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about zen juddhism
ZEN JUDDHISM is the collaborative designer rock project from Jude Ωne Eight, a guitarist and songwriter based in Southampton, who is also known locally as the guitarist previously in Jimmy B And The Death Rattles, Le Lizard Royale and HYBRID 6.0 .
From a life spent listening to an array of folk, rock, metal, soul and pop acts, Jude wrote original songs for a rock album inspired by artists most prominent on his playlist at the time, such as Metric, Led Zeppelin, Garbage, Big Country, Fountains Of Wayne and TV On The Radio among others in the run up to recording sessions in 2014 that became the debut eponymous ZEN JUDDHISM album. Joined by some amazing vocalist friends and with the freedom to move in and out of different genres, the music of ZEN JUDDHISM was a different proposition for music reviewers and listeners alike, but was well received by both, on record and in electric live performances.
A similar recipe was cooked up in 2016 for the sequel album ZEN JUDDHISM 2 which was even more diverse than its predecessor. It was similarly well received, and in fact one track, "All Of It", was selected from over 100 entries by local artists with their best original tracks by an independent panel of judges comprising of renowned members of the music community including Rob da Bank, Emma and Russell from Band of Skulls, Dan Mar-Molinero and Stephanie Nieuwenhuys (BBC Introducing) who chose 10 to be on this compilation vinyl album, "Southampton Sampler 2017".
From a life spent listening to an array of folk, rock, metal, soul and pop acts, Jude wrote original songs for a rock album inspired by artists most prominent on his playlist at the time, such as Metric, Led Zeppelin, Garbage, Big Country, Fountains Of Wayne and TV On The Radio among others in the run up to recording sessions in 2014 that became the debut eponymous ZEN JUDDHISM album. Joined by some amazing vocalist friends and with the freedom to move in and out of different genres, the music of ZEN JUDDHISM was a different proposition for music reviewers and listeners alike, but was well received by both, on record and in electric live performances.
A similar recipe was cooked up in 2016 for the sequel album ZEN JUDDHISM 2 which was even more diverse than its predecessor. It was similarly well received, and in fact one track, "All Of It", was selected from over 100 entries by local artists with their best original tracks by an independent panel of judges comprising of renowned members of the music community including Rob da Bank, Emma and Russell from Band of Skulls, Dan Mar-Molinero and Stephanie Nieuwenhuys (BBC Introducing) who chose 10 to be on this compilation vinyl album, "Southampton Sampler 2017".
After exploring various other artistic endeavours, the time had come in 2020 to complete the trilogy and make the third album. Unfortunately, well-known world events interrupted those plans but 2021 provided the chance to get back into the studio. The third album, "Return of the Juddha", was released on 4th February 2022. Preceded by the singles "Love Will Save The Day" and "Glitter" that appear on the new record, "Return of the Juddha" has garnered critical acclaim for its vision and creativity.
2025 has seen the recording and release of two new songs, both the result of collaborating with contortionist and singer Sarah Twist who first started to perform live with Zen Juddhism in 2022.
Starting from an idea for a song while in a previous band to be like a Morrissey/Smiths song, "The Signal" emerged into its own unique type of lament not entirely without hope. "Parasites In Ties" is a punk infused rant about the men in suits ruining our lives. Both songs were recorded at Untapped Talent Studios in Southampton. These tracks were made as part of the Lucky Dip artist scheme run by Southampton NPO 'a space arts'. The music videos of these tracks are to be exhibited in God's House Tower in October and November 2025.
in the press
" ‘Get Along‘ (feat. Pammie)... is a speaker-shaking new single from a band who get it all right on this fiery new single... There are distinctive solos here that are utterly incredible and seem to hug your ears with the strings, as you flow into a whole new universe. Featuring lush vocals to get you into the mood to dance, this is a positively recommended new single to sing with all night long as you search for those all-important answers."
--A&R Factory
"Exceeding expectations by far, this album feels like a greatest hits collection for alternative and classic rock fans alike. Fantastic, a real pleasure to turn up loud and drown out the weight of the world with."
--Rebeca Cullen, Stereo Stickman
"It’d be true to say that ‘Return of the Juddha’ is made for rock lovers by rock lovers. Slightly tongue-in-cheek, yet incredibly polished – this passion project doesn’t bring anything necessarily new to the table, but damn is it creative."
--Cat Allan, RGM
"...the new Zen Juddhism single Love Will Save The Day is a rock hit with a hugely impactful hook – distortion kicks in, the vocals peak with the crash of the drums, the volume intensifies. All the while, the song takes on a short-lined, memorable route in order to weave its way into your consciousness."
--Stereo Stickman
"Zen Juddhism: Vol 2 is an enjoyable album. The socially conscious lyrics from the fresh mix of performers enable a range of genres without taking itself too seriously."
--Ermis Madikopoulos
"Eclectic and diverse, the album is like a bag of Revels: you're not quite sure whether you're getting the coffee or the orange or the toffee, but it's worth it because the sum of the parts is an enjoyable experience."
--Adrian Hextall, PowerPlay Rock & Metal Magazine
"A solid album from beginning to end, '2' will hold up to repeat listens. 8.5/10. "
--James McQuiston, NeuFutur Magazine
"The project features a vast and creative mix of styles and sounds, but the underlying thread throughout it all is a hearty dose of melody and meaning...
It’s fantastic, from start to finish... Well worth a listen in full. "
--Rebecca Cullen, Stereo Stickman
"Sterling guitar-work, reaching James Dean Bradfield type heights at times.
There are some great radio-friendly songs on Zen Juddhism 2. It’s modern, ‘classic rock’ with enough idiosyncratic personality to make it stand-out from bands of a similar ilk from around the UK."
--Ged Babey, Louder Than War
"Throughout this record the production is slick, the drumming tight, the vocals well up in the mix but above all the guitar work is first class. No matter the style, the professionalism is always there and you can tell this has been a real labour of love for Jude."
--The AND Guide, p11
"The quality of the guitar playing is undeniable and that provides to be the glue that underpins all of the tracks here. Interesting, diverse and unique."
--Adrian Hextall, PowerPlay Rock & Metal Magazine
"Private Banks (So Cold) flirts with a familiar and energetic tempting, not really caring about creating new templates but eager to provide a boisterous and anthemic roar of voracious rock; an aim realised with enjoyable results for all."
--The RingMaster Review
"Eleven diverse and well composed rock songs."
--Francetta Evans-Anfom, Dats Muzik
"With his exciting new solo project, ZEN JUDDHISM, Jude Ωne Eight has offered up a very promising debut that spans the map musically but is held together by his excellent guitar playing, memorable melodies and solid songwriting."
--Justin Kreitzer
"The self-titled release from Zen Juddhism switches from one genre of music to the next throughout the entire length of the release. And because of the changing of styles, you are almost assured of finding a song that will speak to you, no matter what your musical preferences are."
--Matheson Kamin
"One of the great things about the album is that with the differing vocal styles, it is almost a compilation album with a strong sense of belonging and certainly leaves you wanting to hear more from each of the collaborators."
--Jon, Rock Regeneration
"The music is quite diverse and combines elements of rock, metal, funk, soul and pop into an exciting own style."
--Gabor Kleinbloesem, Strutter
--A&R Factory
"Exceeding expectations by far, this album feels like a greatest hits collection for alternative and classic rock fans alike. Fantastic, a real pleasure to turn up loud and drown out the weight of the world with."
--Rebeca Cullen, Stereo Stickman
"It’d be true to say that ‘Return of the Juddha’ is made for rock lovers by rock lovers. Slightly tongue-in-cheek, yet incredibly polished – this passion project doesn’t bring anything necessarily new to the table, but damn is it creative."
--Cat Allan, RGM
"...the new Zen Juddhism single Love Will Save The Day is a rock hit with a hugely impactful hook – distortion kicks in, the vocals peak with the crash of the drums, the volume intensifies. All the while, the song takes on a short-lined, memorable route in order to weave its way into your consciousness."
--Stereo Stickman
"Zen Juddhism: Vol 2 is an enjoyable album. The socially conscious lyrics from the fresh mix of performers enable a range of genres without taking itself too seriously."
--Ermis Madikopoulos
"Eclectic and diverse, the album is like a bag of Revels: you're not quite sure whether you're getting the coffee or the orange or the toffee, but it's worth it because the sum of the parts is an enjoyable experience."
--Adrian Hextall, PowerPlay Rock & Metal Magazine
"A solid album from beginning to end, '2' will hold up to repeat listens. 8.5/10. "
--James McQuiston, NeuFutur Magazine
"The project features a vast and creative mix of styles and sounds, but the underlying thread throughout it all is a hearty dose of melody and meaning...
It’s fantastic, from start to finish... Well worth a listen in full. "
--Rebecca Cullen, Stereo Stickman
"Sterling guitar-work, reaching James Dean Bradfield type heights at times.
There are some great radio-friendly songs on Zen Juddhism 2. It’s modern, ‘classic rock’ with enough idiosyncratic personality to make it stand-out from bands of a similar ilk from around the UK."
--Ged Babey, Louder Than War
"Throughout this record the production is slick, the drumming tight, the vocals well up in the mix but above all the guitar work is first class. No matter the style, the professionalism is always there and you can tell this has been a real labour of love for Jude."
--The AND Guide, p11
"The quality of the guitar playing is undeniable and that provides to be the glue that underpins all of the tracks here. Interesting, diverse and unique."
--Adrian Hextall, PowerPlay Rock & Metal Magazine
"Private Banks (So Cold) flirts with a familiar and energetic tempting, not really caring about creating new templates but eager to provide a boisterous and anthemic roar of voracious rock; an aim realised with enjoyable results for all."
--The RingMaster Review
"Eleven diverse and well composed rock songs."
--Francetta Evans-Anfom, Dats Muzik
"With his exciting new solo project, ZEN JUDDHISM, Jude Ωne Eight has offered up a very promising debut that spans the map musically but is held together by his excellent guitar playing, memorable melodies and solid songwriting."
--Justin Kreitzer
"The self-titled release from Zen Juddhism switches from one genre of music to the next throughout the entire length of the release. And because of the changing of styles, you are almost assured of finding a song that will speak to you, no matter what your musical preferences are."
--Matheson Kamin
"One of the great things about the album is that with the differing vocal styles, it is almost a compilation album with a strong sense of belonging and certainly leaves you wanting to hear more from each of the collaborators."
--Jon, Rock Regeneration
"The music is quite diverse and combines elements of rock, metal, funk, soul and pop into an exciting own style."
--Gabor Kleinbloesem, Strutter