In the 2023 documentary , it was revealed that after perfecting his unique fusion of black metal and Delta blues on 2018’s , Zeal & Ardor bandleader Manuel Gagneux effectively broke up the band. Of course, they didn’t stay broken up. Galvanised by the murder of George Floyd in 2020, Zeal & Ardor released the politically charged EP that same year, and laid out a vision of a more oppressive industrial and - inclined sound that was explored fully on their 2022 self-titled album.
Now they’re seeing how deep the rabbit hole can go. is the sound of a band seeking to reinvent themselves and innovate beyond their roots. Manuel’s soulful, emotionally wrenching vocals are still front and centre, but this time out the accompanying music has an organic, collaborative quality – the result of the frontman opening the floor to his bandmates, who have traditionally sat out the recording process – that is fresh and exciting.
It’s still well within the sonic wheelhouse of their previous records, but the band are less confined by their core concept, with room to explore different inventive avenues. But by expanding their remit, the laser focus of the previous records is naturally lost. In execution, feels closer to the tentative steps the band took with 2017 debut than their more finessed later work.
That doesn’t mean they don’t still offer some stunning standouts: the contrast of twinkling high notes and earthy, explosive heaviness stands out on and serene ballad – in parts.