Zepter - Zepter - review
Zepter - Zepter - review
Tracklist
01. Slasher On The Highway02. Everlasting
03. The Slayer
04. Hit The Streets
05. The Exterminator
06. Dark Angels
07. Lonely Night [Screem cover]
08. The Lords
A review by
AndyMetalFreak March 07, 2026
The Austrian NWOTHM scene is responsible for producing some of the more notable bands in the genre right now, most obviously Venator. Zepter are a brand new promising face, releasing their solid debut EP Inferno in the same year they founded in 2024. Two years later, they now unleash their self-titled debut full-length, looking to have a similar impact to what Venator managed with Echoes From The Gutter back in 2022?
The aim of the game for Zepter is not only to bring quality authentic and energetic traditional heavy metal inspired by legends such as early Judas Priest, Satan, UFO, and Thin Lizzy to listeners, but also lyrically draw you into the world of 80s Italian cult horror movies. Although the sound and tone is much thinner and less punchy compared to other modern day bands, Zepter have opted for a more nostalgic raw and unpolished approach, which, along with the retro cover art, high-octane twin-guitar harmonies, and adrenaline-fueled galloping rhythms, pays homage to the classic NWOBHM era.
"Slasher On The Highway" is a short, catchy, and energetic opener that ticks all the necessary boxes, from stylish pounding drums and roaring bass, to heavy melodic riffs, soaring leads, and a catchy AOR anthem chorus, all of which follows a brief retro key-based haunting intro. The opening song certainly sets the no-nonsense, old-school heavy metal tone of the album in motion; the tempo is mostly set to this rampant speed, however, there are times when they reduce the speed to that more akin to a lighter classic hard rock approach, and I believe this is when they truly shine.
The 34-minute runtime is short but suitable for this style, with each song being just the right length to retain their hooks without running their course or coming across as unnecessary showboating, and this means the album holds a strong replay value. The riffs aren't necessarily groundbreaking, but are delightfully melodic and will have you nodding your head in satisfaction. The leads are in general quite memorable, having a touch of Thin Lizzy, while the rhythm section follows the basic traditional heavy metal formula, right down to some irresistible gallops. There are even a few occasions where keys are present, although they are perhaps too sparse for some listeners to notice, and the vocals are performed in a charmingly comfortable manner; as opposed to high-pitched squeals and wailing, they're not too fancy in style or powerful, but on the other hand, not at all overbearing.
The NWOTHM scene is quite rightly considered the modern day standard of heavy metal, rather than just an 80s revival movement. Bands tend to incorporate modern elements whilst keeping up-to-date with a clean and refined production. Zepter, on the other hand, take a step further back, instead re-capturing the 80s era with as much authenticity as possible by stripping back to its very core in both sound quality and songwriting approach. Some would say they've taken a step too far back and could've done with a more weightier tone; others could even say more oomph would be required in the vocal department, or that they could've done with taking more risks. However, I believe they've intended on capturing the heavy metal spirit in its purist form, and they've achieved that here.
Rating breakdown
| Performance: | 7 |
| Songwriting: | 7 |
| Originality: | 5 |
| Production: | 7 |
Written on 07.03.2026 by
Written on 07.03.2026 by
An honest review that you don't necessarily have to agree with. Comments
Comments:
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 Posts: 64480 |
Posts: 64480
Good album, review and good genre
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