pretty much... not to sound like a complete n00b in the "hardcore" world (i really dont care for it)... but didnt most hardcore get the musical ideas from Pantera?
I can perhaps see the metalcore thing now that you mention it. It's just all very American, I don't know how else to put it. Even if you listen to songs like "Becoming", they have a slight Alice in Chains vibe.
This has GOT to be Zod's cup of tea for sure. He likes Nevermore, Lamb of God, Trivium, Godsmack, (I have to believe he likes Fear Factory and Machine Head).....and yet he hates Slayer.
I guess the Bay Area scene was just too 'European'?