For the sake of transparency, Zepter had a lot going for them before I even listened to their eponymous debut. Their moniker sounded cool. The cover art looked like a euro release circa ’83-’84 that I’d stumble upon when flipping through records out in the wild. The icing on the cake is this release being handled by High Roller, who have been on quite the hot streak as of late when it comes to up and coming bands. And just as you’d imagine, Zepter keeps this streak going, their debut full length offering up a healthy does of NWOBHM romanticism and old school speed.
Despite hailing from Austria, Zepter sound more in line with any number of NWOBHM obscurities who flew under the radar during the scene’s heyday. Unlike many in the so-called NWOTHM field who focus on polished production, precise playing, and borderline-pop melodies, Zepter keep it rough and raw, evoking an streetwise authenticity in the vein of Satan or Di’Anno era Maiden. What they lack in virtuosity, they make up for in attitude and riffs. Lots and lots and LOTS of riffs. See, something the ’70s and ’80s bands realized was that if you didn’t have a strong riff to back you up, you were dead in the water. Zepter too realizes this.
The opening “Slasher on the Highway” showcases the band’s speed metal side, which is also explored on the ultra-violent “The Slayer” and rip-roaring boogie metal closer that is “The Lords”, as well as various other moments throughout the album. When Zepter does go speed metal mode, it’s less proto-thrash, lacking the filth n’ fury of ancient favorites Tank and Warfare, and more in the vein of Satan at their most breakneck, with many of the guitar lines sounding reminiscent of Court in the Act. Following this is “Everlasting”, which boasts that back alley nastiness of early Maiden, its gallop riffs threatening to stab you in the back unknowingly.
As for those riffs I keep talking about, there’s no shortage of those. Get a load of the proto-power metal maneuvers on “Hit the Streets”. One could easily envision them in a Maiden, Diamond Head, or Angel Witch tune circa ’81. “The Exterminator”, which is about as vile as this band gets, even teeters on the edge of early Venom. So imagine my shock when this breakneck heavy rocker is then contrasted by the lo-fi melodic metal of “Dark Angels”. I wouldn’t dare call it ready for radio airplay, but it shows that even a “kvlt” act of this nature have potential for accessibility when they want to tap that vein.
Further adding to Zepter’s “kvlt” cred is a cover of Screem’s “Lonely Night”, and if you’re wondering who Screem is, you’re not alone. Apparently, they were a Swedish act who lasted one demo before imploding in 1987. By this logic alone, Zepter have already eclipsed Screem, having reached the full length stage in the first place. Assuming they have a collection of tunes of this ilk stockpiled, there’s no reason why they can’t keep the momentum going for an album #2 or #3. For a band obsessed with horror, the supernatural, and all things dark, the future is looking bright!
8 out of 10
Label: High Roller Records
Genre: Heavy Metal
For fans of: Satan, Iron Maiden, Century
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