Basel’s Zatokrev have carved a singular path through sludge, doom and post-metal since forming in 2002. The name—Czech for roughly “blood for this”—fits their commitment to density and catharsis, but there’s as much atmosphere and psychedelia as brute force. Today they’re signed to Pelagic Records, a natural home for their expansive, textural approach.
Zatokrev’s self-titled debut (2004/05) arrived via Codebreaker, Earache and Division Records, setting the blueprint: heaving low-end, serrated guitars and a slow-burn sense of drama. The Bat, the Wheel and a Long Road to Nowhere (2012, Candlelight) pushed the scope further—still heavy, but with bolder arrangements and dynamic contrast—followed by Silk Spiders Underwater… (2015), where long-form songs opened into widescreen, melodic passages without losing grit. A collaborative streak runs through their story too, including a 2018 split with Minsk.
In 2025 the band returned on Pelagic with Bring Mirrors To The Surface—a record described as blending sludge, doom, post-hardcore and cosmic psychedelia, and notable for select guest contributions. It consolidates two decades of evolution into something immersive rather than merely abrasive.
Zatokrev’s current phase is tightly linked to Pelagic: the label’s emphasis on detailed presentation and forward-leaning heavy music mirrors the band’s own trajectory, with Bring Mirrors To The Surface marking their newest chapter under the imprint.
Our Zatokrev page focuses on 100% official audio—vinyl and CDs from Pelagic and earlier partner labels. Expect fast UK delivery and Eye Points on every order. This is a catalogue built for deep listening, not just volume.
Zatokrev (2004/05) – raw, atmospheric sludge foundations; the starting gun.
The Bat, the Wheel and a Long Road to Nowhere (2012) – expansive, dynamic, and a key step forward on Candlelight.
Silk Spiders Underwater… (2015) – long-arc compositions and brooding melody; rewards front-to-back plays.
Bring Mirrors To The Surface (2025) – the Pelagic era in full bloom: heavy, psychedelic and cohesive.
Whether you’re filling gaps or starting fresh, these editions prioritise mastering and presentation—pressings that carry the weight and space Zatokrev’s music needs.
