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Synth-rock duo Zetra’s debut album is a shadow-cloaked journey through the universe, catastrophe and rebirth. Storytelling is a strength for the London band, creating fantastical landscapes full of questions and scathing commentary. Their mysterious personas combined with their mystical sound make for a mesmerising odyssey.
While ‘Zetra’ is their first full-length album, Zetra have been making music since 2018. They maintain an air of mystery in every part of their public personas, fully committed to the drama, wonder and ambiguity that define their music. They list Gary Numan, Sonic Youth and Deafheaven as influences, and have toured with Creeper, Godflesh and SKYND, so are well at home amongst a variety of their dark and twisted peers.
The album begins with foreboding guitars that transcend into dark, ethereal vocals. The opening track, ‘Suffer Eternally’, is a fitting introduction to the eerie world of Zetra. Surprisingly catchy for a song so soaked in misery, the melody feels spiritual, almost trance-like. This incorporeal flavour is especially palpable in the second track, ‘Sacrifice’. Despite the use of synths, there is an unmistakable feeling of connection to nature - of something bigger than music. It feels as though they have control of the elements - the cry of “we beg for rain and now we face a deluge” is followed by a crescendo that feels as though it embodies the very rain they've been singing about.
The entire album is a constant dance between sharp and smooth, mourning and rage, the balance tipping in each direction only briefly. The bite of Svalbard’s Serena Cherry’s growling vocals against the band’s sorrowful harmonies during ‘Starfall’ is cathartic, with an undercurrent of desperation. Their control of tension is remarkable, constantly breaking before being pulled back under. Other features are Kælan Mikla’s Sólveig Matthildur Kristjánsdóttir in ‘Shatter The Mountain’ and Unto Others’ Gabriel Franco in ‘Moonfall’, who blend perfectly into the complex blanket of Zetra’s sound.
The duo’s voices blend together into an indistinguishable voice, which often feels like some form of disembodied being. This fuels their character-building in every instance, especially the hypnotic, manipulative narrator of ‘The Mirror’ - giving voice to the darkness of human nature. At many points throughout the album, the vocals feel as though they could be a distant echo through mountains or even the voice in our heads, feeding the otherworldly ambience.
The end of the album feels somehow both apocalyptic and holy in one go. ‘Gaia’ is a gothic dance through the end of the world, while ‘Moonfall’ is the real climax of the album, and truly does feel like watching the moon fall in slow motion. The theatrical track has twists and turns, showcasing the band’s range while still maintaining their distinct style. ‘Miracle’ is a rebirth, relief from watching the world end and reform.
Zetra leaves us fully converted to their peculiar cult, wondering what will take the place of the world that has just been built and torn down. An undeniably fantastic album for lovers of dark romanticism and layered synth, ‘Zetra’ is a very exciting debut. Catch them on tour with HEALTH across Europe soon.
'Zetra' is released on September 13th via Nuclear Blast Records.
Words: Gabriella Bosticco
Photos: Zetra
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