ALBUM REVIEW: Zeal and Ardor – Greif


Hailing from the Swiss city of Basel, Zeal & Ardor are an Alternative Metal act that have always well and truly had a sound of their own. Initially, a one-man studio project from the extraordinary musical architect Manuel Gagneux, Zeal & Ardor dropped into our speakers with thei debut album Devil Is Fine in 2016. Providing a highly experimental blend of Black Metal and Delta Blues, before exploring the sound further two years later with record number two – Stranger FruitContinue reading


PODCAST: EPISODE 26 – Zeal and Ardor Discusses The Journey of an Artist, and New Music


Ghost Cult caught up with Zeal & Ardor mastermind Manuel Gagneux backstage at Terminal 5 recently in New York City. We chatted with him about the bands’ current album Live In London (MVKA), touring, his approach to art, the arc of his career up to now, and his plans for new Z&A music and when he expects a release. Check it out! Continue reading


Zeal & Ardor – Live In London


For many people a live album is hardly worth bothering with. The performances can vary from being exact replicas of the studio recordings to blandly and barely played. However, a great live album is a thing of beauty, and any naysayers of the format are hard pressed to deny the electricity that jumps out of one’s speakers or headphones. Think of how enthralling Slipknot’s live material sounds, or how well crafted an Iron Maiden set-list can be and you’ll find the value in live recordings.Continue reading


Zeal And Ardor To Release Live Album, Exclusive Pre-order On Current Tour


Perturbator, by Susanne A. Maathuis Photography

Incredible underground artist Zeal And Ardor will release an exclusive live album on his upcoming tour. The album was recorded live at the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, SW, July 5th of this year. Live In Montreux and pre-orders for it will only be available through the merch table at the band’s ongoing European/UK tour. See more details below. The band is supporting their current new album Stranger Fruit (Spinefarm).Continue reading


Zeal And Ardor Book A Full UK Tour


On the heels of last weekend’s smashing appearance at Download Festival, Zeal & Ardor have announced their first UK tour for this November. Tickets for the seven headline shows go on sale this Friday, 15th June, at the link below. Zeal & Ardor is the musical identity of Manuel Gagneux, who released their second album, Stranger Fruit last Friday. It’s available in multiple formats, including CD, cassette, digital download/stream, as well as a 2LP 180g gatefold vinyl or a 2LP limited deluxe 180g triple gatefold purple vinyl.

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Zeal & Ardor – Stranger Fruit


It would be fair to say that Zeal & Ardor’s arrival in the conscious of the metal scene in the early part of 2017 was greeted with a combination of surprise, incredulity and excitement. There appeared to be just as many naysayers, dubious of Manuel Gagneaux’s talent (Zeal & Ardor is basically a one-man show) as there were fast adherents to his complex and compelling mix of styles and influences.Continue reading