Alcest Biography

Alcest is a French post-black metal band formed in 2000 in Bagnols-sur-Cèze by musician Neige (Stéphane Paut). Initially started as a solo black metal project, Alcest included members Aegnor and Argoth early on, but the trio released only a single demo tape in 2001 before Aegnor and Argoth departed, leaving Neige to continue the project alone. The initial demo, which showcased the band's early sound, was titled Tristesse Hivernale.

In 2005, Neige released the follow-up EP, Le Secret, which marked a turning point for Alcest, drawing the attention of Prophecy Productions. The success of Le Secret led to the release of their debut full-length album, Souvenirs d’un autre monde, in 2007. The album was well-received and established Alcest within the metal community. Subsequent albums include Ecailles de Lune in 2010 and Les Voyages de l’Ame in 2012, further developing their distinctive sound that blends elements of black metal with shoegaze and post-metal.

In 2009, Alcest expanded to a duo with the addition of drummer Winterhalter, who joined Neige after several years of the project being solely his endeavor. This collaboration renewed the band's dynamic and creative potential. In 2014, Alcest released Shelter, which was characterized by a more pronounced shoegaze influence, marking a shift away from their earlier black metal roots.

Alcest's fourth studio album, Kodama, was released on September 30, 2016, and represented a return to their core blackgaze sound. The album incorporated thematic inspirations from Japanese culture and Hayao Miyazaki's film Princess Mononoke, highlighting Neige's interest in integrating artistic influences into their music.

On January 15, 2016, Neige announced through social media that the band was recording a fifth studio album, describing it as "definitively darker." Following this release, the band began working on a sixth studio album, Spiritual Instinct, which was officially launched on October 25, 2019. The lead single from this album, titled "Protection," was released on August 23, 2019, and the album was quickly recognized by Loudwire as one of the best metal releases of the year.

Most recently, on August 6, 2022, Neige confirmed the band was in pre-production for their seventh studio album. The upcoming album, titled Les Chants de l'aurore, has a release date set for June 21, 2024, along with the lead single "L'Envol." Alcest continues to be regarded as a pioneering force in the blackgaze and post-black metal genres, known for their unique fusion of styles and emotional depth.