ZEAL & ARDOR – ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

 

Manuel Gagneux is a singular talent and musician. I recently showcased Gagneux when I reviewed his alter ego’s, Birdmask, latest single.  “Set Me On Fire” is an emotional track that encircles the listener with its delicate and sophisticated intricacies. Birdmask’s soulful vocals and textured melodies delivers a memorable and exceptional composition.

Multi-instrumentalist Gagneux returns with a new E.P. from his complex and captivating metal project, Zeal & Ardor. Gagneux describes Zeal & Ardor as “a vehicle to combine blues, gospel and harsher music“. Starting as a solo venture, Zeal & Ardor has grown into a full ensemble. The current lineup is comprised of Tiziano Volante on guitar, Mia Rafaela Dieu on bass and Marco Von Allman on drums. In addition, Denis Wagner and Marc Obrist supply backing vocals.

Zeal & Ardor was formed by Gagneux in 2013. In 2014, Gagneux self-released a demo album entitled Zeal and Ardor. 2016 and 2018 brought the releases of the amazing Devil Is Fine and intriguing Stranger Fruit respectively. Rolling Stone magazine featured Devil Is Fine as one of the “Best Metal Records of 2016“.

Zeal & Ardor‘s latest enterprise is the uncompromising Wake of a Nation. The six song E.P. is a poignant political treatise on the racial tensions prevalent in America and the world today. Gagneux uses his platform to manifest his views on racially charged police brutality and inherent racism. All the while forging a unique blend of soul and metal. He combines multiple musical genres to create an exclusive sound that is at times grinding yet still euphonic.and melodious.

Wake of a Nation opens with the ethereal “Vigil”. The mournful dirge is Zeal & Ardor‘s gripping gospel piece where Gagneux denounces the recently committed policing atrocities.

I can’t breathe, it’s a cellphone, please, don’t shoot

I need to get home, I’m on my knees, begging please

So you’re just following orders

They just keep falling on us

How many more will it last?

Why not just take all of us?

In “”Tuskegee”, Zeal & Ardor‘s ferocious exploitation of industrial metal returns. The initial refrains are dark, heavy and full of demonic shrieks. Suddenly the tempo changes becoming silvery and harmonious. The two opposing cadences battle throughout the song creating a harsh yet inventive polarity. “At The Seams” follows and again we find an innovative synthesis of musical genres. Gagneux’s bluesy vocals are somewhat moody while the music is ominous and aggressive. The intermediate organic piano offers an interesting sonic relief..

I’m not usually fond of interludes embedded into releases but in this instance “I Can’t Breathe” works flawlessly. It continues to emphasize the social turmoil motif that entirely permeates Wake of a Nation. “Trust No One” continues the aural assault .The tune intermixes gospel arrangements with a manic onslaught of sound. An aura of satanic doom metal is extremely pervasive.

“Wake of a Nation” closes out the E.P. The military cadence and profoundly oppressive backbeat generates a bleak ambience. A fitting end to a most introspective piece of art.

Zeal & Ardor‘s Wake of a Nation is a formidable accomplishment, One that is full of revelation and an insistent demand for social change.

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Follow ZEAL & ARDOR:  Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Stream their music:  Spotify / Soundcloud / YouTube
Purchase:  iTunes / Amazon

 

 

 

 

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