Written by Crystal Smeltz
Photos by Crystal Smeltz

Have you ever considered what negro spiritual music would sound like if the praise were to Satan
rather than Jesus? Of course you haven’t. Fortunately for us the answer can be found in the music and lyrics of Zeal and Ardor. Originally a solo project for musician Manual Gagneux in New York City, he expanded to a full band when he signed with MVKA records in 2016. They are currently based in Basel Switzerland.

Zeal and Ardor came about when Gagneux posted to 4CHAN asking people for music genres to
combine. Gagneux thought this was a good place to challenge himself as the people are brutally honest. Someone suggested Black Metal while another suggested Negro Spirituals. Gagneux posed the question“What if American slaves had embraced Satan instead of Jesus?”

Debut album Devil is Fine features many musical styles. Elements of Soul, Black Metal, Blues, and
Gospel intertwine into this one of a kind ensemble. Zeal and Ardor venture a little more into Avant-
garde Metal with fragments of Motown on their second album Stranger Fruit while maintaining all the original flavors. These songs are energetic, soulful, and filled with delicious darkness. Manuel Gagneux is something of a brilliant pioneer. Any endeavor of his is worth investigating, including his previousproject Birdmask.

For anyone who wonders how this kind of music would be live, do yourself a favor and go experience it. As powerful as it is via cd, it is amplified greatly live. The gospel vocals are incredibly powerful and surprisingly not embellished on their albums. What you hear is what you will get, and then some. You can sample their live sound by checking out their album Live in London released in 2019. Check them out at Zealandardor.com and stream their music on your favorite music platform.

Written by Crystal Smeltz
Photos by Crystal Smeltz