Sombre and huge, “Gravedigger’s Chant” is as dark as you’d expect from its title. Manuel Gagneux, is the powerhouse behind Zeal & Ardor. Inspired by seeing rebellion expressed via black metal against monotheism, he wondered what history might have been like if a similar rebellion occurred in American slavery. The result is “Gravedigger’s Chant”; a dark take on spirituals, and a first taste from the upcoming album Stranger Fruit which releases in June.
Stirring to the core, Manuel shares about the song’s intention saying “The gravedigger’s chant is the song sung by the people who lay your body to rest. These people don’t care where you were, but they know what you did and who loved you. All they know is what lies before them. So they sing this song, since you can no longer breathe a note.”
“Lord don’t have mercy for you”
An unwavering piano melody is joined by massive bass pulses, organ hums, and a distorted and empassioned voice. The track ebbs and flows, unfolding like something horrifying you can’t look away from. As unnerving as it is impressive, “Gravedigger’s Chant” is a breathtaking invitation to dive into Stranger Fruit when it lands.
Watch the fittingly dark music video below. We’ve also included “Gravedigger’s Chant” on our Spotify playlist: The Depth List: 2018.
