Alcest

Alcest is a French blackgaze group from Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France, active since 2000. It is formed by multi-instrumentalist Neige, whose real name is Stéphane Paut. The project begins as a solo recording outlet before expanding into a full band.

Formation and early releases

Neige initially records Alcest alone, then Aegnor, later known as La Sale Famine de Valfunde, and Argoth join. Both had played with Neige in Peste Noire. The group releases the four-track demo Tristesse hivernale in 2001. This early material is more direct black metal than the later Alcest sound. After the demo, Alcest returns to a one-member format.

Neige then moves away from the harsher metal approach and develops a more atmospheric style. The EP Le Secret appears in 2005 and points towards the later direction of the project. Neige has said the work reflects an interest in an “otherworld” that begins in childhood.

Albums and musical development

Souvenirs d'un autre monde, the first full-length Alcest recording, is released in 2007 on Prophecy Productions and becomes a critical success. Écailles de lune follows in 2010 and continues the project’s otherworldly themes, with imagery of an underwater realm. The third album, Les Voyages de l'âme, is released in 2012.

Shelter comes out in 2014 via Prophecy Productions and marks a major stylistic shift towards shoegaze and dream pop. The album features Birgir Jón Birgisson as producer, string parts by Amiina, and a guest appearance by Neil Halstead. In 2016, Kodama returns to a heavier sound and is shaped around a concept contrasting the natural world and the human world. Spiritual Instinct is released in 2019 on Nuclear Blast Records and is described by Neige as a darker and heavier record. Les Chants de l'aurore is released in 2024 on Nuclear Blast Records.

Members

The listed members are Neige, Winterhalter, Argoth and La Sale Famine de Valfunde. Neige handles vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, and previously drums. Winterhalter plays drums. Zero and Indria Saray are listed as live-only members on guitars, backing vocals, and bass respectively.

Style and labels

Alcest is identified with blackgaze, black metal, post-metal and shoegaze. The project is closely associated with Prophecy Productions, which releases several of its key albums. It is also connected with Nuclear Blast Records through its later releases.