ZZIV: All Things Zim Zum - GuitarONE Magazine March 2001

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Source: GuitarONE Magazine March 2001
http://www.guitaronemag.com/

It took the detective work of Holmes, but we did it. In an effort to provide fans of great guitar music an unprecedented anthology of beloved but nearly forgotten players, our editorial staff branched out across the globe - figuratively speaking - with magnifying glasses in hand (also figurative), leaving no stone unturned, no rehearsal space uninvestigated, no web site unsurfed...
What you are about to read is a result of that exhaustive search, pages upon pages of interviews and updates on some of the greatest players of the pop/rock era-from the down of rock through many of your favorite hair-metal guys to the lost heroes of the grunge era.
We've also included a must-read, story-ending companion piece entitled "Lost and Found," and index featuring rundowns on over 50 more players. You won't believe who you'll find there! In all, you can feast your eyes on the whereabouts of 100 guitarists. But, then, who's counting? --The Editors

1990s

Zim Zum
{Marilyn Manson}

While in Marilyn Manson's hallowed band, Zim Zum turned menacing gobs of guitar into industrial rock hits on albums like Antichrist Superstar and Mechanical Animals. Since his split with Manson, Zum has performed with such disparate artists as Cher(!) and Korn. A year ago, he built a home studio and began an intensive writing and recording project that has evolved into the synthy, futuristic grove of Pleistoscene, his latest venture.

Tell us about the Pleistoscene project.
For a year I didn't buy any CDs, cut off cable television, and spent 14 hours a day playing, writing, and recording over 100 songs with my guitar and a computer. The first week of February we'll go on a short tour in Chicago and on the East Coast to let everyone know what we're about.

How would you describe the music?
Even though I played in a lot of bands besides Manson, people identify my playing with that sound. In Manson, I was underplaying, and it's not a bad thing -- it was perfect for the music. What I'm doing now covers the full spectrum because there are no guidelines. I'm experimenting with different tones, different guitars, and different tunings. The music is hard, heavily orchestrated, and full of polyrhythms. Modern technology leaves it wide open for me to make any sound come out of my guitar.

What are your greatest memories or accomplishments?
Opening up for Black Sabbath with Manson for 15 shows on Ozzfest was a highlight. Waiting for the Manson set to be over just so I could watch Black Sabbath. That was pretty much Ozzfest for me -- being able to watch great players like Tony Iommi, and Dimebag from Pantera.

In your opinion, have there been any exciting developments in rock guitar lately?
I've separated myself from the wave of music that's going on right now. I like the technology part of it -- open-minded guitar manufacturers that are making new synths, preamps, and guitars. For me, it's always been about making things a little harder to duplicate. Even if you are influenced by the guitarists you grew up listening to, as long as you approach it in a different way, it's going to end up being you.