ZUKØ: BUILT FOR PAIN EP REVIEW
- Aug 27
- 5 min read
Built For Pain is the highly anticipated third EP for Meanjin/Brisbane Hardcore band Zukø, releasing on the 7th of August. Zukø debuted in 2021 with their single Roe Ct before unleashing EPs HEREDITARY (2022) and Hatred - EP. Zukø has previously toured alongside bands such as
Alpha Wolf, Stray From The Path, Malevolence and Spite as well as appearing at Froth & Fury, TerrorLoud and Rhythm & The Reef. Yeah, ZUKO group, fuck you, Now tell me what you're all about. Built For Pain begins with ZUKO crew, a 1 minute and 16 second pit call, with siren calls and Slipknot inflections. Is this a fucking test, To see what happens next?
Broken at my best, And that's all you get. Next up is the latest single and
current #1 listened to Zuko track, Primal Rage. Primal Rage is two minutes and thirty-one seconds of pure chaos. If you are looking for a song to scream your heart out to about life's frustrations, you have found it. I think we can all relate to seeing someone thrive who may not necessarily deserve the notoriety or success they have amassed; as you watch from the sideline, growing contempt at the universe. While it isn't a healthy reaction by any means it can feel like your biggest life test, constantly being pushed into the dirt or fighting your way up a grassy hill while someone stands at the top spraying you with a fire hose; and the only thing that keeps you going is the Primal Rage that fills you inside, forcing you to do better and grow. Primal Rage hits like a song that was designed for the pit experience, with the expectation of circle pits, push pits, stage divers and crowd mic grabs sitting at the forefront of my mind while listening to the track. If you have seen a Zukø show before (which if you haven't, I highly suggest you take the time to get to a show,) you know
exactly the mayhem that comes to mind when I say it is designed for the pit. Is this a fucking test, To see what happens next? Broken at my best, That's all you'll get you motherfucker, 'Cause I won't fucking break for you, Bring it back, ugh.
You cling to acceptance, As you make your way down that picket fence, Shed your skin so you can fit in, Then come crawling back when it is fucking convenient, You better watch your back, yeah, you fucking rat. Next is the fuck a spinless self preserving fence sitter anthem, Ain't About It. Ain't About It is one of the biggest read to absolute filth songs I have heard released potentially in my lifetime. It is a story about someone who holds their own self preservation above what is right and how they chop and change sides, turning a blind eye depending on the situation at hand. I have personally stopped listening to entire bands because of an attitude like this and their complacency in terrible and harmful behaviour, to
further their own career and their desire to be seen as "unproblematic" and "easy to work with." Zukø has the amazing habit of calling out bad behaviour and it is one of my favourite things about the band. Musically Ain't About It starts with warning siren style guitars before going full throttle into crushing and swirling pandemonium, with artful pauses, changing tempos and an atmosphere of being that one person standing in the middle of push pit and you are the only target. Whatever comes to you, You spent your life chasing mass appeal, Cause yeah that's right motherfucker, I know your deal, You ain't about shit, Imposter, Imposter.
I see you lurking in the dark, Another creep behind a fucking mask, Frail ego, a hollow heart, A "nice guy" until you fucking aren't, Piss weak pussy, Just you wait and see, How good it feels when you're six feet deep, Yeah. I would like to think I am exaggerating when I say I am responsible for approximately 500 of the 320K+ listens that Teeth to the Curb currently has on Spotify, since it's release on the 29th of October 2025, but in all
honesty it is likely more. I had the pleasure of hearing Teeth to the Curb before its release at a live performance in September 2025 at Volcanic Brewing in Toowoomba, immediately followed by the severe displeasure of having to wait for its official release, having immediately fallen in love with the track. Vocalist Jesse announced from the stage "Since you guys have been so kind to us. This next one is an unreleased song. All I'm going to say is this one is for the ladies. It's about fucking creeps who want to take advantage of women and don't seem to under the concept of no. So this one is a big fuck you to that fucking shit." Zukø has pulled the stomping concept into the music with a beat that will have you two-stepping your heart out before slipping in and out of something more chunky and sinister for the chorus. The track finished with crushingly heavy instrumentals and gutteral vocals. If you are a woman/girl who has experienced unwanted attention at a show (or elsewhere) you are not alone and Teeth to the Curb is your chance to get some of your feelings about the situation out. Fuck what you say, Somethings gotta change, Ain't no excuse you, Already sealed your fate, Yeah, you better pray, I don't see your face, You worthless fuck, Stay in your place.
No time to waste, On bitter fucks like you, No chance, no shot, So what you got motherfucker?
Finally, Built For Pain finished on the fourty-four second manic outtro, No Shot. No Shot is a combination of all of the best parts of the EP, from the ferocious lyricism, chaotic and grooving guitars, crushing drums and a hectic array of vocal techniques by Jesse.
Weak ass shit, From a pussy ass bitch, So here's a big fuck you, From the Z-U-K-O.
If you or someone you know has experienced Sexual Violence and need someone to talk to, you can call the Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120, between the hours of 7.30am – 11.30pm, 7 days a week.
Zuko will be touring throughout Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand during September to celebrate the release of Built For Pain. Grab your tickets while you can at the link, they are selling fast. You can read about the last time we saw Zuko live here and see their feature in our 15 Queensland bands you should be listening to here.
You can find updates on Zuko at their linktree.
For Fans Of: Alpha Wolf, Stray From The Path, Knocked Loose and Varials
9.5/10
Comments