FIRST TIME HEARING | Zeal & Ardor - Devil Is Fine | REACTION

[@ZealArdor666]

Hey man! writer/singer of this here. You're spot on with your speculation. It's an alternate history project about black American slaves using satanism as a form of rebellion in bondage. Thanks for taking the time to check it out!

[@mrlboydmusic]

Seriously can’t wait to check out more, I appreciate the intelligence behind this project.

[@jerryactrik1901]

was this project inspired in any way by the book "Black Freethinkers: A History of African American Secularism"? Being in opposition of slavery is very much Satanic. To whoever is reading, keep that in mind the next time someone tries to make Satanism out to be synonymous with evil.

[@KytexEdits]

@@mrlboydmusic Yes please do! So many good Z&A songs. I'm gonna go ahead and recommend 3 songs. This one you just did was from the 1st record. I'm gonna recommend another from the first record which is their most well known and showcases their work overall: Blood in the river (live off the road sessions), then gravedigger's chant from the 2nd record in 2018, it's more in the gospel direction like this one, and I'm also gonna recommend Run from their newest 2022 record, this is more extreme sonically. In the future if you ever have done a lot of Z&A reactions I'd remember the song name "built on ashes". It's the finale to their 2018 album and I have to say It's probably the most beautiful song I've ever heard but I can't explain why, it's powerful. Enjoy Z&A!

[@BobbyRandy7356]

I've seen Z&A live twice now -- loved the shows & Thanks for signing my album Manuel! Best of all though you managed to convert one of my best friends into a metal head -- keep going!

[@MisterDarkfall]

Wow, it's Manuel! This shit is legendary IMO. THANK you for it!

[@dougc9130]

Manuel Gagneux stated the band came from the question of "What if American slaves had embraced Satan instead of Jesus?"

[@antoniogonzalez4252]

The way I see it it's more like "What if american slaves didn't embrace the religion of their captors and wrongdoers and instead found solace in it's direct opposite"

[@darthwyvvern]

It came from a question he asked on the 4Chan /B/ boards. He asked that board what two genres of music should he mix together. Someone said something racist AF, and then someone said black metal. So he combined Black Metal and fuckin the style of slave chants/devotionals.

[@Majin1138]

And he has the ears of thousands

[@SlyHikari03]

@@darthwyvvernyup. Thats how I discovered this band.

[@james-bd2mf]

Shit'd be a lot different 😉😉😉

[@violetninja]

"He coming early morning" - This is a reference to the Morning Star, one of the many names The Devil goes by.

[@arnodk2852]

Yes, the name Lucifer (which means the Morning Star/Light Bringer/The Shining One in Latin).

[@yourlocalheathen8419]

Zeal & Ardor are one of my favorite bands, and their catalog is amazing. It's an amazing combination of blues, metal, and some gospel inspiration. You're thinking the same way as I did when I first heard them.

[@zefarmer]

I am absolutely blown away by the way you parse this song and that you precisely landed on what this whole project is about. I've been a huge fan of Z&A since I first heard this song years ago and am happy to see that others enjoy the music for it's depth and meaning. Manuel is truly a one of a kind musician and I hope to catch them live one day.

[@Xman-ny4hw]

If slaves became devil worshippers, this is what they’d sing Check out “Church Burns” next

[@zephronscythe]

I’ve been sitting on donating for Zeal & Ardor for almost a year now. The only problem is that there’s not a lot of live recordings of their work unless you want to dig around their live London album and these few videos from a what I believe is a German music channel. Now that you’ve gotten a taste, I think you’d enjoy some context. The lead singer, Manuel Gagneux, started Zeal & Ardor after asking for unique musical combinations on (I believe) 4Chan. At the time he was mostly doing electronic music and for fun likes to combine random things together (something he still does if you follow him on instagram). A commentor made the racist suggestion of Black Metal & “Black” music (they didn’t call it that). He said fuck that guy, but also I’m going to see how that works. Zeal & Ardor’s first two albums, Devil is Fine (2017), and Strange Fruit (2018) both follow the idea of an alternate universe where enslaved people found faith in the spiritual enemy of their oppressors. There’s a good mix of theme, but these two albums largely focus on spirituals and call and response field chants. They also have an amazing EP called Wake of a Nation that was Gagneux’s personal response to the murder of George Floyd and the protests and violence that followed. This is a dark and heavy set of songs reflecting on everything from Tuskegee testing in the 1930’s to Eric Garner’s death. Then they have a third album that came out last year simply called Zeal & Ardor, which is mostly black metal, but I feel also has a more blues sound, making me believe that future albums might explore the evolution of black music in America. I’d really be interested to see what a jazz album from him might sound like. Gangnuex is a Swiss American, his mother is a black woman from one of the Carolinas, and his father is from Sweden. He lives predominately in Sweden, which I guess is why there’s a lot of German music channel content for the band’s earlier work. This summer, if you’re in Europe still, they are doing a show together with Heilung, another great concept band which I believe I’ve seen you react to in the past. I’m sure its expensive, but I’ve seen both bands live twice and cannot put into words how excellent they both are.

[@greythumbshenanigans559]

Duuuude, Z&A and Heilung will be an amazing concert.

[@sukulmati]

There's a great live recording from hellfest 2022

[@F4R207]

Vafalls, viste inte att han bode i Sverige!? / Didn't know he was living in Sweden.

[@g00w]

@@F4R207 Nah, he's just mixing up "Swiss" with "Swedish". His father is from Switzerland, where Manuel was also born.

[@AlirRunesofMagic]

Please, I swear, stop mixing up Switzerland and Sweden, pleaaaase! x)

[@tonberryhugs6435]

The part about the Devil forgiving my sins is even deeper than some think because the “sin” is a concept from god to make people think they need him in the first place for salvation.

[@the_furry_inside_your_walls639]

I'll one up you there by saying that the concept of "sin" was made up by those in power in Christianity to control people by scaring them into thinking that they need God and Jesus to be saved. The truth is that Jesus was just a good man who used to follow Judaism before he decided to reject his religion and teach people good morals because "God" visited him in a dream one time. Christianity wasn't a thing when he was alive, and he never wanted a religion about himself or his teachings in the first place.

[@Majin1138]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@BATTLE-RAP-VISIONAIRY]

Damn that's deep

[@james-bd2mf]

Our only "sin" is free will. Only a tyrant presses their thumb on that

[@gregorsamsa3247]

It gets even deeper than that: Satan or Shaitan means accuser or prosecuter. If he "forgives" your sins he pardons your crimes in pursuit of freedom because one who is in the hell of bondage for no crime of thier own can never truly be guilty.

[@zengunman9553]

Zeal and Ardor could score a horror movie about a slave revolt on an antebellum plantation that is aided by the devil himself. They're succesful and then the bill comes do. I'd see that movie at least twice.

[@bigdane87]

Like a darker dejango unchained?

[@etinarcadiaego5708]

What if Nat Turner was a Satanist instead of a Christian? Yeah, I'd watch that film for sure.

[@chromesthesia]

I would so watch that movie Omg it should be an epic horror movie that's too gory and scary for me with an awesome sound track and they'd sacrifice the master or his daughter or son or something and Satan would be like ok I will help and brutal ass kicking would ensue!

[@куртка-в8й]

Thank you a lot for them. Awesome band.

[@greythumbshenanigans559]

The video makes it real clear, real fast, what's going on. Loved watching ya figuring it out on the live version as the story went on! This band is one of my favorites, and they have a ton of great storytelling. Can't wait for the next album.

[@drricemice2046]

God this is the best band ever the concept is fucking badass

[@jeffwilson3205]

You stumbled on one of the most important bands in music IMO. Keep listening and reacting!!!

[@HadalStreetlights]

This right here is some absolutely impeccable analysis. I'm extremely impressed. You earned a sub. I've watched a lot of Z&A reactions but none of the ones ive seen so far were as quick to pick up the story beats underpinning Z&A's mythos as you. made my morning to watch you figure it all out.

[@timkline162]

I know this is an old video but I hope you have explored more of Zeal and Ardor's music since then. They are an amazing band, their new album is great too.

[@nemo9540]

I get the chills every time I hear this song, it's so incredibly powerful!

[@Metal_Archaeologist]

The best band I've listened to in the past decade. Patiently awaiting a new album to add to my collection. Nothing else like 'em. Perfect. Row Row Rowing my ass to the next show!. Peace!

[@blackmagicmetal]

I love your journey in understanding the lyrics - you're analysis being so spot on - only for me to then see that Zeal&Ardor have responded to you as well in confirming your understanding is just fantastic.

[@SirCavemanWrites]

I've seen this band live twice recently - once supporting Meshuggah at Royal Albert Hall, and the other as headliner at another venue in London. Backing singers were out with illness (covid, I think) and Manuel more than made up for their absence. Probably the nearest I got to a spiritual experience was during their set. Cannot recommend this band enough; their live shows are incredible.

[@GoblinScott]

Saw them on the first leg of this UK tour. In an old church on Colchester. Gravedigger Chant brought me to tears. So glad I grabbed the bootleg of the live show from that night

[@permafrostprod1]

Wow, what an intelligent commentary/reaction channel. You sir have earned from myself a very rare, ''one video subscription''

[@jasonvelliquette9058]

You should check out Zeak and Ardor Blood in the river \ Off the road sessions. Amazing

[@MutatedFaith]

A GOOD GOD IS A DEAD GOD A GOOD GOD IS THE ONE WHO BRINGS THE FIRE

[@aarontrudeau3257]

They are one of my favorite bands. So raw and talented

[@jatsi96]

Zeal & Ardor - Blood In The River Yes, please!! :) I would love to hear your thoughts on it!

[@fskrisfx]

Nailed it! Love these guys! The talent is unreal!

[@phillipmclillard2594]

watching you coming organically to the actual substance of the piece gave me chills,..its is a truly beautiful concept. thanks to Manuel.

[@Spook__Show]

Longtime Zeal & Ardor fan but new to YT reactions and this is actually the first Z&A reaction I've watched - WOW! Really enjoyed watching you discover the narrative and look forward to hearing you react to more of Manuel's brilliant work! (also, keep the Ren reactions coming - they're what got me here!) Thank you!

[@TheDevilisAskirt]

This was the first song I heard from them...but it wasn't a live version. Although, this performance is UHmazing. So good still. Such a gripping....different...outstanding...dark...deep song and group. 🙌🖤✨

[@blackth00rne]

Zeal&Ardor its the best thing Instagram had show me period. Back in 2018, when I was in a cancer treatment and social media was the only social interaction I had outside my family and Hospital community. Since then I just listen to every fucking work Manuel Gagneux did because the man it's a machine of great songs. It's INSANE how a great songwriter and producer he is and the message behind the music is POWERFUL. Great react and analysis tho.

[@tarpguy_]

a lot of people shit on reaction videos for not adding anything. gotta admit, was afraid that this video was gonna be like that at first, but that was just listening. without interrupting too much. this was such a nice video! Loved it. this is the kinda channel that makes the reaction scene on youtube better! keep it up :)) also the man himself commented, nice!

[@daviddawkins3659]

I 100% agree. This was a great reaction video without judgement and much appreciation.

[@progperljungman8218]

You finally nailed it!

[@paulstone38]

Saw them in Bristol brilliant

[@TheDoctorFlay]

Great reaction and hit the nail on the head.

[@jpgduff]

Saw them in Dublin with Meshuggah and they were incredible.

[@bigdane87]

Oh wow, I bet that was an amazing show

[@justink2874]

Time to go down the Z&A rabbit hole 🤘❤️🤘 Golden Liar - feels like it should be in a movie. You Ain't Coming Back - is also AMAZING.

[@elsapersant7747]

The combinaison of "he won't forgive my sins" and "I can't do him no wrong" are the two that resonates the most with me. I'm white, so while I empathise and try to learn more about the history of slavery and racism, it's not part of my heritage so I don't really resonate with it on a personal level (that's not a problem per se and it does not damage my capacity to see how beautiful that song is) . But I'm a queer women, and I know how christianity hurted and continues to hurt my community. So a figure, ad terrible as the devil, to whom I can't do no wrong ? Who won't forgive my sins, meaning I won't have to go and beg for his forgiveness? That is so tempting. Christianity puts us in chains by making us feel ashamed of what we are. Lots of us try to attone for "our sins" try to beg for forgiveness, try to access to crumbles of love, and we lose ourselves doing so xhen the poeple asking for our shame and our begs has no intention of ever loving us. Shame and asking for forgiveness are powerful tools to maintain someon e in chains. (Sorry for the english mistake, french here)

[@hattorihanzo2814]

You got it 100%. That is the foundation of most of their songs. If God is bondage...

[@gertneud]

Every choice you make is a perfect choice, man. Headphones and everything. Keep on going!

[@dashasapoches3744]

Your interpretation is some kinda genius. Thank you, love listening to you

[@Xman-ny4hw]

Holy shit!!! Happy b day to me! Z&A ftw

[@AxiomofDiscord]

This song almost brings me to tears but it emboldens me and gives me a renewed sense of determination. It was such a spiritual awakening to hear this. Learning that those who said they loved me and wanted me to be happy, only wanted to control me and hold me back. Keep me passive and weak.

[@lucky2653]

The band has a lot of lyrics dealing with slavery and Christianity being pushed on slaves. It's simple as that. It's a song about slavery. The band is absolutely amazing.

[@mathiaserichsen8177]

Wow! Loved this! ❤️

[@Raplover33]

This song got me out of 30 years of abuse along with the song First by Riell.

[@HamsterPooh]

I wish you'd watched the official music video, which is gorgeous.

[@seanmace8331]

You deduced the reason i love Z&A so much. To me it seems far more logical that they'd reject the religion of their captors and embrace the devil.

[@justastupidjourney3978]

Manuel Gagneux, the lead singer, guitarist, and founder of the band created it in response to a challenge he had issued on a whiteboard site to give him two genres to mix. He got one suggestion for black metal and another for slave music. Obviously he succeeded in coming up with something. He's also been quoted as saying the band came from the question of "what if American slaves had embraced Satan instead of Jesus?" I agree with the other suggestions here but my personal favorite is Come On Down.

[@dwelleronthethreshold]

I love Manuel’s voice

[@Angatyr34]

Great to see you pickup on the intended vibes so well, and your insights! I'm Australian, so don't have direct cultural context to the African-American experience, so it was great to see your experience, where the dots connected for you, and that it was impactful. Re the below: these are my opinions and experience from reading and interpreting the bible. Not a criticism of how people (Christians or otherwise) express their faith. If someone uses their religion as a reason or motivator to be a better person, and treat others well, then we're friends. I'm an athiest, but raised in a progressive and 'nice' Christian Church. But an interesting perspective that even I picked up when reading the bible, and is the core of modern Satanism, is that Satan is actually more of a friend to mankind than God, and a more reasonable character. Especially if you just analyse the stories in a passive literary fashion, and compare the ethics of the actions of Satan vs God. God demands worship under pain of eternal torment. Created them humans with desire to sin, but condemns them for it. Satan wanted them to Learn - eat from the tree "Of Knowledge of Good and Evil". Why didn't God want them to know about good and evil? Sounds pretty dang toxic. And that time God sent bears to eat 42 children for mocking his prophet.... Like I said, I'm an atheist, but from reading the Bible, I can see why modern Satanism is actually just Ethical Humanism, with a supernatural overlay.

[@ListentoFairToMidlandNow]

Please do Fair to Midland!!!! This was so good!

[@SamiGodHater]

Great video.

[@TheAmazeingAnarchist]

I’m glad this song got some exposure on reaction tube because I loved it for that exact concept it posed. Not only did you have the black person rebelling, accepting and finding strength in what was cast as evil by enslavers but as a religious trauma survivor along with understanding modern interpretations of satanism i felt it could have taken a double meaning. First the obvious one that’s already been talked about but also the more individual approach of changing practically your entire world or struggling to fight for a better life, your own life. The devil is outside of you but also inside. So those parts of yourself deemed ugly by others or you yourself have been made to believe about yourself are fine. Do what you need to progress in life because it will at least have the potential for something better than your current miserable state.

[@MrBlakeD82]

I have yet to hear a Zeal & Ardor song that I didn't like. It''s amazing work.

[@frankov_83]

I wanted to like the video, but it currently has 666 likes which is perfect!

[@slayerat5280]

Dont want to like the video because its at 666 likes. Instead ill leave a comment. Great video!

[@cpeithman999]

At 9:45 you got it. "Christians are enslaving me."

[@globalist1990]

I'm only surprised it took so long for the creation of black black metal. In hindsight, it's an obvious thing.

[@iurihenrique7101]

Uow, I made a totally different interpretation. Satanism would preach a word of freedom, above all rules imposed by the church. Just as Lucifer is "the light bringer", they sing of how he appears bringing morning, a new day, a new hope. And when they sing about how no one will lead the way or hold your head they mean that now the little one is free.

[@MichaelMartin-eh6wl]

It seems to me that if you ask "Where is your God now?" in times of great violence and injustice, you could just as well ask "Where is your satan now?" when you need him. Neither one seem to pop up when called upon.

[@Majin1138]

We are slaves to this world

[@ПавелКатан]

No link to original video. Why?

[@MichR-y8j]

He should of watched the music video.. i love the live version but the video shows what the live doesn't

[@tylermcbeath5059]

Now listen to Be My Husband by Nina Simone. Very similar songs.

[@TheBlackcredo]

Satan is love.

[@MetalSavedMe]

As a Satanist, we welcome everyone with open arms.

[@BryanSmith13]

You could have? You did! 😅

[@BryanSmith13]

Also, have to ask, as an African American, how did you miss the slavery bit? I'm a white humanist from SA (Call me woke if you know what it means, bitches) who grew up in late 80s apartheid and I got it at the first clink of chain.

[@circleofpit]

backround singer singing flat is ruining it

[@Kimoto504]

Please let the songs play through once before going into it. It's annoying to have it repeatedly interrupted before one's had a chance to actually hear it in total.

[@yuchoob]

If you don't know whether or not you like some specific music, watch videos like this so you can borrow your opinions from someone else's reaction. Someone else who records themselves reacting to music because... he... thinks...others should care about what he thinks? Dunno. If you want to listen to a song, listen to it. If you don't, don't. What is the point of watching someone else react to it? Live your own life, not vicariously through "content creators".

[@Majin1138]

Choir, chains, black metal. No devil. Be free. Be intelligent please

[@Majin1138]

Overanalyzed

[@Majin1138]

Watch the video dude

[@copebeckman3332]

The live version kind of doesn't do it justice

[@green3452345]

Now start learning about Gnosticism.

[@MrMentholSlim]

every time i hear zeal and ardor i get disappointed in black Christians, how u let people kill your family enslave you and rape your children, yet you still listen to them about morality and god....

[@MadailinBurnhope]

white people didn't invent Christianity bro; emancipation was as much about Black people reclaiming Christianity, as Haitian Voudou

[@totengott3378]

"The Devil" isnt evil, read your bible...

[@jaycee1529]

It's a pity. I actually like this song. Like the vocals and sounds, but the lyrics is a no no for my Christian faith. I wish someone could do the God remix tho.