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Draft:Zetra (band)

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Zetra on stage playing their instruments in front of a backdrop
Zetra performing as support for VV at the Royal Albert Hall in London on 10.05.2024

Zetra is an English synth-rock duo from London. After working on previous musical projects together, guitarist/ main vocalist Adam Saunderson and synth player/ background vocalist Jordan Page formed Zetra in 2018 [1], releasing music and performing together ever since.

History[edit]

2018-2020: Formation, Chambers, With Your Demons Volumes’, Zetra (EP) and The Wanderer[edit]

Zetra was formed in the summer of 2018 following a flash of inspiration of members Adam Saunderson and Jordan Page [1] [2]. They independently released the collection Chambers (Rehearsal Recordings 31/10/2019) in October 2019 [3], as well as the duology With Your Demons Volume One [4] and With Your Demons Volume Two [5] in May of 2020 on bandcamp. After signing with Death Waltz Records, their debut EP Zetra, thematically centred around the mission of Vladimir Komarov, the first death in space, was released digitally in Summer of 2020 [1]. Having been partially reworked into other projects, this EP is now no longer available online [6].

Covers of Cry Little Sister and Beauty Has Her Way from the Soundtrack of The Lost Boys, released on Halloween 2020 for the project MONDOPALOOZA Halloween [7] are now the earliest works available on digital streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music.

In December of 2020, Zetra released the EP The Wanderer, following themes of the nordic-paganistic origins of Christmas [8].

Due to the global pandemic of COVID 19, all works released in 2020 were written and produced in isolation and Zetra were unable to perform them live during this time [9].

2021-2022: From Within, From Without and Sacred Songs[edit]

In June of 2021, Zetra supported the band Video Nasties for three shows in the UK [10].

Said to have been written pre-pandemic but held back due to themes of plague and death, the EP From Within was released in September of 2021 accompanied by lyric/ music videos for the tracks "Life Melts Away pt.ii" and "Care". The record follows a narrative of bargaining with and eventually succumbing to death from multiple contrasting perspectives [11].

Following the release of From Within, Zetra played a headline show at The Black Heart in London, supported by Soft Riot [12].

In January 2022, the EP From Without was released under the record label Church Road Records [13] [14].

Zetra spent most of March 2022 supporting Unto Others on their UK tour [15]. They also made appearances at some of Employed To Serve's UK dates as well as at several festivals throughout the year [16].

Another headline show at The Black Heart in London took place in early December 2022, supported by Allsiah and fellow Church Road Records band Graywave [17].

In late December of 2022, the EP Sacred Songs was released as a best-of collection of sorts, featuring rerecordings of the tracks “Into My Flesh” and “Starlit Comet” previously found on the With Your Demons volumes as well as ”Satellite” from Zetra (EP) [1]. Music videos for the tracks “Sacred Song” and “Satellite” were published, only the latter still being available on Zetra’s YouTube channel.

2023- present: Zetra (album)[edit]

Zetra started the year 2023 joining Godflesh and Author & Punisher on their UK tours in January and Feburary [18] [19]. This was followed by six shows in support of A.A. William's UK tour [20].

Alongside their announcement of having signed with Nuclear Blast Records in November of 2023, they released what would become the lead single for their debut album Zetra, “Sacrifice" [21]. Similtaneously, they joined SKYND for their four UK shows in November and December [22].

On December 31st, 2023, Zetra joined Ville Valo, former frontman of HIM, at Helldone Festival in Finland, welcoming the new year [23]. Later in 2024, Zetra went on tour with VV to promote his solo album Neon Noir. VV had previously expressed admiration for Zetra in interviews, being a fan of their cover of Beauty Has Her Way in particular [24].

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Crow, Zetra released a cover of The Cure's "Burn" in February of 2024 [25]. Shortly thereafter, in March of 2024, Zetra supported Creeper on their 12 Days of Night tour in the UK [26].

Unveiled in April 2024 and set to be released on September 13th 2024, the upcoming album Zetra is said to centre themes of observing the human experience through the eyes of the Spirit of Zetra [27]. The album announcement was accompanied by the release of the single “Starfall” featuring vocalist of fellow British metal band Svalbard, Serena Cherry [28].

Musical Style and Influences[edit]

Whilst their sound has evolved throughout the years, Zetra’s genre has been self-described as gothic heavy metal, shoegaze with influences of synth-pop and new wave [1] and synth-rock [29]. Early influences on their work include ZZ Top, The Smashing Pumpkins, Black Sabbath, Gary Newman, Type O Negative, Radiohead, Tangerine Dream, Paradise Lost, My Bloody Valentine, Mortiis, [1] Cocteau Twins [30]. When talking about the upcoming album, Zetra listed Coldplay as the biggest influence [31].

Themes[edit]

The Spirit of Zetra has been described by the band as both a muse [32] and a prism through which their songwriting is reflected [33]. 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 [34].

Zetra's early EPs are each centered around specific storylines and narratives [35], Zetra (EP) (unavailable, some songs now found on Sacred Songs) being based on Komarov's failed space mission [1] and With Your Demons Volume Two partially revolving around the overturn of societies and the audiences thereof [36]. The upcoming album Zetra is said to have a less specific concept, the tracks being united by a theme of the Spirit of Zetra as an outsider to earth and an observer of the human experience [37].

Live Performances[edit]

Tours[edit]

Supporting[edit]

  • Video Nasties (2021; three shows) [10]
  • Unto Others (2022; twenty shows) [15]
  • Employed To Serve (2022; two shows) [16]
  • Godflesh (2023) [18]
  • Author & Punisher (2023; nine shows) [19]
  • A.A. Williams (2023; six shows) [20]
  • SKYND UK Tour (2023; four shows) [22]
  • Creeper 12 Days of Night Tour (2024; twelve shows)[26]
  • VV Neon Noir Tour (2024; twenty-eight shows) [26]
  • Health (2024; twelve shows) [38]

Other Appearances[edit]

  • Zetra at The Black Heart, London, UK (2021) [12]
  • Roadburn Festival, NL (2022) [39]
  • Puppy: Tour Evil, London, UK (2022) [40]
  • Into The Grave Afterparty, Leeuwarden, NL (2022) [41]
  • Graywave: Album Launch Party, Birmingham, UK (2022) [42]
  • ArcTanGent Festival, UK (2022) [43]
  • Creeper : When The Sun Comes; Roundhouse London, UK (2022) [44]
  • Zetra at The Black Heart, London, UK (2022) [17]
  • Complexity Fest, NL (2023) [45]
  • Desertfest, UK (2023) [46]
  • Bloodstock Open Air, UK (2023) [47]
  • Void Fest, DE (2023) [48]
  • Svalbard: Leeds, UK (2023) [49]
  • Helldone, FI (2023) [23]
  • 2000trees Festival, UK (2024) [50]
  • ArcTanGent Festival, UK (2024) [51]

Discography[edit]

Studio Albums[edit]

  • Zetra (2024)

EPs[edit]

  • Zetra (2020) (unavailable)
  • The Wanderer (2020)
  • From Within (2021)
  • From Without (2022)
  • Sacred Songs (2022)

Singles[edit]

  • Cry Little Sister (2020)
  • Sacrifice (2023)
  • Burn (2024)
  • Starfall (2024)
  • The Mirror (2024)

Other Works[edit]

  • Chambers (Rehearsal Recordings 31/10/2019) (2019)
  • With Your Demons Volume One (2020)
  • With Your Demons Volume Two (2020)

Awards[edit]

Heavy Music Awards
Year Recipient/Work Award Result Ref
2024 Zetra Best UK Breakthrough Artist Nominated [52]


References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Stewart-Panko, Kevin (August 31, 2020). "London's Zetra Create Synth-Gaze and Take it Right into Space!".
  2. ^ Metal Talks (6 May 2024). "Metal Talks: Zetra". Spotify (Podcast). Metal Talks. Event occurs at 0:20. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  3. ^ "Chambers (Rehearsal Recordings 31/10/19), by Zetra". Zetra.
  4. ^ "'With Your Demons' Volume One, by Zetra". Zetra.
  5. ^ "'With Your Demons' Volume Two, by Zetra". Zetra.
  6. ^ Metal Talks (6 May 2024). "Metal Talks: Zetra". Spotify (Podcast). Metal Talks. Event occurs at 5:50. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  7. ^ https://youtube.com/Rmg-8SlvXUw?si=dAaLSMSJex0SiaEc
  8. ^ "The Wanderer, by Zetra". Zetra.
  9. ^ Metal Talks (6 May 2024). "Metal Talks: Zetra". Spotify (Podcast). Metal Talks. Event occurs at 5:15. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  10. ^ a b Deaux, Jon (May 24, 2021). "VIDEO NASTIES ANNOUNCE UK TOUR DATES WITH AGGRESSIVE PERFECTOR".
  11. ^ "From Within, by Zetra". Zetra.
  12. ^ a b "ZETRA + SPECIAL GUESTS - SOFT RIOT". Our Black Heart. September 29, 2021.
  13. ^ "x.com". X (formerly Twitter).
  14. ^ "From Without, by Zetra". Zetra.
  15. ^ a b Castles, Paul (January 31, 2022). "Unto Others confirm UK tour dates | Zero Tolerance Magazine".
  16. ^ a b Castles, Paul (April 21, 2022). "Employed To Serve announce UK dates | Zero Tolerance Magazine".
  17. ^ a b "ZETRA". Our Black Heart. December 1, 2022.
  18. ^ a b Tsangarides, Louis (January 26, 2023). "LIVE REVIEW: Godflesh, Zetra, Steet Grease, 229 London, 20/01/2023".
  19. ^ a b Weaver, James (December 29, 2022). "Author & Punisher announce UK tour".
  20. ^ a b "A.A. Williams announces UK tour with Zetra". Kerrang!. February 17, 2023.
  21. ^ "Zetra sign to Nuclear Blast, release new single Sacrifice | Kerrang!". www.kerrang.com.
  22. ^ a b "Live Review: SKYND + ZETRA @ St Luke's, Glasgow". December 6, 2023.
  23. ^ a b Nysand, Stefanie (September 12, 2023). "The legendary Helldone Festival is back".
  24. ^ Halmstad, Bree (January 13, 2023). "Ville Valo Discusses What Went Into Neon Noir: "I Really Lost Myself in the Music"". MetalSucks.
  25. ^ "Burn, by Zetra". Zetra.
  26. ^ a b c "Zetra have released a cover of The Cure's Burn | Kerrang!". www.kerrang.com.
  27. ^ Metal Talks (6 May 2024). "Metal Talks: Zetra". Spotify (Podcast). Metal Talks. Event occurs at 28:00. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  28. ^ "Zetra announce debut album, release new single with Svalbard's Serena…". Kerrang!. April 2, 2024.
  29. ^ "Zetra: "This has been less 'in the making' as it has been 'in the…". Kerrang!. April 3, 2024.
  30. ^ Metal Talks (6 May 2024). "Metal Talks: Zetra". Spotify (Podcast). Metal Talks. Event occurs at 21:10. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  31. ^ Metal Talks (6 May 2024). "Metal Talks: Zetra". Spotify (Podcast). Metal Talks. Event occurs at 24:45. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  32. ^ Metal Talks (6 May 2024). "Metal Talks: Zetra". Spotify (Podcast). Metal Talks. Event occurs at 0:25. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  33. ^ Metal Talks (6 May 2024). "Metal Talks: Zetra". Spotify (Podcast). Metal Talks. Event occurs at 1:30. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  34. ^ Metal Talks (6 May 2024). "Metal Talks: Zetra". Spotify (Podcast). Metal Talks. Event occurs at 7:30. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  35. ^ Metal Talks (6 May 2024). "Metal Talks: Zetra". Spotify (Podcast). Metal Talks. Event occurs at 25:45. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  36. ^ Metal Talks (6 May 2024). "Metal Talks: Zetra". Spotify (Podcast). Metal Talks. Event occurs at 27:45. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  37. ^ Metal Talks (6 May 2024). "Metal Talks: Zetra". Spotify (Podcast). Metal Talks. Event occurs at 28:20. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  38. ^ "HEALTH Announce Fall European Tour With GosT & Zetra". Theprp.com. April 23, 2024.
  39. ^ "Roadburn 2022 Line-Up :: Clashfinder". clashfinder.com.
  40. ^ "Facebook". www.facebook.com.
  41. ^ "Into The Grave afterparty: Zetra + Deadspeak | Neushoorn, Leeuwarden, FR | June 11, 2022". happeningnext.com.
  42. ^ "Back Of The Bar: Graywave, Zetra and Blush Puppy at Night Owl, Birmingham (2022) ⟋ RA". Resident Advisor.
  43. ^ "All the highlights from ArcTanGent 2022". Kerrang!. August 26, 2022.
  44. ^ Claber, Charlotte (November 23, 2022). "Creeper With Bad Nerves & Zetra Live Photo Gallery From Roundhouse, London, 4th November 2022".
  45. ^ "Complexity Fest 2023 - 25/02/2023 - Haarlem - Patronaat - Netherlands". en.concerts-metal.com.
  46. ^ "Stage times for Desertfest London 2023 have landed – Desertfest London".
  47. ^ "Band Line Up - 2023 - Bloodstock Heavy metal festival band line and metal band biographies | Bloodstock". www.bloodstock.uk.com.
  48. ^ "Void Fest 2023 - 11/08/2023 (3 days) - Waldmünchen - Germany". en.concerts-metal.com.
  49. ^ "The Moshville Times - Gig Review: Svalbard / Zetra / Hidden Mothers / Without Love – The Key Club, Leeds (21st October 2023)". The Moshville Times. October 24, 2023.
  50. ^ "2000trees announces final line up for 2024". The Scene - Music, Radio, Zine.
  51. ^ Wilkes, Emma (February 29, 2024). "ArcTanGent 2024 full line-up revealed". NME.
  52. ^ Childers, Chad ChildersChad (April 24, 2024). "All 2024 Heavy Music Awards Nominees Revealed for 10 Categories". Loudwire.
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