Zubzero - 2023 - Frostbite

(12:23; Big Bad Wolf Records / Metalization / Headbangers Records)




















Track list:
1. Nakam 3:02
2. New Day Next Punch 2:51
3. Fine Without You 3:17
4. Bomb Squad 3:13

Line-up:
Dirk Draaisma - guitars
Lars Draaisma - drums
Herman Mulder - bass
Ferdinand Wanders - vocals


Dutch band Zubzero has been around for around a quarter of a century at this point, and probably merits a description as veterans due to that. So far in their career they have released one full length studio album and a number of singles and EPs from what I can see. The EP" Frostbite" dates back to 2023, and was released through the labels Big Bad Wolf Records, Metalization and Headbangers Records.

While I see this band being described and defined in a few different manners, with thrash metal and metalcore being used most often, for my sake I find the music they explore to be of a slightly different character. At least as far as the material on this EP is concerned.

I would say that the material here is a blend of traditional heavy metal, thrash metal and extreme metal first and foremost, with a little bit of an ongoing doom metal undercurrent. In addition I'd say that the music here is just a little bit off kilter, but without being so in any detrimental manner.

Generally speaking I'd describe these songs as alternating between more straight forward passages with a little bit of a primal intent and quirkier parts with slightly more unusual instrument details or sounds being given a more central role. We get tempo changes too of course, that is perhaps a given considering how I described the musical landscape we are treated to.

The band have opted for a more primal sound and mood overall though, one of those takes on metal that makes the music sound more primitive than it actually is. The choice of using gruff, slightly distorted vocals that come with a little bit of an extreme metal feel emphasize this aspect quite nicely, with the guitar sound also having an important role in establishing the more primal association.

In many ways this band gives me associations towards some classic bands from the 1980s. First and foremost classic era Celtic Frost, but to some extent also a band like Coroner. Zubzero doesn't replicate the sound and style of those bands, but in my view at least they operate and explore within a similar set of boundaries. Certainly more accessible than Celtic Frost was back in the day, and not as technical as Coroner used to be, but with certain details here and there that makes comparisons in those directions a natural one for me.

Hence I'd also state that for those with a general interest in metal bands that operate in a similar environment and landscape as classic era Celtic Frost and Coroner may also find the music on this production to be of general interest. A solid slice of doom and extreme flavored primal metal with some subtly off kilter and quirky tendencies.

Olav M. Björnsen, January 2026

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/ZubzeroBand
https://www.headbangerszineandgigs.nl/
https://www.bigbadwolfrecords.nl/
https://www.facebook.com/metalization.nl

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