This summer, genre-bending duo ZETRA release their new EP ‘From Within’. Combining the alchemistic with the futuristic, the EP explores a conceptual and timeless plague through melancholic, synth-laden soul-crushing missives. Written pre-pandemic but deemed too eerily prophetic for immediate release, the shadowy duo found themselves in the once-in-a-lifetime position of being able to instil the ominous atmosphere into the music as they were living it.
Having gestated in the stifling heat of Summer 2018, the intrepid pair – Adam (guitar & vocals), and Jordan (synthesiser and vocal) – have blossomed into a vessel for intricate storytelling by way of fuzzed-out guitars and majestic melody. Many hours of heavy metal exploration in their formative years have resulted in a solid and eclectic foundation upon which they have layered shimmering synths and ethereal shoegaze elements. The results are a unique amalgam of introspection and euphoric sonic elevation.
Entirely self-recorded, ZETRA has crafted a sound that relies heavily on an Atari ST and an 8-track tape machine, capturing each natural crackle and every organic buzz. Tapping into the lo-fi vibes of first-wave Scandinavian black metal they have kept their recordings deliberately raw, but added a gossamer sheen that tempers the rough edges. By using obsolete equipment, the duo have by virtue of their own self-imposed limitations created something that sounds distinct.
Unafraid to mix influences and inspirations, traces of Black Sabbath and Type O Negative make for comfortable audio bedfellows alongside Gary Numan and My Bloody Valentine. ZETRA would be just as at home playing with modern proponents of shoegaze such as Soft Kill or Nothing as they would be leaning towards the heavier realms of True Widow or the synth-heavy world of Drab Majesty or Boy Harsher.
‘From Within’ follows Zetra’s 2020 releases on Death Waltz Recording Co. The new EP sees Zetra join forces with Blood Blast Distribution, which is powered by Nuclear Blast.
