After having reviewed Zeal & Ardors previous album Stranger fruit back in 2018 I knew I was in for something pretty special with their latest offering, a self-titled album to cement their reputation and drive home their unique, individual sound.
What you tend to get is a snapshot of the mind of the gent behind the project, Manuel Gagenux and his blistering approach to songwriting. You never quite know where one track will take you to the next, constantly challenging you as the listener to be there in the moment every second of the way. From hefty riffage and guttural screaming vocals to Gospel infused melodies interlaced with Thrash-esque guitar work you better have your mind wide open for this crazy sonic ride.
Walk-in and out of the room and you’ll think someone has changed the album on you as Manuel and co majestically flicker between personas and envelope you in their surreal, melodic and cinematic soundscape. The subtle nuances that creep in and out of the songs really add to the attention to detail that the guys have meticulously embedded in the tracks, adding layer upon layer to the songs to build them up to a crescendo in an emotive tidal wave that he plucks away from you in a heartbeat.
No sooner are you catching your breath than you are plummeted into another heart wrenching sonic assault!
Not for the faint-hearted, but one for the independent thinkers out there who can appreciate individual expression taken to the limit.
Zeal & Ardor is an absolute beauty of an album.
The album drops this coming Friday Feb11th courtesy of MVKA.
Pre-order at https://zealandardor.lnk.to/ZealandArdor.
Zeal & Ardor are: Manuel Gagneux – vocals and guitar, Denis Wagner – backing vocals, Marc Obrist – backing vocals, Tiziano Volante – guitar, Mia Rafaela Dieu – bass, and Marco Von Allmen – drums.
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