Alcest albums

- French black metal band that specializes in shoegaze and dream pop melodies

2007

Memories of Another World - 86%

2010

Moon Scales - 91%

Though Neige, the main songwriter of Alcest, tries to say that his band is more metal than shoegaze it really is a perfect mix of both. Pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music, this French black-metal band comes through with an album that is not that like anything heard before. There is no comparison for the mix of atmosphere, memorable guitar riffs, and ethereal/growling vocals. "Solar Song" in particular, sounds both out of place in 2010 and like a perfect song for the new millennium; my only comparison is early Slowdive and My Bloody Valentine as it moves around its repetitive beauty patterns of heavenly angels reigning down destruction on the world but saving those who have earned it. A tune foreshadowing the end of the world, but also the rebirth of the universe, and one of the great rock songs ever written.

          The twenty-minute opening two part anthem, translated as "Moon Scales", is as entertaining progressive metal music gets, albeit the growls and scream of death metal are an acquired taste. The guitar arpeggios and crystalline quality of the playing is amazing to behold on “Openings of Light”, and even though there are only five real songs to the album total its an enthralling release to convert new fans of the genre. Every part fits, and it appeals to lovers of 80's dream pop and extreme black metal even improving on their great album prior to this one Memories of Another World (2007). Robin Guthrie and Justin Broadrick should be proud of their baby.

Best Songs : Solar Song, Moon Scales Part 2, Openings of Light