Review: “Perverseverance” by Zubzero

Fuelled by themes of War, Injustice and Politics, the Draaisma brothers, Dirk on guitar and Lars on drums formed Dutch Metallic Hardcore crew Zubzero back in 1999. Alongside like minded musicians they gave us their first burnt offering in album “Stolen Land” in 2001 and despite a couple of line up changes haven’t looked back since with five EPs and a demo to their collective names. The outfit currently finds the brothers joined by former Coremass bassist Herman Mulder who has served twenty years for his sins as well as former Unothera, Dimæon and Soaking in Entrails vocalist Ferdinand Wanders who has served just five. Produced by WD Glashouwer (Bone Ripper, Manu Armata) their latest effort “Perverseverance” is a play on words; Persevering with their perverse blend of Hardcore and Metal.

You could be forgiven for thinking that age would cause Zubzero to mellow out but if anything the Dutchmen have become even more bitter and twisted. The thunderous Groove Metal onslaught of opening cut “Aftermath” feels like it was recorded live on the floor in one take, such is the vim and vigour of the violent outburst. Wanders throat shredding vocals are the perfect accompaniment to Dirk Draaisma’s crushing guitars, the slabs of rhythmic disturbance as urgent as they are heavy. Slowing down a notch “Biopiracy” ploughs a new furrow to the cranium in startling fashion, a thinking mans lyrical narrative about greed in the pharmaceutical industry cutting against earworm riffs and bombastic bass. A punchy number that raises a fist of rage, it asks the question of the morality of humanity, in a no money no cure society and is sadly a subject more relevant now than ever. If that wasn’t furious enough then “The Essence of our Existence” increases the intensity of the situation like a slap in the face from a woman scorned. If Max Cavalera did Groove Metal then it would sound like this, the old school Sepultura vibes rising through the cracks in the concrete like weeds. That makes for a free, fast and loose track that you just can’t help but enjoy because despite the hard hitting lyrical narrative, sonically and vocally it’s as much fun as you can have without risking life and limb. How about a big old steaming pile of Hardcore clichés for shits and giggles? That’s exactly what the Zubzero serve up with “Chronicles” in blood and thunder fashion with old school Hardcore Punk vibes creeping in towards the end… if it ain’t broken don’t fix it and there is absolutely nothing wrong with this old school blend, it goes down like a pint of the finest brew [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Aftermath
2. Biopiracy
3. The Essence of our Existence
4. Chronicles

“Perverseverance” by Zubzero is out 21st March 2025 via BigBadWolf Records and Headbangers Records