Zetra – Zetra
Zetra – Zetra
Nuclear Blast
Release Date: 13/09/2024
Running Time: 40:02
Review by Rory Bentley
8/10
Spooky Synth-Rock duo Zetra have got some serious miles on the clock prior to the release of their self titled debut. Having practically opened for every band on the UK Rock scene over the last few years, they have built a strong following from sheer graft, strong Gothic/80s tinged melodies and being unsettling and weird on stage, never breaking character from their corpse-painted black clad personas. Seriously, my wife once congratulated them on a great opening for A.A. Williams and all she got back was a steely gaze and a solemn nod!
After paying their dues, then it’s time for Zetra to step into the spotlight with their highly anticipated full length. Does it live up to the hype? Well that all depends if you like things that sound like they’ve been ripped from the Lost Boys and Labyrinth soundtracks with added Doom and Shoegaze guitars. I do like these things, so yes – it does live up to the hype thank you very much! As soon as the lush synths of ‘Suffer Eternally’ envelope the speakers as mournful angelic croons glide over the top, you know you’re in pale-boy, leather trench coat heaven. Those familiar with the singles and EPs of yore will find very few surprises or deviations on this album, but in this case that’s no bad thing.
When a band can pull out a gloomy banger like ‘Starfall’ without breaking a mascara-ruining sweat, one doesn’t require fearless experimentation. Zetra are more focused on meticulously crafting the finest elements of Goth, Synthwave and 80s Pop into Synth-Rock’s Platonic form. ‘Gaia’ is the kind of stomping lovelorn highlight that Ville Valo and the lads used to kick out for fun in the noughties, with a huge chorus and pristine keys spread over a robust bassline.
Although definitely bringing a healthy dose of Rock to the table, the overarching sentiment I get from the album is that it’s a really easy and pleasant listen. The vocals are angelic and elegant, save for Svalbard’s Serena Cherry popping up to do some growling, and the songs are built around surgically precise Pop structures. That is not to say that this is a throwaway shallow release, as there are enough intricate layers in the expansive production to intrigue the audiophiles as well as those that just want to throw shapes in Camden Cyberdog.
For the next release it would be nice to see the band push the boat out a little bit more, as they hint at in the grander elements of ‘Moonfall’, however the step up in scope and ambition from the EPs is already noticeable, so I have no doubt album 2 will be another leap forward into glorious gloom. With Halloween around the corner and summer making no effort to stick around, “Zetra” is the perfect soundtrack to dark nights and falling leaves.
‘Suffer Eternally’ (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)
TRACKLISTING:
01. Suffer Eternally
02. Sacrifice
03. Starfall
04. Mirror
05. Shatter The Mountain
06. Holy Malice
07. Inseparable
08. Gaia
09. Moonfall
10. Miracle
LINE-UP:
Adam
Jordan
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Rory Bentley and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
