2023 | Switzerland | Documentary

Play With the Devil: Becoming Zeal & Ardor

  • Swiss German, English, German 72 mins
  • Director | Olivier Joliat, Matthias Willi
  • Writer | Olivier Joliat, Matthias Willi
  • Producer | Frank Matter

STATUS: Released

This film is currently not available.   

Manuel Gagneux, a mixed-race Swiss musician, fuses American Negro work songs and heavy metal music to create “Black Death Metal,” an explosive new genre that confronts societal ills. A year-long global tour with his band, Zeal & Ardor, is a raging success with their die-hard fans, yet reveals Manu’s aversion to authority and ambivalence towards fame. A head-banging, thought-provoking documentary that spotlights this unique band and their dynamic, complex leader. – Karen McMullen 

Swiss Musician Negro Songs Metal Tour Band Fame