There is a gross falsehood proliferated by those whose horizons stretch no further than the end of their nose. The fallacy is that all modern music is simply repetitions of ideas and concepts from yesteryear, that there isnt a single riff, lick, chord or note that has never been played before. Apart from the fact that this is an incredibly fatuous, narrow-minded view that completely ignores essential components of music such as craft, composition, personality, chemistry, technology, instrumentation, dynamics and tone (to name but a few), it also leads perfectly rationale people to spout nonsense;how many times have we heard the ridiculous notionthatThe Beatles invented every idea found in modern music and nobody's come up with a solitary original idea since?
Unless theres an unreleased album of Black Metal mixed with African-American Slave music by Messrs McCartney, Lennon, Harrison and Starr hiding in a dusty Abbey Road vault, we can probably nip that particular falsity in the bud. Instead, this particular combination of disparate genres can be credited to songwriter Manuel Gagneux, the brainchild behind Zeal & Ardor. If you really do think youve heard every trick that modern music has to offer, you might want to listen to the stream of their debut album Devil is Fine above; its unlikely you will have heard anything quite like it before.
The genesis for Zeal & Ardor came when Gagneuxbecame frustrated workingon a different musical project, his incredibly diverse, difficult to define, alternative chamber pop projectBirdmask.Whenever Gagneux would run in to a creative stumbling block, he would go on to 4Chan, an internet bulletin board where anyone can post anonymously on a wide variety of topics, and ask people for two musical genres. He would then combine them and write a song within half an hour, purely as a means to get his creative juices flowing once again. It wasn'teven my idea to mix these two genres Gagneux says humbly I totally stole it! The first iteration of this combination was pretty horrible to be honest, but the idea stuck with me and I pursued it
Gagneuxs enthusiasm for black metal started, as it does for most fans of the genre, as a teenager. I was trying to listen to listen to the most extreme music I could find, you know how teens are. My friend introduced me to Burzum and Darkthrone and told me that they were the most evil people on the planet of course, I was intrigued! I became so enthralled by black metal because it's all enveloping sound; its very aggressive but even tender in some moments.
Chain gang music, whilst not something Gagneux listens to on a regular basis, was introduced to him as a child by his Swiss father and American mother. My parents listened to these old Lomax recordings for a while when I was growing up. They were something I'd totally forgotten about but recently re-discovered and I dove into them for this project.'
Mixing genres is all well and good but if the individual strands of the hybrid are no good, youll be falling at the first hurdle. Gagneux has efficaciously captured the essence and sentiment of African slave music; the authenticity is so convincing, accusations were made against him, saying hed stolen old Lomax recordings and sampled them without permission (he didnt, he just sang loudly into a shit microphone with too much signal to get that authentic, lo-fi recording sound of the 30s and 40s).
As Gagneux began putting the music together, images began to form in his head of African chain gangs rebelling against their Christian captors by invoking Satanism. He took this idea and ran with it as a thematic thread to pin on to the record. Devil is Fines artwork shows signs of the extensive research Gagneux put into the project; the photograph is of a real enslaved African-American, Robert Smalls, who managed to free himself and 17 other slaves during the American Civil War by commandeering a Confederate transport ship stacked with Howitzer guns and several hundred rounds of ammunition. It was a daring escape for such a young man; Smalls was just 22 when he put his perilous plan into action and he lived to the age of 75, very respectable for someone born in the 19th century. Once he was free, Smalls lived a very full life, serving as a civilian pilot and armed transport captain for the military and later got into politics as a member of the US House of Representatives.
Superimposed over the image of Smalls is The Sigil of Lucifer, sometimes referred to as the Seal of Satan. One of the lesser known symbols in modern Satanism, its believed to hold connections to a greater, supernatural power, in this case, Satan himself. I think superimposing Lucifers sigil over the image of Robert Smalls neatly sums up the intention and theme of this record to me says Gagneux. Without trying to sound too corny, its meant to represent these African slaves summoning something sinister and liberating themselves through Satan. Imagine if slaves in America had rejected the Christianity that was foisted upon them and embraced Satanism instead. Rather than being forced to accept the will of God, they choose defiance and rebellion; thats the world in which this album is rooted. Im an atheist, I dont really believe in God, but parts of modern Satanism do gel with me whilst other parts dont. Its fiction at the end of the day but it's well researched; I've put an embarrassing amount of time into reading occult books to get this stuff right!
The album artwork superimposes the Sigil of Lucifer over an image of freed slave Robert Smalls
Whilst the black metal and slave music hybridisation has got the most media attention thus far, theres actually a large pool of various genre influences that Gagneux is drawing from on Devil is Fine; elements of electronica, cradle songs, spiritual chanting, delta-blues licks and funk are all touched on throughout Devil is Fines 25minutes. Childrens Summon sounds like Dragonforce put through a Watain filter. Whats a Killer Like You Gonna Do Here? evokes a darker, more sinister Tom Waits. Given the somewhat purist attitude of a certain breed of metal fan, Zeal & Ardor have and will continue to provoke strong reactions, both positive and negative.
It's not a primary intention of mine to aggravate those people but it is funny to see some of the reactions says Gagneux. Black metal used to be the most extreme music known to man, but now, it's almost classical. It seems natural to want to evolve it and figure out alternatives and evolutions. There's been quite a few polarising opinions but actually I really appreciate them because some of them mention things where there might be room for improvement. Zeal & Ardor to me is not done, I'm still trying to figure out how it could be better and some of these negative comments are quite helpful because they point out what I could do better.
Zeal & Ardor is just the latest in a long line of developments in the world of music, an artform that continues to develop and metamorphose, despite the protestations of those stuck in the past or who fear change. Music is a force that is constantly changing and evolving; the notion that the well will run dry and that everythings already been done is an idea that says more about the person expressing it than it does about the state of modern music. Some may dismiss Zeal & Ardor as a gimmick but Gagneux is determined to not let that happen. As a live unit, the project will be expanded from just Gagneux to six musicians, including two backing singers. It's a fine line to walk because I don't ever want the music to be secondary to the show, but I have a few ideas. The record is only 25 minutes long but if we do a 25 minute set, people will kill us and will have every right to do so! So theres a few new ideas and songs for people that come to see us live. I'm in the process of distilling the project, making it more extreme in both directions and gelling the two elements together a little more precisely.
Devil is Fine is released through MVKA on 24th February on vinyl, CD and digitally. Zeal & Ardor commence a European tour in March including a date at The Underworld in Camden, London on 20th April
More:
Zeal & Ardor Devil is Fine: Album Stream - The Independent
- The terrible evil of the witch and the satanist - American Thinker - November 15th, 2023 [November 15th, 2023]
- The Blood on Satan's Claw: unearthing the locations for the witchy ... - British Film Institute - November 6th, 2023 [November 6th, 2023]
- Here's how many modern day witches and Satanists are living in Southend - Yahoo News UK - November 6th, 2023 [November 6th, 2023]
- When the Satanists Moved In - The Smart Set - November 6th, 2023 [November 6th, 2023]
- Letters: Boris Johnson and co must not be allowed to get off scot-free - HeraldScotland - November 6th, 2023 [November 6th, 2023]
- Toil and Trouble Misunderstood: Rise in witchcraft forces a rethink of ... - Frederick News Post - November 6th, 2023 [November 6th, 2023]
- The Religion of Sexual Humanism - Answers In Genesis - July 21st, 2023 [July 21st, 2023]
- The rise of the French Intifada - The Spectator - July 21st, 2023 [July 21st, 2023]
- Who/what is Baphomet? - GBTIMES - May 22nd, 2023 [May 22nd, 2023]
- What is a heathen? - GBTIMES - May 22nd, 2023 [May 22nd, 2023]
- Why Israel Treats Its Prisoners Of War With Dignity -By Joe Dauda - Opinion Nigeria - May 22nd, 2023 [May 22nd, 2023]
- Sunday School Scapegoats: How D&D And Heavy Metal Became ... - FANGORIA - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- The Age of Democracy Ushered in the Age of Degeneracy - The New American - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Yule - Wikipedia - December 16th, 2022 [December 16th, 2022]
- The Satanic Bible - Wikipedia - November 27th, 2022 [November 27th, 2022]
- Pentagram - Wikipedia - November 21st, 2022 [November 21st, 2022]
- Wicca - Wikipedia - November 21st, 2022 [November 21st, 2022]
- Early Norwegian black metal scene - Wikipedia - November 21st, 2022 [November 21st, 2022]
- Satanic panic - Wikipedia - November 21st, 2022 [November 21st, 2022]
- Black Sun (symbol) - Wikipedia - October 23rd, 2022 [October 23rd, 2022]
- The Occult and Satanism in America - The American TFP - October 23rd, 2022 [October 23rd, 2022]
- Satan - Wikipedia - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Witch trials in the early modern period - Wikipedia - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Left-hand path and right-hand path - Wikipedia - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Putin Accuses West of Satanism and Announces Annexations in ... - October 6th, 2022 [October 6th, 2022]
- Putin Annexation Speech: The Russian Leader's Denunciations of Western Imperialism Are Hypocritical - Foreign Policy - October 6th, 2022 [October 6th, 2022]
- Earth religion - Wikipedia - August 15th, 2022 [August 15th, 2022]
- F.A.Q. Fundamental Beliefs - Church of Satan - August 15th, 2022 [August 15th, 2022]
- Lucis (Lucifer) Trust Exposing Satanism and Witchcraft - June 3rd, 2022 [June 3rd, 2022]
- Modern Witchcraft: It May Not Be What You Think - June 3rd, 2022 [June 3rd, 2022]
- Celebrities involved in Satanism, who are they? - Legit.ng - June 3rd, 2022 [June 3rd, 2022]
- Satanism | occult practice | Britannica - December 19th, 2021 [December 19th, 2021]
- Albert Pike Exposing Satanism and Witchcraft - December 5th, 2021 [December 5th, 2021]
- Demon Names and how to Identify them Exposing Satanism ... - December 5th, 2021 [December 5th, 2021]
- The Anatomy of Satanism in Hollywood - James True - October 7th, 2021 [October 7th, 2021]
- The All Seeing Eye and the Occult Meaning - Exposing Satanism - October 7th, 2021 [October 7th, 2021]
- 10 Forms Of Satanism That Exist Around The World - Listverse - October 7th, 2021 [October 7th, 2021]
- Frank Zappas favourite books about the occult - Far Out Magazine - July 16th, 2021 [July 16th, 2021]
- Is False Positive a True Story? Is the Hulu Movie Based on Real Life? - The Cinemaholic - June 28th, 2021 [June 28th, 2021]
- Satanism - Founders, Philosophies & Branches - HISTORY - June 15th, 2021 [June 15th, 2021]
- Music Styles Live and Die, But Rock is Forever Heres Why - Music Mayhem Magazine - March 31st, 2021 [March 31st, 2021]
- The Deification of Donald J. Trump: The Prince of Pieces - The Good Men Project - March 31st, 2021 [March 31st, 2021]
- Church of Satan and Satanism in Australia explained: from rituals to religion with the controversial group - 7NEWS.com.au - March 3rd, 2021 [March 3rd, 2021]
- Every Johnny Depp Movie Ranked From Worst to Best | Screen Rant - Screen Rant - February 14th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
- Far-right conspiracy QAnon surging in Europe as fanatics plot return of Nazi Reich and link Satanists to - The Sun - February 2nd, 2021 [February 2nd, 2021]
- Satanic Temple Abortion Ritual Advertised on Miami Billboard - Miami New Times - January 1st, 2021 [January 1st, 2021]
- The Boomer Rock Renaissance 2020 Never Saw Coming - Vulture - December 26th, 2020 [December 26th, 2020]
- Modern Satanism | Spiral Nature Magazine - December 6th, 2020 [December 6th, 2020]
- The Evolution of Modern Satanism in the United States - December 6th, 2020 [December 6th, 2020]
- The Story Of Black Metal In 14 Songs Kerrang! - Kerrang! - December 6th, 2020 [December 6th, 2020]
- Fact check: There is no evidence to support claims that Lady Gaga is a witch - USA TODAY - November 7th, 2020 [November 7th, 2020]
- BERNSTEIN: We live in two different Americas - RU Daily Targum - November 7th, 2020 [November 7th, 2020]
- The History Behind the Ouija Board is Both Pure and Evil - Nerdist - October 27th, 2020 [October 27th, 2020]
- What It Really Means To Be A Satanist - Kerrang! - March 5th, 2020 [March 5th, 2020]
- Pittchcraft: The true history of Wicca and Witchcraft - University of Pittsburgh The Pitt News - March 5th, 2020 [March 5th, 2020]
- 10 Bands Who Have Been Banned By The Church - Kerrang! - March 5th, 2020 [March 5th, 2020]
- CHLOE WYMA ON THE ART OF AGNES PELTON - Artforum - March 5th, 2020 [March 5th, 2020]
- A Modern Witch's Guide to Paris: Where to Find the Occult and Esoteric - Frenchly - February 4th, 2020 [February 4th, 2020]
- Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Conjures Up a Strong Season 3 - The Spool - January 27th, 2020 [January 27th, 2020]
- Best Documentaries of '19 - Fort Worth Weekly - January 17th, 2020 [January 17th, 2020]
- Sam Dunn: The Journey of the World's Most Famous Headbanger - Daily Hawker - January 17th, 2020 [January 17th, 2020]
- Fears Hampshire Horse Ripper has returned after 26 years and psycho culprit could be next Ian Brady - The Sun - January 14th, 2020 [January 14th, 2020]
- Occult symbols found on New Forest animals killed, and in church vandalism - The Wild Hunt - December 6th, 2019 [December 6th, 2019]
- Concert Review: Spinal Taps Derek Smalls Revives Mock-Rock at the Wiltern - Variety - November 11th, 2019 [November 11th, 2019]
- Curro pupil speaks: 'Stop the satanic panic, art is meant to provoke thought' - News24 - October 27th, 2019 [October 27th, 2019]
- Creepy countdown the 20 scariest horror movies of all time - NNY360 - October 27th, 2019 [October 27th, 2019]
- What does it mean to be a modern witch? 3 real-life witches share their experiences - Vogue India - October 23rd, 2019 [October 23rd, 2019]
- Judas Priests Rob Halford: The metal community has always been inclusive, yet weve been kicked around like a football over the years - NME.com - October 23rd, 2019 [October 23rd, 2019]
- The 20 scariest horror movies of all time - The Columbus Dispatch - October 20th, 2019 [October 20th, 2019]
- What are the 20 scariest horror movies of all time? - Peoria Journal Star - October 20th, 2019 [October 20th, 2019]
- I'm a founder of the Satanic Temple. Don't blame Satan for white supremacy. - Washington Post - August 25th, 2017 [August 25th, 2017]
- Wash Post column cheers Satan, jeers Christians - WND.com - August 25th, 2017 [August 25th, 2017]
- The Devil's Cradle: The Story of Finnish Black Metal - The Gauntlet - August 25th, 2017 [August 25th, 2017]
- Court orders new trial in satanic sacrificial murder case - RT - August 25th, 2017 [August 25th, 2017]
- We Asked Diehard Swedish Metalheads What They Consider to be 'Metal' - Noisey - August 22nd, 2017 [August 22nd, 2017]
- A Brief But Very Informative History of How Fascists Infiltrated Punk and Metal - Noisey - August 22nd, 2017 [August 22nd, 2017]
- Why Some Christians Are Calling White Supremacy 'Satanic' - HuffPost - August 20th, 2017 [August 20th, 2017]
- Satanic Leader Calls Upon Christian America to Face Their Contribution to Racist Right - Patheos (blog) - August 16th, 2017 [August 16th, 2017]
- The Wild Hunt | Tag Archive | paranormal investigation - The Wild Hunt - August 16th, 2017 [August 16th, 2017]
- Nottinghamshire sees increase in Witchcraft complaints - The Wild Hunt - August 11th, 2017 [August 11th, 2017]