The mixing of cultures and musical genres that is the more exploratory wing of the current Metal scene was on breathtaking—and loud—display when Zeal & Ardor (Switzerland), Sylvaine (Norway/Germany/Croatia) and Imperial Triumphant (United States) teamed up at the Echoplex in L.A. this past week.
Headliner Zeal & Ardor delivered their unique mashup of African American gospel and field hollers, Metal and Industrial moves with mesmerizing bluster that was both crushing and uplifting in equal measure. The overarching narrative of bandleader Manuel Gagneux’s songs poses the question: what if the progenitors of those early American traditions had turned to the devil instead of the church? No judgement presented, just the idea to ponder.
It's heady stuff. And even missing the two vocalists who provide work song style support for Gagneux’s lead vocals (they were out sick), the communal majesty of the music was devastatingly strong. Due to both the fill-in support of the bassist and lead guitarist, and the vigorous bellowing of the crowd who bolstered the band in the shout-along sections. The place shook like a rollicking Metal tent revival.
Direct support Sylvaine provided ebb and flow with her post-punk infused Black Metal. Her waif-like appearance and demure speaking voice bely the heavily muscled music she makes, with a miraculously versatile voice that can go from angelic grace in traditional-folk rooted songs sung in her native Norwegian, to a howling Black Metal roar that can stand with anybody.
Art-metal provocateurs Imperial Triumphant opened the night with a theatrical display of exploratory heaviness that often bordered on dada-influenced performance art. Testament to their highly engaging performance was the fact their set felt much longer and deeper than its 30-minute duration. They’re soon embarking on a headlining tour of their own.
Incredible night that swirled and pitched a lot of different energies and emotions into one pummeling, cohesive whole. No easy feat.
It certainly wasn’t for everybody. But the most piercing of new expressions rarely is.