Zao may refer to:
The James Bond novels and films are notable for their memorable villains and henchmen. Each Bond villain has numerous henchmen to do their bidding.
There is typically one particularly privileged henchman who poses a formidable physical threat to Bond and must be defeated in order to reach the employer. These range from simply adept and tough fighters, such as Donald 'Red' Grant, to henchmen whose physical characteristics are seemingly superhuman, such as Jaws.
Zao /ˈzeɪ.oʊ/ is a metalcore band from Parkersburg, West Virginia. Founded in March 1993, Zao has hosted several musicians and endured numerous roster changes to the point where no original members remain. Former drummer Jesse Smith, singer Daniel Weydant, and guitarists Scott Mellinger & Russ Cogdell are seen by most fans as the "core" of Zao.
Christianity has been a key influence in the band's work; because the founding members claimed to have a strong relationship with God, they were considered a devoted Christian band, which changed as time passed. Former drummer Jesse Smith slowly changed the band's vision. Because only half the band's members identified themselves as Christians, Zao no longer considered itself a Christian band but rather a group of open-minded artists. Lyrics in future productions may or may not include Christian messages, but Zao has stated they would have loved to return to the Christian Cornerstone Festival when it was still active. As of 2015, only one member of the band claims Christianity as their beliefs.
Cry out to God for help
I cried out to God to hear me
When I was distressed and I sought the Lord
I stretched out my hand but found no comfort
I remembered you God and I groaned
My spirit, it grew faint, You kept my eyes from closing
When I was too troubled to speak
I thought about the former days
I remember my songs in the night
My heart mused, my spirit inquired
Will the Lord reflect forever?
Will He never show His favor again?
Has this unfailing love vanished forever
Has His will since failed for all time
Has God forgotten to be merciful
Has His anger withheld His compassion
Then I thought to this I will appeal
The years of the right hand of the Most High
I will remember the deeds of my Lord
If, and, ago
I will meditate on all Your works
And consider all Your deeds
Your ways God are holy