How many stars can you spot? This video is just perfect for this truly ethereal song. I almost expected David Lynch's name to appear in the credits. This one could be on repeat play for a while.

-Barrie Moore - Bearly Rambling (Online Blog); Barrie Moore

"I love the ethereal, mystic quality of your music. Your vocals are tantalizing... you "call to me" like one of the "Sirens" of legend. I listened to all the tracks on your player - most relaxing. Enjoyed all of them, but I was most taken with "Chasing Demons" and "Fallen Angels."

Robin Chase, Journalist - MySpace Music

"Back for another listen. First time just felt the vibe & mood... This time I hear the conflict, the philosophy... Really deep lyrics. Love the delivery, musically & vocally.... One to watch for sure!"

-Daz Wedgwood (fan)
- ReverbNation, 2011.