What makes ZII by The Devil Wears Prada notable?

ZII has been noted for its critical reception, with several publications highlighting its thematic depth and musical complexity. The album debuted at number 52 on the Billboard 200 chart, demonstrating the band's sustained commercial viability within a crowded genre. Its exploration of existential themes amidst heavy instrumentals has resonated with fans and critics alike, further solidifying The Devil Wears Prada's influence in contemporary metalcore. Released on May 21, 2021, ZII is The Devil Wears Prada's sixth studio album and serves as a sequel to their 2010 EP, Zombie. This project marks the band's continued evolution in sound after their 2019 album, The Act, which showcased a more experimental approach. By revisiting the themes of their earlier work while incorporating new sonic elements, ZII signifies their enduring relevance in the metalcore scene.

ZII works well if you're into short, intense listening bursts, dark, introspective moods and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on ZII?

ZII has 5 tracks, running approximately 20 minutes.

ZII

The Devil Wears Prada · 2021

20 min · 5 tracks · metalcore

A fierce blend of metalcore intensity and atmospheric elements, creating a haunting soundscape that captures both despair and resilience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Nightfall — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its intricate guitar work and compelling lyrical themes around darkness and introspection.
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Contagion — With its driving rhythms and poignant lyrics about societal issues, this track encapsulates the album's overarching commentary on modern life.
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Forlorn — The emotional weight of this song is underscored by its melodic shifts and powerful vocals, making it a standout moment on the record.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

ZII showcases strong songwriting and production, balancing intensity with atmospheric elements effectively.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a slow, atmospheric build that transitions into aggressive guitar riffs and harsh vocals.
Each song features dynamic shifts between melodic sections and intense breakdowns, maintaining a sense of tension throughout.
The EP concludes with an extended outro in 'Contagion' that gradually fades out, creating a lingering sense of unease.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

short, intense listening bursts
dark, introspective moods
dynamic emotional journeys
haunting melodic explorations

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on May 21, 2021, ZII is The Devil Wears Prada's sixth studio album and serves as a sequel to their 2010 EP, Zombie. This project marks the band's continued evolution in sound after their 2019 album, The Act, which showcased a more experimental approach. By revisiting the themes of their earlier work while incorporating new sonic elements, ZII signifies their enduring relevance in the metalcore scene.
Stylistic neighbors: August Burns Red· Parkway Drive· Killswitch Engage