Begin at Zero was born in late 2011 from a friendship formed in a creative writing course at Missouri University of Science and Technology. Classmates Chris Spirit Brown and Janelle T Kaiczar learned they both played guitar with a similar taste in music and an interest in performing original songs; songs that tell stories about gender identity ("Spectre in Mirror"), falling out of love ("The Ceiling"), and the act of creation ("Innovation and Execution") with a sound that blends metal riffs with narrative lyrics both screamed and sung, often using fantastical or occult imagery.
After a few years of recruiting members and playing shows in Chris' hometown of St. Louis, BaZ released their debut album Breathing Ash in 2014. Shortly after, Chris and Janelle parted ways with their college rhythm section, drummer Christian Finch and bassist Marty Aman (Arc Flash / World Under Water). The record was heavily criticized, most notably by now-defunct website I Probably Hate Your Band whose review suggested the album be sent to Guantanamo Bay as a torture device. The two founding members still had music to share.
Officially becoming an STL-based band, Chris and Janelle recruited Daniel Maddy (then part of popular rap metal group Discrepancies) on drums for their 2016 sophomore album, Fiction Portfolio. Embracing the critiques of their previous release and using more refined songwriting, performance, and production techniques, Portfolio's collection of fantasy tales got a more positive reception than Ash.
BaZ continued playing shows throughout the 2010s, including twice at the legendary DIY event Barnfest. Near the end of the decade, the lineup returned to its two original members with Janelle filling in on drums. 2019's Death Duet was created as an autobiographical reflection on the band's formative years.
Into the 2020s, having played bass on Portfolio and Duet, Chris traded his rhythm guitar role to be the official bassist. He introduced Janelle to his childhood friend, sound engineer and longtime BaZ fan Zachary Binx, who became their drummer.
After playing several more shows, BaZ disbanded in 2025.
Band Members
Chris Spirit Brown - vocals (2011-2025), rhythm guitar (2011-2022), bass (2014-2025)
Janelle T Kaiczar - lead guitar, vocals, occasional drums (2011-2025)
Zachary Binx - drums (2022-2025)
ZML - bass, vocals (2017-2019)
Daniel Maddy - drums (2015-2019)
Paul Koglin - bass, vocals (2015-2016)
Marty Aman - bass, vocals (2013-2014), occasional guitar (2014)
Daniel Watson - bass (2013)
Christian Finch - drums, vocals (2012-2014)