The song "Under Destruction" by King Zebra from their debut album Survivors is a high-energy opener that sets the tone for the band's sleaze-infused hard rock sound. According to a review on Rockposer, the track is described as a "high octane rocker" that's so gripping it could make drivers hit the gas too hard if they're not careful. This vivid imagery highlights the song’s driving rhythm and infectious riffs, which were crafted to grab listeners immediately. In a 2021 interview with Rock Castle Franken, the band shared that the song’s raw energy reflects their goal to channel the spirit of 1980s hard rock while keeping it fresh and modern. They worked with producer Oscar Nilsson at Crehate Studios in Gothenburg, Sweden, to ensure the track had a polished yet gritty edge, blending their Swiss precision with glam-rock swagger.
Social media posts from King Zebra’s Instagram around the album’s release in September 2021 reveal the band’s excitement about "Under Destruction" as the album’s lead track. One post featured a behind-the-scenes clip of vocalist Eric St. Michaels laying down vocals, with the caption teasing the song’s “sleazy, in-your-face vibe” that pays homage to bands like Mötley Crüe and Poison. Fans on King Zebra’s Facebook echoed this enthusiasm, with comments praising the song’s catchy chorus and its ability to “blow the roof off” during live performances. A fan in a King Zebra Fan Club group shared a story about hearing the song live at the 2021 Rock the Ring festival, noting how the crowd went wild as the opening riff blasted through the speakers, cementing its status as a fan favorite.
King Zebra began their journey in Zurich, Switzerland, in 2012, founded by a group of musicians passionate about reviving the hard rock sound of the 1980s. The band’s bio on their official website explains that they drew inspiration from iconic acts like Whitesnake, Def Leppard, and Van Halen, aiming to fuse classic rock energy with a contemporary edge. Initially, the band honed their craft in local clubs, building a loyal following through electrifying live shows. Their big break came with the 2019 release of their self-titled EP, featuring the track “Firewalker,” which amassed over 2 million streams and caught the attention of Golden Robot Records. This success led to festival appearances alongside legends like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Uriah Heep, as noted in a Rockposer article.
A pivotal moment for King Zebra was the addition of vocalist Eric St. Michaels, formerly of the Swiss hard rock band China. His experience and distinctive voice, described as “sleazig” in a Rock Castle Franken review, brought a new dimension to the band’s sound. The group’s chemistry solidified during the recording of Survivors in 2020, despite the challenges of the global pandemic, as they channeled their energy into creating a debut album that would resonate with rock fans worldwide. Their dedication paid off, with tours across Europe alongside bands like CRASHDÏET, as mentioned on their Facebook page.
You can follow King Zebra on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates on their music and tour dates. Fans can also join the King Zebra Fan Club on Facebook to connect with other supporters and share their love for the band’s music. While no official fan websites were found, the band’s active social media presence and dedicated fan group provide plenty of opportunities for Zoo Freaks to dive into the world of King Zebra.
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