After the release of their self-titled album, ZEAL & ARDOR have been put on the entire metal world’s radar as one of the most interesting bands to emerge in recent years. As a result, their new album, “Greif,” is highly anticipated. Set for release on August 23rd, 2024, via Redacted GmbH, the album marks yet another evolution in their unique sound. What started as something entertaining on 4chan has transformed into one of the most exciting musical projects in metal these days—a true “that escalated quickly” moment in music history. Let’s take a look at what you can expect from “Greif.”
“Greif” steps away from the occult themes that the band previously explored, but make no mistake, there’s still somewhat of a thread running through the album. The title and cover art refer to the Vogel Gryff, or the Festival of the Griffin, a significant cultural event in Basel, Switzerland. This festival, which dates back to 1304, celebrates the three “honourable societies” of Kleinbasel, symbolized by the griffin (Vogel Gryff), the lion (Leu), and the wild man (Wild Maa). These figures perform traditional dances during a parade according to Manuel in our interview “showing their back to the rich part of the city,” a practice that has been passed down through generations without written records.
Starting off with an intro, “the Bird, the Lion and the Wildkin” launches the album with a cinematic flair. The track features a simple yet powerful melody that’s perfect for whistling along to, and it quickly lodges itself in your mind, refusing to leave. Interestingly, the drumming in this song may be a nod to the Vogel Gryff festival, connecting the music to the album’s thematic inspiration. This melody is reprised later in the album, enhancing the immersive experience and providing a sense of cohesion throughout.
“Fend You Off” follows seamlessly, with a smooth transition marked by a glockenspiel sound connecting the two tracks. The modulation between minor and major keys gives this song a hopeful feeling, making it less dark than their previous material. Despite this shift in tone, the track remains intimate yet expansive, moving through you like a beautiful force that consumes your thoughts. It’s a deeply soothing song, one that feels like a much-needed balm for the soul.
When we talk about catchy moments, “Kilonova” certainly has that factor. It starts off with a pulsing bass and staccato guitar rhythm, over which Manuel’s vocals glide effortlessly. The song’s mysterious atmosphere, coupled with a hooky chorus and exciting backing vocals, makes it an immediate standout. The progressive approach in this track, with its intricate drum patterns, even hints at influences from bands like TOOL.
“are you the only one now?” opens with just vocals and an acoustic guitar, evoking a simplicity reminiscent of rock acts like EELS. The track’s rawness is a nod to the band’s earlier material, with black metal-inspired screams making a dramatic appearance towards the end. The contrast between the soulful, fragile verses and the intense, almost primal screams adds a beautiful complexity to the song. Manuel wasn’t kidding when he mentioned that this album would be calmer than their past work. “Go home my Friend” brings back a more familiar ZEAL & ARDOR sound, with a notable influence from the alternative rock spectrum rather than metal. The song is relatively short, centered around the repeated line “Go home my Friend,” and ends with a bang. It serves as a reminder of the band’s ability to craft tracks that are both simple and impactful.
On the other hand, “Clawing Out” is one of the heaviest songs on the album. This track feels almost like a ritual chant, growing progressively more intense and foreboding as it unfolds. The composition is uniquely ZEAL & ARDOR, blending their signature sound with a sense of impending doom that’s both thrilling and terrifying; altogether a very experimental piece. “Disease” offers a change in pace, contrasting sharply with the intensity of “Clawing Out.” It starts with a guitar melody that wouldn’t be out of place in early 2000s rock, but the vocals take center stage, harmonizing beautifully over the instrumentation. The lyrics, like “what the fuck is going on, I’m catching a disease,” are delivered almost like a mantra, surrounded by intricate guitar leads and riffs. This track is a haunting, introspective piece that lingers in your mind long after it ends.
Serving as a brief interlude, “369” bridges the gap between the calmer “Disease” and the more upbeat “Thrill.” The former track leans towards an alternative rock vibe, with clear influences from QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE and MUSE. The latter is a lively and engaging song that’s likely to be a fan favorite in live performances. Following this, the fully instrumental “une ville vide” introduces fun, sci-fi-inspired synths that evoke the feel of an ’80s video game soundtrack. This track acts as a prelude to “Sugarcoat,” which kicks off with a catchy, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE-esque intro. The infectious “la la la la” vocals make it a fun, memorable moment on the album.
As the album winds down, “Solace” brings in a dark jazz quality, with soulful vocals taking center stage. It’s a track that could easily be the soundtrack to a film noir, reminiscent of the moody, atmospheric work of BOHREN & DER CLUB OF GORE. The smoky, late-night vibe of this song is simply captivating, adding yet another layer of depth to the album. Returning to a heavier sound, “Hide in Shade” delivers blast beats and black metal screams, intertwined with a hauntingly beautiful chorus. This track strikes a perfect balance between the band’s heavier, more experimental tendencies and their knack for creating catchy, memorable melodies. It’s a powerful example of how ZEAL & ARDOR continue to push the boundaries of their sound.
The album closes with “to my ilk,” a serene and almost folky track that provides a tranquil end to the journey. It feels like a campfire song, warm and intimate, inviting listeners to gather around and share in their experiences. Interestingly, this track transitions seamlessly back into the intro melody, creating a loop that makes it tempting to hit replay and start the album all over again.
Overall, “Greif” is proof that ZEAL & ARDOR’s continued their evolution and refuse to be boxed into any one genre. From the cinematic and catchy to the dark and unsettling, the album is a diverse yet cohesive experience that showcases the band’s ability to blend different influences into something entirely their own. The experimental nature of this record is what makes it so damn good. However, this album does take a risk, as earlier fans of the band might feel a bit disappointed by the increased rock influences compared to their original black metal-inspired sound. However, if they’re open to experimentation and new directions, fans of their previous work will find plenty to love here, but “Greif” also opens new doors for the band, exploring calmer and more introspective territory while still delivering the intensity they’re known for. This is an album that will likely stay with you long after the final notes have faded, leaving you eager for whatever ZEAL & ARDOR have in store next.
Written by Laureline Tilkin
Tracklist
1. the Bird, the Lion and the Wildkin
2. Fend You Off
3. Kilonova
4. are you the only one now?
5. Go home my friend
6. Clawing out
7. Disease
8. 369
9. Thrill
10. une ville vide
11. Sugarcoat
12. Solace
13. Hide in Shade
14. to my ilk
Lineup
Manuel Gagneux – lead vocals, guitars, keyboards, synthesizer, programming
Tiziano Volante – rhythm guitar, lead guitar
Lukas Kurmann – bass
Marco Von Allmen – drums
Marc Obrist – vocals
Denis Wagner – vocals
Label
Redacted GmbH
