Jump to content

Zetra (band)

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Zetra
Zetra performing in London in 2024
Zetra performing in London in 2024
Background information
OriginLondon, England
Genres
Years active2018–present
Labels
Members
  • Adam
  • Jordan
Websitewww.wearezetra.com

Zetra are a British synth-rock duo from London. Formed in 2018, the band released several independent EPs and cassettes via Bandcamp before signing to Nuclear Blast Records in 2023. The band's eponymous debut album, Zetra, was released on 13 September 2024.

History

[edit]

2018–2022: Formation and early releases

[edit]

Zetra was formed in London in the summer of 2018 by Adam (guitar/vocals) and Jordan (synthesizers/vocals).[1][2] Both members had played in heavier bands prior to its formation; Jordan said that the project emerged "from a set of riffs we were throwing back and forth between each other that didn’t fit into anything we’d done before."[1] The duo would go on to released several EPs on Bandcamp, a number of them which were given a limited release on cassette.[3] In May 2020, Zetra released the two-volume With Your Demons collection, featuring demos written during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. A limited double cassette release featuring both volumes sold out within the first week of its release.[1] The band recorded directly to cassette as it "fills everything with a nervous energy", according to Jordan.[4]

In July 2020, Zetra released their eponymous debut EP through Death Waltz Records.[5] It is a concept album about Soviet astronaut Vladimir Komarov.[1][6] Having been partially reworked into other projects, this EP is now no longer available online.[7] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all works released in 2020 were written and produced in isolation and Zetra were unable to perform them live during this time.[8] In June 2021, Zetra supported the band Video Nasties for three shows in the UK.[9] In September 2021, Zetra released the From Within EP.[10][11] A follow-up EP, From Without, was released in January 2022 through Church Road Records.[10][12] Between March and April 2022, the band opened for Unto Others on their UK and Ireland tour that year.[13][14] The band also opened for Employed to Serve at two of their shows in May 2022.[15][16] The band also played at the 2022 Roadburn Festival in the Netherlands in April,[17][18] and at the ArcTanGent festival in August.[19] On 4 November 2022, the band opened for Creeper at the Roundhouse in London.[20][21]

2023–present: Zetra

[edit]

On 20 January 2023, Zetra opened for Godflesh and Author & Punisher at the 229 in London.[22][23] In February, they supported Author & Punisher on his UK tour.[24][25] Between 20 May and 26 May 2023, Zetra opened for A.A. Williams on the UK dates of her 2023 UK & Europe tour.[26] Zetra also performed at the Desertfest in London,[27][28] and on the Sophie Lancaster stage of the 2023 Bloodstock Open Air festival.[29] On 21 October 2023, the band opened for Svalbard at the Key Club in Leeds.[30] In November and December, they supported SKYND on their four-date UK tour.[31] On 27 November 2023, Zetra announced that they had signed to Nuclear Blast Records and released a new single, "Sacrifice".[32] The duo said that "It is not lost on us that we have found ourselves realising our debut album for such a prestigious record label, but it has always felt like Zetra was meant share a home with Dimmu Borgir and In Flames."[33] On 31 December 2023, Zetra joined Ville Valo, former frontman of HIM, at the Helldone Festival in Finland.[34] Valo had previously expressed admiration for Zetra in interviews, being a fan of their cover of Mummy Calls' "Beauty Has Her Way" in particular.[35]

On 20 February 2024, Zetra released a cover of The Cure's "Burn", to mark the 30th anniversary of 1994 film The Crow.[36] In March 2024, they supported Creeper and Naut on the former's 12 Days of Night tour in the UK.[36] On 3 April 2024, the band announced that their self-titled debut album would be released on 13 September 2024 and released another single, "Starfall", featuring Serena Cherry of Svalbard and Noctule.[37] The duo said the album is centred around observing the human experience through the eyes of the Spirit of Zetra.[38] The album will feature guest appearances from Solveig Mathildur (of Kaelan Mikla) and Gabriel Franco (of Unto Others).[33] From 4 April to 10 May 2024, Zetra supported Ville Valo on his European tour in support of his solo debut Neon Noir (2023).[39] Zetra performed at the 2000trees festival in July 2024,[40] and at ArcTanGent in August.[41] In October 2024, the band and GosT will support Health for the European leg of their Rat Wars tour.[42]

Style and influences

[edit]

Zetra have categorised their sound as "gothic heavy metal shoegaze",[1] with influences of synth-pop, new wave and synth-rock.[1][33] Metal Hammer described their sound as "an icy, enveloping mix of 80s-inspired synth-pop, goth-metal heaviness and atmospheric dream-pop, capped with hazy vocals of indeterminate gender(s)."[3] Zetra have cited Black Sabbath, Cocteau Twins,[43] Mortiis, My Bloody Valentine, Gary Numan, Paradise Lost, Radiohead, the Smashing Pumpkins, Tangerine Dream, Deadsy, Type O Negative and ZZ Top as influences on their sound.[1] The band listed Coldplay as the biggest influence on their debut album.[44] Journalists have also compared the band to The Cure, Depeche Mode, Deftones, Ghost, the Pet Shop Boys and Tiamat.[1][45][46][47]

The Spirit of Zetra has been described by the band as both a muse[48] and a "prism" through which their songwriting is reflected.[49] This source of inspiration is also cited as the origin of their decision to wear corpse paint on stage and heavily feature the imagery of chains live and in music videos.[50] Zetra's early EPs are each centered around specific storylines and narratives,[51] such as their Zetra EP, which is based on Vladimir Komarov's failed space mission,[1] and With Your Demons Volume Two partially revolving around the overturn of societies and the audiences thereof.[52] The From Within and From Without EPs both focus on a "the plague; a non-historical and a historical one", and "fear and leaving your loved ones."[4] The band's debut album has less of a specific concept; its tracks present the Spirit of Zetra as an outsider to earth and an observer of the human experience.[53]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Heavy Music Awards
Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2024 Themselves Best UK Breakthrough Artist Nominated [54][55]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Details
Zetra

EPs

[edit]
Title Details
Zetra
  • Released: 24 July 2020[5]
  • Label: Death Waltz
  • Format: CS, DD
The Wanderer
  • Released: 17 December 2020[56]
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: CS, DD
From Within
From Without
Sacred Songs
  • Released: 21 December 2022
  • Label: Children of the Vortex
  • Format: CD, CS, DD

Demo albums

[edit]
Title Details
Demo One
  • Released: 14 February 2019[57]
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: CS, DD
Chambers (Rehearsal Recordings 31/10/19)
  • Released: 31 October 2019[58]
  • Label: Children of the Vortex
  • Format: CS, DD
With Your Demons Vol. One
  • Released: 1 May 2020[59]
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: CS, DD
With Your Demons Vol. Two
  • Released: 15 May 2020[60]
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: CS, DD

Singles

[edit]
Title Year Album
"Mr. Tambourine Man"[61] 2020 Zetra (EP)
"Cry Little Sister" / "Beauty Has Her Way"[62] Non-album single
"Life Melts Away"[63] 2021 From Within
"Care"[64]
"Pull Me Under"[65]
"The Raven's Game"[66] From Without
"Call of the Void"[67]
"Into My Flesh"[68] 2022 Sacred Songs
"Float"[69]
"Satellite"[70]
"Hopeless Odyssey"[71]
"Sacred Song" / "Starlit Comet"[72]
"Sacrifice"[73] 2023 Zetra
"Burn"[36] 2024 Non-album single
"Starfall" (featuring Serena Cherry)[37] Zetra
"The Mirror"[74]
"Shatter the Mountain" (featuring Sólveig Matthildur)[75]
"Suffer Eternally"[76]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Stewart-Panko, Kevin (31 August 2020). "London's Zetra Create Synth-Gaze and Take it Right into Space!". V13.net. Archived from the original on 22 March 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  2. ^ "Metal Talks: Zetra". Metal Talks (Podcast). Spotify. 6 May 2024. Event occurs at 0:20. Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  3. ^ a b Everley, Dave; et al. (9 February 2023). "5 bands every metal fan is going to be talking about in 2023". Metal Hammer. Archived from the original on 29 September 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2024 – via loudersound.
  4. ^ a b Everley, Dave (July 2021). "New Noise: Zetra". Metal Hammer. No. 349. UK: Future plc. p. 30.
  5. ^ a b Wögerbauer, Christian (16 July 2020). "Zetra: kündigen Gothic Metal / Shoegaze EP "Zetra" über Kosmonauten an" [Zetra: announce gothic metal / shoegaze EP "Zetra" about cosmonauts]. vampster.com. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  6. ^ Mills, Reza (31 July 2020). "Review: Zetra 'Zetra' EP". The Sleeping Shaman. Archived from the original on 30 September 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  7. ^ "Metal Talks: Zetra". Metal Talks (Podcast). Spotify. 6 May 2024. Event occurs at 5:50. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  8. ^ "Metal Talks: Zetra". Metal Talks (Podcast). Spotify. 6 May 2024. Event occurs at 5:15. Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  9. ^ Deaux, Jon (24 May 2021). "VIDEO NASTIES ANNOUNCE UK TOUR DATES WITH AGGRESSIVE PERFECTOR".
  10. ^ a b Schwarzkamp, Jan (9 November 2021). "Vormerken! - Unsere aktuellen Neuentdeckungen". VISIONS.de (in German). Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  11. ^ Vianna, Leandro (5 September 2021). "Zetra: ouça o novo trabalho dos britânicos, o EP "From Within" - Roadie Metal" [ZETRA: Listen to the British Band's New Work, The EP "From Within"] (in Portuguese). Archived from the original on 30 November 2021. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  12. ^ a b "Zetra : second EP, extrait en écoute" [Zetra: second EP, listening extract]. noisemag.net. Archived from the original on 25 March 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  13. ^ wookubus (31 January 2022). "Unto Others Announce UK/Ireland Tour With Zetra". Theprp.com. Archived from the original on 2 February 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  14. ^ Castles, Paul (31 January 2022). "Unto Others confirm UK tour dates". Zero Tolerance. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  15. ^ Weaver, James (20 April 2022). "Employed To Serve announce UK tour". Distorted Sound Magazine. Archived from the original on 20 April 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  16. ^ Castles, Paul (21 April 2022). "Employed To Serve announce UK dates". Zero Tolerance. Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  17. ^ RaduP; X-Ray Rod; musclassia (11 May 2022). "Roadburn 2022, Day 1 & 2". Metal Storm. Archived from the original on 24 April 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  18. ^ Lehtinen, Arto (16 July 2022). "Roadburn 2022 - Tilburg Holland". Metal Rules. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  19. ^ Wilkes, Emma (26 August 2022). "All the highlights from ArcTanGent 2022". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  20. ^ Bush, Rebecca (15 November 2022). "Live Review: Creeper - London". The Razor's Edge. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  21. ^ Davarias, Nick (22 November 2022). "Live Review! Creeper - When The Sun Comes - The Roundhouse, London". The Rock Fix. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  22. ^ Tsangarides, Louis (26 January 2023). "LIVE REVIEW: Godflesh, Zetra, Steet Grease, 229 London, 20/01/2023".
  23. ^ Diamond Oz (23 January 2023). "Godflesh Digs Deep For Old School Set In First Night Of Short London Residency". Metal Underground. Archived from the original on 4 August 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  24. ^ "Author & Punisher announces UK tour with support from Zetra". Hold Tight. 16 December 2022. Archived from the original on 23 December 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  25. ^ Weaver, James (29 December 2022). "Author & Punisher announce UK tour".
  26. ^ "A.A. Williams announces UK tour with Zetra". Kerrang!. 17 February 2023. Archived from the original on 2 October 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  27. ^ Ruskell, Nick (2 December 2022). "Corrosion Of Conformity, Dawn Ray'd, Zetra and 40 more bands announced for Deserfest London 2023". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  28. ^ mandybang (20 May 2023). "Festival Review: Desertfest, London". Joyzine. Archived from the original on 2 December 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  29. ^ "The big review: Bloodstock 2023". Kerrang!. 15 August 2023. Archived from the original on 15 January 2024. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  30. ^ Slater, Jayne (24 October 2023). "Gig Review: Svalbard / Zetra / Hidden Mothers / Without Love – The Key Club, Leeds (21st October 2023)". The Moshville Times. Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  31. ^ "Live Review: SKYND + ZETRA @ St Luke's, Glasgow". Metal Epidemic. 6 December 2023. Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  32. ^ Carter, Emily (27 November 2023). "Zetra sign to Nuclear Blast, release new single Sacrifice". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on 12 December 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  33. ^ a b c Ruskell, Nick (3 April 2024). "Zetra: "This has been less 'in the making' as it has been 'in the uncovering' "". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  34. ^ Nysand, Stefanie (12 September 2023). "The legendary Helldone Festival is back". Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
  35. ^ Halmstad, Bree (13 January 2023). "Ville Valo Discusses What Went Into Neon Noir: "I Really Lost Myself in the Music"". MetalSucks. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  36. ^ a b c Ruskell, Nick (20 February 2024). "Zetra have released a cover of The Cure's Burn". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on 21 February 2024. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  37. ^ a b Weaver, James (3 April 2024). "Zetra announce debut self-titled album". Distorted Sound Magazine. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  38. ^ "Metal Talks: Zetra". Metal Talks (Podcast). Spotify. 6 May 2024. Event occurs at 28:00. Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  39. ^ Blabbermouth (12 September 2023). "Villie Valo Announces April/May 2024 European Tour". Blabbermouth.net. Archived from the original on 29 November 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  40. ^ Hillier, Dan (31 October 2023). "2000 Trees Festival Announces Over 40 New Acts For 2024!". Noizze UK. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  41. ^ Wilkes, Emma (29 February 2024). "ArcTanGent 2024 full line-up revealed". NME. Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  42. ^ "HEALTH Announce Fall European Tour With GosT & Zetra". Theprp.com. 23 April 2024.
  43. ^ Metal Talks (6 May 2024). "Metal Talks: Zetra". Spotify (Podcast). Metal Talks. Event occurs at 21:10. Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  44. ^ Metal Talks (6 May 2024). "Metal Talks: Zetra". Spotify (Podcast). Metal Talks. Event occurs at 24:45. Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  45. ^ Ruskell, Nick (3 November 2022). "Who are Zetra? Meet the mysterious London duo your favourite bands love". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on 23 September 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  46. ^ Hobson, Rich (1 December 2023). "The 10 best new metal songs you need to hear right now". Metal Hammer. Archived from the original on 5 December 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2024 – via loudersound.
  47. ^ K, Sophie (4 June 2021). "Now Hear This: Sophie K on the best new metalcore, grunge and nu-metal". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on 6 August 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  48. ^ Metal Talks (6 May 2024). "Metal Talks: Zetra". Spotify (Podcast). Metal Talks. Event occurs at 0:25. Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  49. ^ Metal Talks (6 May 2024). "Metal Talks: Zetra". Spotify (Podcast). Metal Talks. Event occurs at 1:30. Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  50. ^ Metal Talks (6 May 2024). "Metal Talks: Zetra". Spotify (Podcast). Metal Talks. Event occurs at 7:30. Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  51. ^ Metal Talks (6 May 2024). "Metal Talks: Zetra". Spotify (Podcast). Metal Talks. Event occurs at 25:45. Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  52. ^ Metal Talks (6 May 2024). "Metal Talks: Zetra". Spotify (Podcast). Metal Talks. Event occurs at 27:45. Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  53. ^ Metal Talks (6 May 2024). "Metal Talks: Zetra". Spotify (Podcast). Metal Talks. Event occurs at 28:20. Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  54. ^ Childers, Chad (24 April 2024). "All 2024 Heavy Music Awards Nominees Revealed for 10 Categories". Loudwire. Archived from the original on 8 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  55. ^ "Heavy Music Awards 2024 Winners Revealed". Heavy Music Awards. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  56. ^ Zetra. "The Wanderer, by Zetra". Bandcamp. Archived from the original on 25 December 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  57. ^ Zetra. "Demo One | Zetra". Bandcamp. Archived from the original on 11 November 2020. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  58. ^ "Chambers (Rehearsal Recordings 31/10/19), by Zetra". Bandcamp. Archived from the original on 31 July 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  59. ^ Zetra. "'With Your Demons' Volume One, by Zetra". Bandcamp. Archived from the original on 1 May 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  60. ^ Zetra. "'With Your Demons' Volume Two, by Zetra". Bandcamp. Archived from the original on 2 May 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  61. ^ "Mr. Tambourine Man | Zetra". Bandcamp. Archived from the original on 22 September 2021. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  62. ^ "Cry Little Sister, by Zetra". Zetra. Archived from the original on 28 April 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  63. ^ "Zetra lança denso e pesado videoclipe para a faixa "Care"". Headbangers News (in Brazilian Portuguese). Archived from the original on 12 August 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  64. ^ "ZETRA – New single – Care". UNDERGROUND N' PROUD. 30 July 2021. Archived from the original on 27 January 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  65. ^ "Zetra: Pull Me Under". Destroy//Exist. 3 September 2021. Archived from the original on 20 March 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  66. ^ "ZETRA – New single – The Raven's Game". UNDERGROUND N' PROUD. 9 November 2021. Archived from the original on 27 January 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  67. ^ "Zetra: Call Of The Void". Destroy//Exist. 10 December 2021. Archived from the original on 28 March 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  68. ^ "Zetra: Into My Flesh". Destroy//Exist. 23 June 2022. Archived from the original on 28 March 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  69. ^ "Zetra: Float". Destroy//Exist. 5 August 2022. Archived from the original on 8 December 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  70. ^ Weaver, James (8 October 2022). "Zetra release new music video for 'Satellite'". Distorted Sound Magazine. Archived from the original on 10 October 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  71. ^ "Zetra: Hopeless Odyssey". Destroy//Exist. 25 November 2022. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  72. ^ Zetra. "Sacred Song, by Zetra". Bandcamp. Archived from the original on 9 April 2024. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  73. ^ Weaver, James (28 November 2023). "Zetra release new music video for 'Sacrifice'". Distorted Sound Magazine. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  74. ^ BraveWords (16 May 2024). "ZETRA Release Official Music Video For "The Mirror"". bravewords.com. Archived from the original on 24 May 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  75. ^ Carter, Emily (26 June 2024). ""Join us on a journey into the mind…" Zetra drop new single, Shatter The Mountain". Kerrang!. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
  76. ^ Weaver, James (14 August 2024). "Zetra release new music video for 'Suffer Eternally'". Distorted Sound Magazine. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Zetra (band).
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Zetra_(band)&oldid=1258652779"