Live Review: Zeal & Ardor – Greif Tour – O2 Shepherds Bush Empire

If you’ve been keeping up with the rise of experimental metal, Zeal & Ardor is a name you’re likely familiar with. Blending black metal with blues and spirituals, they’ve carved a niche that’s as unique as it is powerful. Their latest UK tour brought them to the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, a venue steeped in history, for what would be a truly unforgettable night. Here’s how it all unfolded!

Opening the evening were Zetra, whose ethereal, doom-infused soundscapes set the perfect tone for what was to follow. The duo’s brooding presence and atmospheric riffs filled the room, immediately capturing the attention of early arrivals. With their unique mix of heavy guitar and synth-driven melodies, Zetra didn’t just warm up the crowd—they entranced them. By the end of their set, the audience was hooked, their haunting energy resonating throughout the venue.

Then, the moment arrived. The lights dimmed, and with the first notes of ‘The Bird, The Lion and the Wildkin’, Zeal & Ardor took the stage, igniting the room with an intensity that was palpable. The roar from the crowd was immediate, and Manuel Gagneux’s presence was commanding from the start. As they moved into ‘Wake of a Nation’, the energy in the room was electric, with the band’s signature blend of crushing riffs and soulful vocals leaving the crowd in awe.

Zeal & Ardor’s setlist was nothing short of spectacular, a genre-defying journey through their discography. Tracks like ‘Götterdämmerung’ and ‘Ship on Fire’ had the crowd headbanging in full force, while the haunting beauty of songs like ‘Gravedigger’s Chant’ and ‘Blood in the River’ brought a more somber, reflective mood to the room. Every song was met with thunderous applause, and the crowd was as much a part of the performance as the band itself.

One of the night’s standout moments came during ‘Tuskegee’, where the raw emotion in Gagneux’s voice was undeniable. It was a performance that felt as heavy emotionally as it did musically, leaving the crowd in stunned silence before erupting into cheers. As the set progressed, tracks like ‘Kilonova’ and ‘Run’ kept the intensity high, while ‘Golden Liar’ and ‘Sugarcoat’ added a more melodic contrast that only enhanced the depth of the performance.

The night reached its peak with fan-favourite ‘Devil Is Fine’, which had the entire venue singing along to every word. The energy was relentless, but Zeal & Ardor weren’t done yet. ‘Trust No One’ and ‘Built on Ashes’ closed out the main set, and the band left the stage to deafening applause.

Of course, an encore was inevitable. Zeal & Ardor returned with the haunting ‘I Caught You’, before delivering a jaw-dropping finale with ‘Clawing Out’. The crowd was left in awe, knowing they had witnessed something truly special.

Zeal & Ardor have always been a force in the metal scene, but this performance at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire felt like a defining moment. Their sound was massive, their energy unmatched, and the crowd left completely satisfied. From start to finish, it was a night that showcased not just the band’s unique musical style, but their undeniable ability to captivate and inspire. This was more than just a gig—it was an experience.