Alcest Explores Rebirth and Renewal in Upcoming Album, ‘Les Chants de l’Aurore’

Alcest’s forthcoming album ‘Les Chants de l’Aurore’ marks a significant tonal shift for the band, as it veers away from the comparatively aggressive tendencies displayed in ‘Spiritual Instinct’ towards a reinvigorated embrace of their ethereal roots. This pivot is exemplified by the initial single ‘L’Envol,’ which Neige, the band’s primary architect, describes as a departure back to the “swelling dreaminess” that initially defined Alcest’s sound. According to Neige, this track, and by extension the album, aims to be “uplifting and warm,” embodying a utopian soundscape reminiscent of a celestial paradise.

In the sprawling narrative of modern music, certain artists defy the conventional trajectories of their genres to forge indelible legacies. Alcest, formed in 2000 by French musician Neige (Stéphane Paut), is one such entity, whose impact resonates deeply within and beyond the bounds of black metal and shoegaze. While the broader strokes of Alcest’s journey—from its black metal inception to its later ethereal, genre-blending expressions—are widely recognized, a closer examination reveals a rich tapestry of artistic evolution, pivotal yet underreported events, and subtle cultural influences.

Alcest began as a solitary project by Neige, initially intended as an outlet for his black metal compositions. However, the release of the EP ‘Le Secret’ in 2005 marked a transformative departure. Here, Neige began to incorporate elements of shoegaze and post-rock, which would become hallmarks of Alcest’s sound. The re-release of ‘Le Secret’ in 2011 with re-recorded material provided further insight into Neige’s evolving artistic vision, which leaned increasingly towards a melodic and atmospheric approach, moving away from the band’s black metal roots.

This transition is not merely a shift in musical style but a reflection of Neige’s personal journey and his attempts to capture “the land of the dead,” a concept inspired by visions from his early childhood. This deeply personal element in Alcest’s music invites a connection between Neige’s introspective exploration and broader themes of memory, loss, and the interplay between darkness and light. Analyzing interviews with Neige, such as those found in magazines like Terrorizer and Pitchfork, reveals a consistent theme of seeking a connection with an ethereal, otherworldly plane through music, positioning Alcest not just as a band but as a medium for transcendental communication.

Alcest’s pivotal role in shaping the “blackgaze” genre—a fusion of black metal and shoegaze—is perhaps one of the most significant, yet under-discussed aspects of their history. The 2010 album ‘Écailles de Lune’ particularly embodies this synthesis and has been pivotal in influencing a myriad of bands. The genre itself represents a cultural rebellion against the rigid categorizations prevalent in the music scene, symbolizing a broader postmodern exploration of identity and expression in contemporary Europe.

Moreover, Alcest’s decision to sing almost exclusively in French adds layers of cultural authenticity and resistance to Anglicization, a subtle yet powerful assertion of cultural identity that resonates with the Francophone world and global audiences seeking purity in artistic expression. This aspect of Alcest’s work aligns with the theories of cultural resistance discussed by scholars such as Stuart Hall and Dick Hebdige, who explore how style and language in music serve as forms of counter-hegemonic practices.

Beyond musical innovation, Alcest’s influence extends into the realms of emotional and psychological impact. Their music often serves as a therapeutic medium for fans, a phenomenon noted in various fan forums and interviews. This therapeutic aspect ties in with theories from music psychology, which suggest that music’s ability to evoke the ineffable can significantly affect mental health and emotional well-being.

In considering Alcest’s cultural impact, it is also pertinent to apply Julia Kristeva’s concept of the “abject,” as their music frequently explores themes of melancholy and existential dread, yet always within a framework that ultimately aims to transcend these states. This juxtaposition creates a liminal space in their music that invites listeners to confront and possibly reconcile with their subconscious fears and desires.

‘Les Chants de l’Aurore’ emerges after a five-year hiatus, a period marked by introspection and a stark cessation of creative output triggered by the global pandemic. Neige recounts experiencing a profound creative block during which he grappled with the “blank-page thing” where, despite persistent efforts, he was unable to produce new material. This period of stagnation was followed by a sudden resurgence of creativity, which he found baffling yet fortuitous. Such cycles of creative ebb and flow are not uncommon in artistic endeavors, but for Neige, it underscored a deeper reflection on the nature of inspiration and the pressures inherent in sustained creative output.

The thematic core of ‘Les Chants de l’Aurore’—translated as ‘The Songs of Dawn’—suggests a rebirth or a new beginning, resonating deeply with Neige’s personal and artistic journey post-pandemic. The use of “dawn” as a metaphor not only signifies the start of a new day but also implies a fresh chapter for Alcest, especially following two albums that delved into darker and more intense themes. This album, according to Neige, is intended to be a healing force, offering harmony and beauty in a time of global distress, thus returning to the uplifting and spiritual essence that Alcest is known for.

Instrumentally, the album promises diversity and complexity, integrating voices from various collaborators, including children and other non-traditional vocal contributors, which adds a poignant layer to its sound profile. The inclusion of unusual instruments like the viola da gamba, and experimental approaches to songwriting and recording, further reflect a broadening of the band’s sonic palette. Notably, the decision to record the album at home allowed for greater spontaneity and experimentation in the creative process, with Neige emphasizing the importance of a meticulous, yet organic development of each track.

Looking ahead, Neige is cognizant of the challenges in presenting this multifaceted album live. Plans for an immersive live experience are underway, involving elaborate lighting and stage designs to complement the album’s atmospheric qualities. The aim is not merely to perform music but to create an enveloping experience that transports the audience into the serene and otherworldly ambiance that Alcest aims to evoke through their music.

‘Les Chants de l’Aurore’ represents both a return to form and a significant evolution for Alcest. It encapsulates a period of personal and collective trials and triumphs, reflecting broader human experiences of adversity and renewal. As Neige navigates these themes through his music, he continues to challenge and expand the boundaries of what blackgaze can represent—ushering in not just a new day for Alcest, but potentially for the genre as a whole.

‘Flamme Jumelle,’ the recent single from Alcest’s forthcoming album ‘Les Chants de l’Aurore, exemplifies the band’s adeptness in blending accessibility with profound personal significance. The track is revealed by Neige, the principal songwriter, as one of the album’s most intimate pieces. He describes it as a meditation on loss and the struggle to grapple with the absence of a deeply loved one—whether a family member, friend, or partner. Furthermore, Neige elucidates that the song extends beyond mere personal grief to touch on spiritual themes. ‘Flamme Jumelle,’ translating to “Twin Flame,” suggests that certain souls are intertwined both in this life and beyond, proposing that separation is merely a transient, earthly notion.

The song’s straightforward composition belies its emotional depth and thematic complexity. This juxtaposition is critical in understanding Alcest’s unique position in music, where they consistently meld melodic accessibility with multifaceted emotional and spiritual layers. Such a blend underscores the band’s command over their musical expression, making ‘Flamme Jumelle’ a significant track that is both easily appreciable and richly meaningful.

In support of the album, Alcest has announced an extensive tour that promises to deliver their new work to a broad audience across Europe and the United Kingdom. The tour, spanning nearly two months, will include performances in cities from Zagreb to Dublin, encompassing various key cultural venues such as L’Olympia in Paris and the Electric Brixton in London. This tour not only signifies the band’s expansive reach but also their ongoing relevance and resonance within the contemporary music scene, drawing fans from diverse backgrounds to experience their profound musical narratives live.

Alcest’s journey through the realms of black metal and beyond represents more than an artistic evolution; it reflects a profound narrative of personal and cultural exploration. By delving into the less visible aspects of their history and impact, we uncover a story not just of a band, but of an ongoing dialogue between artist and audience, between darkness and light, between the seen and the unseen. In this respect, Alcest does not merely create music; they create a portal to a realm that challenges our perceptions of music and its place in the cultural panorama.

As Alcest continues to evolve, their music remains a conduit for exploring universal themes through a deeply personal lens. The release of ‘Flamme Jumelle’ and the subsequent tour reflect their enduring commitment to addressing existential questions through the medium of sound, resonating with audiences seeking both solace and depth in music.