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Zeal & Ardor

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Zeal & Ardor
Zeal & Ardor in 2017
Zeal & Ardor in 2017
Background information
OriginBasel, Switzerland[1] / New York City[2]
Genres
Years active2013–present
LabelsMVKA,[9] Radicalis[10]
Members
  • Manuel Gagneux
  • Denis Wagner
  • Marc Obrist
  • Tiziano Volante
  • Mia Rafaela Dieu
  • Marco von Allmen
Websitehttps://www.zealandardor.com/

Zeal & Ardor[note 1] is an avant-garde metal musical project started and led by Manuel Gagneux, a Swiss-American musician who had previously created a chamber pop project called Birdmask. Formed in 2013, the band mixes sounds of negro spirituals with black metal.

Initially a solo project, the band signed with MVKA records in 2016 and expanded to a full lineup, with Gagneux on vocals and guitar, backing vocalists Denis Wagner and Marc Obrist, guitarist Tiziano Volante, bassist Mia Rafaela Dieu, and drummer Marco Von Allmen. The project started in New York City, but is now based in Basel, Switzerland.

Zeal & Ardor has released two albums, Devil Is Fine (2016), and Stranger Fruit (2018), as well as a demo album Zeal and Ardor (2014).

History

Background

Zeal & Ardor in June 2018.

Gagneux was born in Basel, Switzerland in 1989, to an African American mother and Swiss father.[11][12] Both of Gagneux's parents were musicians, and he learned piano at an early age.[13] Growing up, he frequently listened to grindcore and technical and melodic death metal artists.[14] As a teenager, he was in a black metal band named Hellelujah.[14] After moving to New York City in 2012, Gagneux started Birdmask, a chamber pop project.[11]

Gagneux posted his Birdmask music to 4chan, as he said “to get feedback because they’re brutally honest and don’t give a shit about you,”.[15] He would ask users for two musical genres to combine and create a song in half an hour, as an experiment to expand his creativity.[16] One of these users suggested that he fuse "black metal", while another suggested "nigger music"; in response, he started Zeal & Ardor, which features elements of both black metal and Negro spirituals.[17][4] Other genres suggested included "Afro Djent, Nashville Power Electronics and Industrial Grunge".[18] Gagneux later stated the band came from the question of "what if American slaves had embraced Satan instead of Jesus?".[19][20] Both the words zeal and ardor are synonyms for enthusiasm.

Self-titled release and Devil Is Fine (2014-2016)

The project's very first release was a work in progress of a song called "A Spiritual", released on SoundCloud on December 13, 2013.[21][better source needed]

Gagneux self-released the demo album Zeal and Ardor to Bandcamp in June 2014.[22]

The project's official debut album, Devil Is Fine, was first released on Bandcamp on April 15, 2016 [23] Gagneux wrote and recorded the album himself.[24]

In November 2016, the band was featured on an article written by Bandcamp about black experimental metal.[25] In June 2016, Rolling Stone featured Devil Is Fine as one of the "Best Metal Records of 2016 So Far".[26]

Vocalist and guitarist Manuel Gagneux

On November 11, 2016, Gagneux announced his signing with the UK based record company MVKA.[27] The lead single "Devil Is Fine" had a music video released on December 15, 2016.[28] A second single, "Come On Down", was released on January 16, 2017.[29]

MKVA re-released Devil Is Fine on February 24, 2017.[30] It charted at 17 on the Swiss Hitparade charts.

Expansion to full band and Stranger Fruit (2017-present)

In 2017, the project became a full-fledged band with the addition of backing vocalists Denis Wagner and Marc Obrist, guitarist Tiziano Volante, bassist Mia Rafaela Dieu, and drummer Marco Von Allmen.[31][32] Gagneux formed the full band after promoter Walter Hoeijmakers asked him to play Roadburn Festival.[33] They opened for Prophets of Rage for two shows in London and Germany in 2017.[34]

Guitarist Tiziano Volante.

Zeal & Ardor offered a unique merchandise deal during their 2018 shows, fans could get free merchandise if they branded the band's logo onto their skin. Eight people took up the offer, with Gagneux saying "The intent was that no one would ever do it. Because that’s the whole thing: you don’t want this brand. If you do, you’re just an idiot who is following, not thinking for yourself. If they want to underline my statement, that’s fine with me. But eight people is enough. If they don’t get the symbolism, let’s not encourage them.”[35][36]

The next album, Stranger Fruit, was released on June 8, 2018.[37] It was preceded by the singles "Gravedigger's Chant",[38] "Waste",[39] and "Built On Ashes".[40]

In June 2018, the band's song "Devil Is Fine" from Devil Is Fine was featured in a trailer for the upcoming video game The Division 2.[41]

Tours & festival appearances

In June 2018, the band announced a North American tour with support from Astronoid, as well as a solo European tour.[42][43] They will also perform at the 2018 Montreux Jazz Festival.[44] In addition, they performed at several other festivals, including, Download Festival,[45] Lowlands,[46] by:Larm,[47] Musilac Music Festival,[48] Primavera Sound,[49] Wacken Open Air,[50] Hellfest,[51] Graspop Metal Meeting,[52] Le Guess Who?,[53] Copenhell,[54] Eurosonic Noorderslag,[55] Devilstone Open Air,[56] and Reading and Leeds Festivals,[57] among others.

Influences

bassist Mia Rafaela Dieu

The band is influenced by artists such as Mayhem, Burzum, Darkthrone, Wendy Carlos,[14] and Tom Waits[18] as well as nu-metal bands such as Deftones and Limp Bizkit, who Gagneux states are his "guilty pleasures".[58] Gagneux also lists writers Philip K. Dick and Octavia Butler as influences on his music.[59]

Band members

  • Manuel Gagneux – lead vocals, lead guitar, rhythm guitar, synthesizer, programming (2013–present)
  • Denis Wagner – backing vocals (2017–present)
  • Marc Obrist – backing vocals (2017–present)
  • Tiziano Volante – rhythm guitar, lead guitar (2017–present)
  • Mia Rafaela Dieu – bass (2017–present)
  • Marco Von Allmen – drums (2017–present)
Gagneux in 2017

Discography

Albums

Year Title Peak chart positions
SWI
[60] 		GER
[61] 		BEL
[62] 		UK Rock
[63] 		US Ind.
[64] 		US Heat.
[65] 		AUT
[66]
2014 Zeal and Ardor — — — — — — —
2016 Devil Is Fine 17 — — — — — —
2018 Stranger Fruit 2 27 112 15 24 3 30
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Singles

  • "Devil Is Fine" (2016)
  • "Come On Down" (2017)
  • "Gravedigger's Chant (2018)
  • "Waste" (2018)
  • "Built On Ashes" (2018)
  • "You Ain't Coming Back" (2018)

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Nominee Result
2017 Heavy Music Awards[67] Best Breakthrough Band Zeal & Ardor Nominated
2017 Loudwire Music Awards[68] Best New Artist Zeal & Ardor Nominated
2017 Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards[69] Best New Band Zeal & Ardor Nominated

Notes

  1. ^ also stylized as Zeal and Ardor

References

  1. ^ "Meet the devil with Zeal & Ardor". Swiss Music Export. 17 January 2017. Archived from the original on 23 June 2018. Retrieved 11 June 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ Reveron, Sean (7 June 2016). "A Must Hear Release of 2016...Zeal and Ardor "Devil Is Fine"". CVLT Nation. Archived from the original on 18 November 2016. Retrieved 11 June 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ Gantt, Kareem (11 June 2018). "Zeal & Ardor announce dates for first North American tour with Astronoid". AXS. Archived from the original on 15 June 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ a b Kelly, Kim (7 July 2016). "The Real Story Behind the Spiritual Black Metal Blues of Zeal & Ardor's 'Devil Is Fine'". Noisey. Vice. Archived from the original on 29 April 2017. Retrieved 21 April 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ Kronos (23 December 2016). "Zeal and Ardor - Devil is Fine [Things You Might Have Missed 2016]". Angry Metal Guy. Archived from the original on 11 December 2017. Retrieved 15 June 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ Dylan Gordeuk (6 June 2018). "Review: Zeal & Ardor's 'Stranger Fruit' a full album this time, promise". Metal Insider. Retrieved 17 September 2018. {{cite web}}: Check |archiveurl= value (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ "Putting the spotlight on alternate history via blues, gospel, and soul-tinged metal - Zeal & Ardor remains one of the most interesting acts around". Upset Magazine. 14 June 2018. Retrieved 17 September 2018. {{cite web}}: Check |archiveurl= value (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ Christina Wenig (7 June 2018). "Zeal & Ardor – Stranger Fruit album review". Metal Hammer. Louder. Retrieved 19 September 2018. {{cite web}}: Check |archiveurl= value (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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  11. ^ a b McNulty, Jimmy (13 June 2016). "A Conversation with Zeal and Ardor (Manuel Gagneux)". Toilet Ov Hell. Archived from the original on 20 December 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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  14. ^ a b c Bienstock, Richard (5 June 2018). "Zeal & Ardor's Provocative Black Metal/Spirituals Mash-Up Gets Stranger". Revolver. Archived from the original on 15 June 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ Sacher, Andrew (2 February 2017). "Zeal & Ardor mix blues and black metal, going on first full-band tour (watch a live session)". BrooklynVegan. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 11 June 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ Dedman, Remfry (20 February 2017). "American slave and black metal hybrid Zeal & Ardor streams debut album". The Independent. Archived from the original on 12 May 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ Joyce, Colin (29 July 2016). "SPIN Metal Report: Vektor Deliver Neo-Thrash's Masterpiece and Inter Arma Explore Outer Space". Spin. Archived from the original on 5 April 2017. Retrieved 21 April 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ a b Szubrycht, Jarek (13 July 2016). "Wywiad: Zeal And Ardor: Sprawdzamy, kto stoi za brawurowym połączeniem black metalu ze spirituals z płyty "Devil is Fine"" [Interview: Zeal And Ardor: We check who is behind the daring combination of black metal and spirituals from the album "Devil is Fine".]. Red Bull Records (in Polish). Retrieved 15 June 2018.
  19. ^ Bennet, J. (August 31, 2017). "Slavery and Satanism: Inside Zeal & Ardor's Controversial Take on Black Metal". Revolver. Archived from the original on January 18, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ "Black Black Metal: Et si les esclaves s'étaient tournés vers Satan ?" [Black Black Metal: What if the slaves turned to Satan?]. Tracks - ARTE (in French). 6 September 2016. Archived from the original on 12 August 2017. Retrieved 11 June 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ "A spiritual (WIP)". Soundcloud. 19 December 2013. Archived from the original on 1 December 2015. Retrieved 11 June 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ Stewart-Panko, Kevin. "In Conversation with ZEAL & ARDOR's Manuel Gagneux: Strange Fruit and a Stranger Path". puregrainaudio.com.
  23. ^ Hartmann, Graham (14 January 2017). "Zeal & Ardor's Satanic Black Metal + African Slave Music Could Be the Next Big Thing". Loudwire. Archived from the original on 29 April 2017. Retrieved 21 April 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  24. ^ Morton, Luke (2 February 2017). "Zeal & Ardor are channelling black metal and the American slave trade". Metal Hammer. Archived from the original on 28 April 2017. Retrieved 21 April 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  25. ^ Elizabeth, Jordannah (5 August 2016). "A Guide to Black Experimental Music". Bandcamp. Archived from the original on 11 December 2016. Retrieved 11 June 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  26. ^ Currin, Grayson Haver (27 June 2016). "Best Metal Records of 2016 So Far". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 11 June 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ "Zeal & Ardor on Facebook". www.facebook.com. Archived from the original on 23 June 2018. Retrieved 11 June 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  28. ^ Burney, Lawrence (15 December 2016). "Watch Zeal & Ardor's Eerie New Video for "Devil Is Fine"". Noisey. Retrieved 11 June 2018.
  29. ^ "ZEAL & ARDOR's Haunting Track "Come On Down" Is Unlike Anything You've Ever Heard!". 13 January 2017. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 11 June 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  30. ^ Titus, Christa (17 February 2017). "Listen to Zeal & Ardor's 'Devil Is Fine' Album: Exclusive". Billboard. Archived from the original on 29 April 2017. Retrieved 21 April 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  31. ^ "Album Review: Zeal & Ardor - 'Stranger Fruit' - Killyourstereo.com". Archived from the original on 2018-06-13. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  32. ^ "ZEAL & ARDOR On Breaking Down Racist Commentary, Becoming A Buzzworthy Band Quickly, & Quieting The Haters". Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 11 June 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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  34. ^ "Zeal & Ardor". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 11 June 2018.
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  36. ^ Hann, Michael (22 May 2018). "Zeal and Ardor: meet the black metal bluesman who brands his fans". the Guardian. Archived from the original on 30 May 2018. Retrieved 11 June 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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  66. ^ austrian charts
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External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Zeal & Ardor.
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