Ever-evolving and experimenting, yet keeping the spirit and passion behind the music, Zeal & Ardor never create the same album twice.  Their fourth full-length, GREIF, may be their most dynamic and effervescent yet.  Founder and frontman Manuel Gagneux welcomed his touring bandmates on the recording journey for GREIF, adding additional vocals and more zeal and ardor, in every sense. Having toured together for seven years, the chemistry on the album is as undeniable as it is on stage, giving a vibrant energy.  Shifting focus from calls to action to personal journeys, the overall feel of this release is different.  As Gagneux explains, “I wanted to expand upon what we had and introduce new colors.  There are angry and accusatory moments, but there’s also some solace and happiness. I’m widening the palette of colors we have to paint with. These are avenues we haven’t tried.”  The result is creative and new without losing the heart of Zeal & Ardor.

The album opens with a reverberating whistled melody and marching snare drums, building anticipation.  Eventually guitar, vocals, and riffs come in giving listeners a fuller taste before this short introductory track concludes and moves into “Fend You Off.”  Inspired by holding ground and eventually standing strong and defensive against a person who is being toxic, this relatable track is full of power and hope.  Metal elements backing glockenspiel as well as quieter moments mixed with crashing drumming and riffs perfectly encapsulate the theme of the track and the tumultuousness of a toxic relationship. “Kilonova” follows, where listeners can first really detect the variety in vocals – Denis Wagner’s vocals are clear beside Gagneux’s.  There are bass and guitars mimicking a heartbeat, and chanting vocals adding a unique intensity while still remaining light.   

Giving classic Zeal & Ardor energy, “Clawing Out,” holds menacing whispered vocals as well as growls and is the heaviest track on GREIF.  Inspired by literally clawing out of a rut, the song twists and turns, builds and breaks away, amping up listeners.  Another track giving that classic energy is “Hide in Shade.”  It holds those signature black metal moments, group chanted vocals, claps and stomps, and provokes strong emotions.  Gagneux describes this track as a “gateway song” and it is clear why as the music could easily fit alongside any previous release.  Shifting to something different, “une ville vide,” is an instrumental track full of synths and giving chiptune energy.  This piece sounds as though it could be a theme song for a retro video game.  

GREIF holds blues, gospel, and black metal influence (of course) but it also includes synths, gives some classic rock and indie rock energy, and shifts and changes setting no boundaries.  The production is impressively immaculate allowing listeners to fully recognize and appreciate what makes the music unique.  The album title is inspired by a centuries old annual ritual in Gagneux’s hometown of Basel, Switzerland where a griffin is featured parading and turning its backside to the elite, sticking it to the man. Acting as a symbol for the working people and a call for justice, while being represented as a hybrid creature, the name appropriately suits the album.  

I cannot even begin to explain how honored and excited I am to write about this incredible band.  They are one of my favorites, and I admire Gagneux’s passion and talents as he has created some of the most powerful songs I have ever heard.  GREIF was my most anticipated release of 2024 and it does not disappoint.  With every single that was released, I could not wait to hear more.  The diversity of this album is something that I did not initially expect but I love how unpredictable Zeal & Ardor’s music can be.  They are a band that does not simply create music just to fill in an album or meet a deadline, there is such clear creative inspiration and soul behind each note, while not being afraid to experiment, have fun with the process, and embrace spontaneity.  I encourage listeners to dive in with an open mind and appreciate what makes GREIF different.  You will still walk away feeling that you just listened to a Zeal & Ardor album and you will be captivated from beginning to end.  Guitarist Tiziano Volante said it best, “We invite listeners to hear the full spectrum of the different sides and sounds that make Zeal & Ardor.  There are some gorgeous moments, but it packs in a lot of intensity and charm. In Manuel’s songwriting and the process with every member, there’s a certain intentionality as well as an element of randomness and accident.”

 — Angela

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GREIF will be available August 23 on Redacted.  For more information on Zeal & Ardor visit their official website.