Today we have the privilege of sharing an early stream of ‘Inferno‘ the debut EP from Linz, Austria-based heavy metal quartet ZEPTER which releases this coming August 8th. Their work has the right foundation in the canonical sense where they’ve keen understanding of 70’s heavy rock going into this more 80’s heavy metal mode, making for a proto-metallic touch to NWOBHM level songcraft that isn’t afraid to stretch into a speed metal rush if the song calls for it. And that’d be the biggest thing to grip me from the start, they’ve got a knack for putting body-shaking energy on tape. Thrill a minute guitar work, a kicking rhythm section and a haunting vocal presence speak the language of a band unafraid to stretch into the glorious past while remaining rooted in the possibilities open to the style in the now. Throw in some horror film inspired lyrics and they’ve made a huge first impression in my book.

You can listen to it now (scroll down) and/or read more of my thoughts over in my review: “Touting a warmed-up fully analog recording and new-yet-ancient traditional early 80’s heavy metal ethos at the core of its sound ‘Inferno‘ is yet a spectacle of song and not merely design ethos, taking the willful energy of old-new wave and giving it their best four shots herein.” Check it out either way, easily one of the best debuts from a traditional heavy metal band I’ve heard all year.

Thanks goes out to Ironbound Records and the band for the opportunity to share this EP early. Scroll down to the Bandcamp embed below to finalize your descent… As always, please do your best to support the worldwide heavy metal underground and grab a copy on Cassette Tape (via Ironbound) on August 8th:

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Per the press release:

ZEPTER – “Inferno” (EP)
Label: Ironbound Records
Release date: 8. Aug. 2024

Forged in the cauldron of the Steel City comes ZEPTER! For all the queens and kings who kneel before the throne of traditional heavy metal, ZEPTER takes you into the world of early 80’s Italian horror movies lyrically, while musically paying tribute to classic acts such as Virtue, Heavy Load or Thin Lizzy. They alloyed all these ingredients and combined them with a modern approach similar to bands such as Danava and Century. Tracked entirely analogue in the halls of Support Nothing Studios in Linz ZEPTER will exclusively release their debut on IRONBOUND RECORDS on cassette. Behold the mighty ZEPTER!

ZEPTER is:
Alex Nemeth: Drums & Vocals (on “Precise Radars”)
Lukas Götzenberger: Guitar & Vocals
Stefan Bolda: Guitar
Tobias Hochwagen: Bass

Artwork by Hans Huemer
Layout by Yoga Beges
Photography by Magdalena Götzenberger

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