The fourth long-player from the Swiss metal outfit, GREIF, sees Zeal & Ardor continue to shape new weaponry on the heavy metal anvil, adding grungy hooks and electro-industrial elements to their inverted gospel-blues hymns and blackened field hollers. Written and produced by frontman Manuel Gagneux, the 14-song set, which takes its name from "Der Vogel Greif" ("The Griffin") from Grimms Fairy Tales, features a newly expanded and road-tested lineup. Potent and cohesive, hard-hitting cuts like "Fend You Off," "Kilonova," and "Clawing Out" are delivered with considerable technical acumen and uncompromising gusto, while the hushed, cinematic closer "To My Ilk" allows Gagneux the space to flex his superb vocal and songwriting skills. GREIF is another stellar effort from one of extreme metals most singular bands. ~ James Christopher Monger
Rovi
セルフ・プロデュースによる4枚目のアルバムは、ブラック・メタルと黒人音楽を掛け合わせた無二のスタイルに磨きをかけた内容だ。先行シングル"Kilonova"はトゥールを彷彿とさせるプログレ風味がクセになり、奥深いストーリー性にグッと引き込まれる。作品を通しての曲展開やフレーズは練られており、噛めば噛むほど味わいが増すスルメ盤という印象を受けた。
bounce (C)荒金良介
タワーレコード(vol.490(2024年9月25日発行号)掲載)