#22 Zeal and Ardor: Greif

It’s more like pineapple-on-pizza metal… we shouldn’t connect with certain kinds of metal fans, but they still appreciate us. Could we call it ‘Thinking-man’s pineapple pizza?’ Is that a valid compromise? It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but some people will still agree that it’s a pizza even though there’s a little forbidden fruit on there

Manuel Gagneux after being asked by Kerrang! if Zeal and Ardor made ‘Thinking-Man’s Metal’

I know what you’re thinking: yes, Kerrang! is still going and yes that’s the typeface they’re going with for the logo now. In this piece I shall argue that Zeal and Ardor should not be blamed for either of those things.

Hour Khamis Suleiman Al-Khateeb

17 Lauren Auder: the infinite spine

I was born an open wound that only suicide could sow up
But I refuse that healing thread, I wanted God to look at us
And she whispers you sweet nothings, you hope it’s true enough
To keep you here ’til you give yourself up

33 & golden

Do you know what happens when you open an album with a line of delicious ideation like “I was born an open wound that suicide could sow up”? Do you know what door you prise open when you begin your album career with such a beautifully nihilistic suggestion like that? Do you know what you get if you awaken my never fully dormant but always pathetic Richey Edwards fandom??

You get what you deserve.

Which is my attention.

DOCTOR, DOCTOR, HAVE MERCY ON ME, TAKE THIS PAIN AWAY