Don’t finalize those year-end lists just yet — you still haven’t heard The Well-Intentioned Virus, Zao’s first new album in seven years! A creative, seamless amalgamation of death metal, mathcore, and euphonic post-metal, The Well-Intentioned Virus could have been called Well-Worth the Wait. It wouldn’t have been nearly as badass of a title, but it would have been accurate!

But don’t just take our word for you: sample the goods and see for yourself! “Haunting Pools,” which we’re thrilled to be debuting today on MetalSucks, oscillates between battering ram chugs and and ghostly, vertiginous melody with a level of skill few bands possess. Whether you’re a longtime Zao fan or aren’t familiar with band’s other work, we feel confident you’re gonna find “Haunting Pools” to be, well… y’know… haunting!

Check out “Haunting Pools” below. The Well-Intentioned Virus will be out December 9 on the band’s own label, Observed/Observer Recordings. Pre-order it here!