German band Zugar fuse engaging vocals and heavy riffing in a diverse groove metal sound that they describe as “groove-driven, heavy and uncompromising.”
The Baden band first formed back in 2009 and, while the lineup has evolved over time, the core idea behind the band has always stayed the same. Having started out as a group of musicians coming together to play heavy music, it’s grown into something closer to a family than a band. After releasing an album in 2014, the band remained active but only for selective shows. However, at the end of last year, they fully reignited things, releasing a Christmas song before new single Unbroken represented a new step forward.
On the sound they’ve crafted, the band told us: “At its core, it’s metal – groove metal, to be specific – but it doesn’t stop there. We pull influences from all kinds of genres, sometimes very subtly, sometimes more openly. We don’t sit down and say ‘this has to sound like X.’ If it serves the song, it stays. The common ground is groove, heaviness, and songs that work live. Everything else is flexible.
“Everyone in Zugar respects each other’s space, opinions, and lives outside the band. That mutual respect is a big reason why the band is still here after all these years. There’s no pressure to fit a certain role – everyone brings their own background, influences, and personality to the table.”
As mentioned, our latest taste of this is Unbroken, which was released earlier this month. It starts out with a meandering guitar lick that gives way to driving drums over a cool lick. That drops into chugging guitars and rolling drums supporting engaging vocals, which flow into a feisty chorus with vicious cries of “unbroken.” The funky lick returns, and the chugging guitars continue into another verse and chorus, which this time gives way to a blistering guitar solo that ends with more laid-back guitars teeing up a final blast of the chorus.
On the track, they said: “The response has been very direct and honest, which fits the song perfectly. People seem to connect strongly with the attitude and the message, not just the sound. If you haven’t heard it yet, expect something raw and straightforward. Unbroken isn’t polished or pretty. It’s heavy, groove-based metal with a very clear statement behind it. No tricks, no irony this time – just pressure and commitment.”
The Zugar sound has been inspired by heavy metal bands like Pantera and Anthrax, but their influences go far beyond that. The band members listen to everything from pop to country and rock, with the mindset that “If it’s good music, it’s good music.”
And on what inspires them to write music, they explain: “We mostly write about things that affect us personally. Real life, basically. That includes relationships, mental health, illness, loyalty, responsibility, and the question of how far you’re willing to go for the things you care about.
“Unbroken is an ode to love – but not in a romantic or sentimental way. It’s about commitment as a decision. Staying loyal to what you believe in, whether that’s a partner, family, friends, your values, or even the band itself.”
Zugar plan to release two or three more songs through 2026, each of which will have its own visual concept. The band is already working on new music and have live shows at the top of their priority list.
And the band added: “Unbroken isn’t just a song title – it reflects how we approach the band right now. ZUGAR stands for commitment. Once we decide to move forward, we do it fully and without excuses. Changes happen, lineups evolve, and circumstances shift – that’s part of being in a band for this long. What matters is how you deal with it.
“For us, the answer is simple: stay honest, stay focused, and keep pushing. We’re not trying to present a perfect picture. We’re just doing what feels right, with the people we trust, and putting our energy where it belongs – into the music.”
You can follow Zugar on Facebook and Instagram, and check out their music on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.
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