Ferret Music is reporting that they have signed Zao. Here's the press release:

Some things won't stay dead, heart and passion and the drive to keep making music won't let that blood stop pumping. The legendary ZAO have returned with their full line up fronted by their only new addition. Youve seen them on tour throughout the US in the past months. 'Burn Beautiful' their next album, will be recorded March 2004 and see life Summer 2004. Well have music for you well before that. A producer for the effort is being confirmed now.