MANUEL GAGNEUX of ZEAL & ARDOR: 10 Questions
An interview by Doug Peters.
Zeal & Ardor for the uninitiated are a Switzerland-based avant-garde metal act who combine the sounds of negro spirituals with black metal, while mixing in elements of soul, melodic death metal, folk, electronica and drum n bass.
While this may sound like a weird combo of musical styles on paper, in practise it becomes an absolutely triumphant euphony that appeals to both metal fans and those who delight in the darker end of the musical spectrum.
With a New Zealand show scheduled in March I was given the opportunity to ask Manuel Gagneux a few questions about some of the themes behind the music, the recording process and what we can expect at a live Zeal & Ardor show…
In regards to how Zeal & Ardor came to be – we all know the 4Chan story by now. More recently you were quoted as saying the band itself came from the question of “What if American slaves had embraced Satan instead of Jesus?”. Do you see yourself continuing with these themes into the future, or do you see Zeal & Ardor as more of an ever evolving project thematically?
I’m sure there will be some iteration in the future. I think while the idea is interesting it is not sustainable forever.
After writing, recording and producing ‘Devil Is Fine’ completely on your own, ‘Stranger Fruit’ came to fruition with the help of Marco Von Allmen on Drums (who is also credited with the beautiful album artwork), as well a small production team (including the legendary Kurt Ballou from the hardcore band Converge, most famous for mixing such acts as Chelsea Wolfe, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Skeletonwitch and High On Fire) but it essentially was still entirely written by yourself. Now you find yourself touring these albums with a full live band, do you think future material may become even more of a collaborative effort or will this always be a somewhat personal project?
There is certainly a difference to the album versions. If only for the fact that there’s multiple people lending their energy to the performance. It’s certainly a step up in intensity.
Writing is something I enjoy doing alone, because collaborations often end up in compromises. Not always, but enough for me to want to write for Zeal & Ardor alone.
There is a trend with certain heavy acts to create ‘Remix Albums’ filled with tracks remixed and reimagined by other music producers. What are your opinions on these, and would we ever see a Zeal & Ardor remix album?
While it might be a fun idea I think I’d rather just make something new. We’ve been touring this material for close to 2 years now. It almost seems like a frustrating endeavor to milk it for more. Maybe at a later point in time.
You made the decision to deliberately use clipping in the audio levels while recording ‘Devil Is Fine’ to create a more retro Lo-Fi feeling (much like many of the original traditional Black Metal acts did in the 80’s and early 90’s), while ‘Stranger Fruit’ is a less raw, more commercial recording (audio wise). Was this purely the result of having a production team on board, or more of an aesthetic choice moving forward?
It was a deliberate decision. The first record tried to make the best of its limitations, but with stranger fruit I had the chance to take advantage of the means at our disposal. I thought it arrogant to make it sound crappy, just because. Also not to paint myself into a corner too much.
Stranger Fruit feature samples from Aleister Crowley and Anton LaVey – both noted Occult leaders, while the Zeal & Ardor logo itself is an amalgamation of The Sigil of Lucifer. Do you subscribe to these occult beliefs yourself, or are they meant to be viewed more in a symbolic sense as part of the ongoing themes of Zeal & Ardor?
They do bind into the “narrative” or whatyoumaycallit of the project. As for my personal beliefs I like to keep them to myself.
I have a problem with missionary work and potentially propagating certain ideas.
You also have another musical project called ‘Birdmask‘. Is this still an ongoing project or is Zeal & Ardor all consuming for the moment?
It’s still very much alive in some shape or form. While I started Zeal & Ardor as a break and contrast to that the roles of the two have switched by now. Kinda funny that.
What are your opinions on how music is delivered to the listener? Do you think physical media (for example the recent boom in Vinyl records) is a key part of the experience, or are you just happy for fans to hear your music even if it is via an often inferior quality digital file?
That’s actually also a reason I changed the vocal recording technique. I personally tend to listen to music with headphones, but if someone is putting the time aside to listen to a vinyl it should sound crisp. I think both are equally good ways to experience music. To me listening to vinyl has more to do with the deliberate effort and dedicated time put into listening.
Obviously you are bringing Zeal & Ardor down to New Zealand very soon, have you visited before personally? Is there anything you are especially looking forward to while here? Will you have time to visit any of the unique attractions the country provides?
I’ve never been, but I’ve always wanted to. I have a venue here in Switzerland and this band called Orchestra of Spheres played here. They were super nice and it wanted me to visit even more.
Sadly, we won’t have too much time to explore, but we are happy about any suggestions of things worth checking out. I think the best way to learn about a country is with a locals perspective.
Do you know of / are a fan of any other New Zealand bands?
Orchestra of Spheres, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Connan Mockasin are all pretty great. Isn’t a member of Superorganism also a Kiwi?
Yes, some of the members of the controversial NZ act The Eversons now form part of Superorganism. Finally, you have a very dedicated fanbase in New Zealand who are very excited at the prospect of witnessing Zeal & Ardor live – what can they expect from a Zeal & Ardor live show? With such an intimate venue, will the fan experience be enhanced in your opinion?
There’s definitely something to be said about immediacy of a small venue. It’s far more energetic live I think. No theatrics or grandeur about it, just music.
We seriously can’t wait.
Zeal & Ardor will be performing an exclusive one off live show at Wellington’s Valhalla on the 25th February 2019 as a part of their Stranger Fruit Tour. Tickets are on sale via Eventfinda, Under The Radar and Valhalla, but get in quick as they are selling fast and you will absolutely regret missing this!
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Yikes, thank you for spotting that typo. Completely my bad, typing while sleep deprived is no good for anyone. Fixed now!