Zeal And Ardor have existed for ten years now, since 2014, the year of their semi-clandestine debut. They then really got noticed only in 2017 with “Devil Is Fine”, an LP that made them become a promise in the world of black-metal which attempts the most daring combinations (in this case with gospel music and spirituals).
In these years, and now there are quite a few, the album of consecration has not yet arrived and the new “Grief” does not seem to be able to aspire to this goal. Manuel Gagneux and the band try to change this time, trying new sounds, often more melodic, less shouty and generally less linked to black metal. What is generally missing is the ambition to take a step further, to try to go beyond a simple idea that has just been developed.
Emblematic is “The Bird, The Lion And The Wildkin”, with a intro interesting, a strong development with guitar and electronics which however ends suddenly after ninety seconds, when – if developed properly – it could have become one of the best songs in the Swiss band's entire discography. “Fend You Off” is an example of the new direction, with a voice that tries to show its capabilities, almost before croonerthen with black metal screams.
There are very clear references to Tool's prog metal in “Kilonova” and to that of Meshuggah in “Clawing Out”, while when we return to the typical question-and-answer spiritual song (“Go Home My Friend”, “Hide In Shade”) we determines an overall pleasant nostalgia effect.
“Thrill” offers the most compelling melody, but this doesn't seem to save a band that seems destined to be an eternal promise, once again not able to definitively consecrate itself.
09/30/2024
Antonio Santini for SANREMO.FM
