Zu is a trio from Ostia, near Rome, active since 1997. From the outset, they have operated on the fringes of genre scenes, developing their own musical language at the intersection of noise, metal, contemporary and improvised music. Over more than 25 years of activity, the band has released over 15 albums and played thousands of concerts around the world, gaining cult status and a reputation as one of the most uncompromising projects on the European independent scene.

Their music blends elements of metal, industrial, electronics, ambient and prog rock. As Pitchfork wrote: “Given the ability to absorb and incorporate an exhilarating variety of musical styles into their material, it is not surprising that Zu often sounds like a hundred bands in one — although the way they piece together their wild sonic jigsaw is unique to them alone.”

Over the years, they have collaborated with equally genre-defying artists: from Mike Patton (Carboniferous) and Eugene Robinson (Oxbow), to David Tibet (Zu93), Damo Suzuki (Can), FM Einheit (Einstürzende Neubauten), and Romeo Castellucci with his Societas Raffaello Sanzio. Their trilogy for House of Mythology (Jhator, Zu93 – Mirror Emperor, Terminalia Amazonia) merges sonic experimentation with eschatological reflection.

In 2024, Zu returned with a vinyl reissue of their first release Bromio (1999) and their 1996 demo The Lost Demo(Subsound Records). That same year, they began a collaboration with the legendary Japanese noise rock band Ruins — as RuinsZu — resulting in a joint European tour and the announcement of a live album to be released in 2025.

“This is powerful and expressive music that blows away what most bands are doing today.” – John Zorn

The band will perform in Poland for the first time — with material developed in collaboration with Ruins drummer Tatsuya Yoshida — at Avant Art Festival 2025.