The Well-Intentioned Virus is the tenth studio album by American metalcore band Zao, released on December 9, 2016.

[6][7] Many of the lyrics have personal meaning to vocalist Daniel Weydant, similar to a majority of the band's previous songs he was involved in.

[9] Danielle Martin of HM Magazine wrote "Zao has undoubtedly added to their score of culturally-relevant albums with this one.

With its veteran backbone, raw voice, and savage-yet-developed cacophony, it will join the ranks of their more memorable releases; it seems the passage of time has only sharpened their aptitude.

"[10] "The Well-Intentioned Virus is their best album in over a decade, picking up where The Funeral of God left off in terms of quality while nailing the progression they've been pursuing since."

"[13] while Jeremy Barnes wrote "Zao have broken a seven-year silence with another strong addition to their famed discography and have gifted the metal genre an appropriate closing note for an outstanding year.

"[13] Grymm of Angry Metal Guy reports " I just hope the next album takes less than seven years, but this was well worth the wait.