heavy-metal-darkness: Zepter |Zepter |High Roller Records

Monday, February 16, 2026

Zepter |Zepter |High Roller Records

Release Date 20.02.2026
Format CD/LP/MC/Digital
Genre Traditional Heavy Metal
Country Austria

Zepter comes out of Austria, kicking off the project in January 2024. They wasted no time, quickly dropping the "Inferno" EP on cassette through Ironbound, which saw subsequent vinyl and CD versions via Fucking Kill Records and Witches Brew. The lineup consists of musicians who already knew each other from the local scene and played in other groups before uniting for this traditional metal outfit. High Roller Records now handles the release of their self-titled debut album.

This album screams 1980. It is pure, denim-and-leather worship that fits right in with the current High Roller catalog. You get exactly what the cover art suggests. Twin guitars, galloping bass lines, and vocals that aim for the rafters. The sound leans heavily on the British steel of forty years ago, channeling the spirit of bands like Saxon or Angel Witch. It is fast, loud, and enthusiastic, capturing a specific era of heavy metal history with genuine affection.

The guitars do the heavy lifting here. Lukas Götzenberger and Stefan Bolda trade licks that remind you of the Schenker era or the early days of Iron Maiden. The harmonies are the main attraction, sitting on top of a rhythm section that keeps things moving forward. Tracks like "The Exterminator" or "Slasher On The Highway" possess a raw aggression that works well. The inclusion of the Screem cover, "Lonely Night," blends in perfectly with the original material, proving these guys did their homework on obscure heavy metal gems.

Production-wise, it sounds organic. It avoids modern digital trickery, keeping the drums sounding like actual drums and the amps buzzing with electricity. The mix by Johnnyfromtherotten captures a garage vibe where the sweat is real. It is not perfect audio engineering, but that roughness adds to the charm. The vocals sit slightly back in the mix, allowing the riffs to dominate the sonic landscape, which is exactly how this sort of music should sound.

While the album is a fun listen, it stays safely within the boundaries of the style. Zepter pays homage to their heroes without straying from the path laid down by the NWOBHM. It is a competent debut that hits the requisite marks for the genre. If you hoard obscure 7-inch singles from 1981, this album will make you happy. It delivers the goods for thirty-four minutes and leaves you wanting a beer.

Score: 7.5