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Released: 23rd August 2024
Zeal & Ardor’s new album ‘Greif’ takes inspiration from an annual parade in frontman Manuel Gagneux’s Swiss hometown, in which a gryphon (or Greif) marches down the streets of Basel. In doing so, the creature snubs the iron-fisted elites in favour of the working class. It’s an album with bite: part lion, part snake, part eagle – much like the gryphon.
‘Greif’ is entrenched with gloomy grandeur. Bluesy guitar licks occupy the space as freely as vocal frys do in this record. Gagneux is always in full command of his instrument; with incredible strength and a rich tone, his vocals haunt the airways like a vengeful spirit.
There is a measured balance between the calm and the chaos, providing a varied feast for the ears. ‘are you the only one now?’ is like a memory tinged in grey, slowly rippling into focus. Both parts are introspective and disdained; scornful screams smother the childlike singsong of the chorus. While, with catatonic chanting, erratic instrumentals and guttural growling, ‘Clawing Out’ is beautifully bestial and all-consuming in its darkness, a true black metal powerhouse.
The band’s ability to smoothly switch between genre and mood throughout the album without breaking overall cohesion is truly commendable, and Zeal & Ardor fully steep themselves in the dramatics to create a glorious fourth album.
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