Alcest is a French band rooted in the world of black metal but has since evolved, pioneering a sound that transcends typical genre confines to become a spearhead of what's often called blackgaze—a blend of black metal's intensity and shoegaze's ethereality. Formed in Bagnols-sur-Cèze in 2000 by multi-instrumentalist Neige (Stéphane Paut), Alcest was initially conceived as a solo project. Its early works hinted at a raw black metal texture, intertwined with the melodic and atmospheric touches that would become its stylistic hallmark.

Over time, Alcest's music has become more dreamlike and focused on themes of nature, spirituality, and personal introspection. Albums such as "Souvenirs d'un autre monde" (2007) marked a significant shift away from black metal, embracing a more otherworldly and serene sound, while later albums like "Kodama" (2016) and "Spiritual Instinct" (2019) displayed Neige's continuous exploration of the juxtaposition between darkness and light, both musically and thematically. Alcest's mesmerizing soundscapes have been further enriched by drummer Winterhalter, who has been part of the band since 2009. Together, they have cultivated a devoted following worldwide, enchanting audiences with their immersive performances and evocative compositions.

Genres

Atmospheric Black Metal

Blackgaze

Emotional Black Metal

French Black Metal

French Metal

French Shoegaze

Post-black Metal

Post-metal

Shoegaze

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Latest Release

Les Chants de l'Aurore

Alcest

Album - 7 Tracks - Released June 21, 2024