First single is released!

Nice

Second single:

Alcest are never disappointing

Loved every second of it

Loved the opening track 'Le Jardins de Minuit'

Enjoyable listen all the way through

For whatever reason this one just isn't clicking with me. It feels a little too "removed" in the sense that the music takes on an a backing effect as if written for specific scenes in a drama film. Neige's ethereal vocalizing is off-putting at times as well, mitigating what little intensity manages to creep through during the more metal-infused moments. There's less of a balance and more emphasis on the gazing aspect, which is fine depending on your mood, but after three chances trying to connect with it, I think it's safe to say this is probably my least favorite Alcest album to date.

Atmospheric, melodic, with some powerful and absolutely beautiful moments. A truly amazing release.

One of the best of the year, for sure.

Love it. Really nice mixing of the lighter vibes of their newer stuff with the traditional Alcest sound.

When I listened to the first two video clips I was sure that this is going to be the album to top Écailles De Lune. I was dissapointed when I listened to the rest of the album. Full of fillers
But yeah "Protection" and "Sapphire" are two of the best Alcest tracks.

Written by Troy Killjoy on 27.10.2019 at 19:38

It feels a little too "removed" in the sense that the music takes on an a backing effect as if written for specific scenes in a drama film. Neige's ethereal vocalizing is off-putting at times as well, mitigating what little intensity manages to creep through during the more metal-infused moments.

Couldn't have said it better. Also my least favourite Alcest album. I even prefer Shelter.

My first Alcest album and enjoying this a lot. I think it is an excellent album from start to finish.

Quite a surprise this album for me.
It might actually be or become my favourite Alcest album.
The first three songs are really amazing, especially 1 and 3.
Thereafter, there is quite a let down.
Not entirely sure yet (after 5 spins) what to make of the second half of the album.
But I would certainly not just say this is all filler.
At around 7.3 so far, which is about what I have for Souvenirs.
Might uprate for 8 once I have found out what to make out of the second half...

Edit: Uprated to 7.6, as expected.
Le Miroir is also excellent.
My favourite Alcest album as of now.

This is a fine addition to the Alcest discography and finds a lot of good ways to sound refreshing even if it isn't a big step in a different direction. This is their most aggressive album in quite a few years, not that it's some hardened black/death metal riff collection, but the aggressive aspect is the easiest thing to notice about it right away and for most of its runtime. The sound has a lot more heavy deep low tones than usual and there are a lot more quick choppy guitar parts than usual too. That makes for a bigger contrast with Neige's vocals since to me it sounds like his clean vocals are softer and more delicate this time around.

I think the only real weakness here may be the writing, as the production and all performances are fantastic. I don't really agree that the second half of the album is all filler since I enjoy every song except for the self titled one, but as with most albums certain parts could have been better. It feels like this album could have used another song on it too, which is the same feeling I got after listening to Kodama several times. I'd rate this and Kodama nearly the same in terms of quality.

Best drumming record 2019...

Written by Zyk on 12.12.2019 at 12:37

It feels like this album could have used another song on it too

Just curious, what do you have in mind?

Written by Zyk on 12.12.2019 at 12:37

I enjoy every song except for the self titled one

I agree that the title track here is probably a could-be-called filler -- albeit the only such on this album.

Written by Redel on 13.12.2019 at 23:21

Written by Zyk on 12.12.2019 at 12:37

It feels like this album could have used another song on it too

Just curious, what do you have in mind?

Written by Zyk on 12.12.2019 at 12:37

I enjoy every song except for the self titled one

I agree that the title track here is probably a could-be-called filler -- albeit the only such on this album.

I'm not sure what I have in mind exactly other than just an additional song to have more to listen to with this album's sound. Le Miroir feels like it builds up to something that the self titled song definitely doesn't deliver on so the end of the album fizzles out and I want something more at that point. But I guess if I just switch Le Miroir and L'Île Des Morts around in a playlist it sort of has a better flow. Just a personal taste thing.

Written by Zyk on 14.12.2019 at 06:46

Le Miroir feels like it builds up to something that the self titled song definitely doesn't deliver on so the end of the album fizzles out and I want something more at that point.

Yeah, I am totally with you here.
Le Miroir is kind of a grower for me. I like this one pretty much by now. And the following closer somehow disappoints.
But for me it is like this: On all other Alcest albums I detect that many of such filler songs that I am kind of happy with their latest album as it is.

Truly beautiful music. Sapphire is my song of the year.

alcest and especially this album, are another demonstration of compositional and conceptual cohesion, of musical delirium and of an incomparable mastery

Virtually nothing that I could fault on this one. An absolutely awesome album from start to end...9.5/10.

Mesmerizing, except for the title track. (that one was boring). The album is a fucking masterpiece! I am glad they surprised me. Same old shit, but somehow they have taken it to another level!
.... And the live show in Riga was fulfilling.
Post metal / metalgaze at its best!
It is a rare situation for me to give a 10 to an album. Anyway - the album is not "perfect" in some ways, but it exceeds my expectations threefold and also seems for me to be the best album (IMHO) in their discography...

Just amazing album!

Love it, brilliant music...