Alcest

Alcest is a French band founded in 2000 by multi-instrumentalist Neige. Initially a black metal trio, the project soon became Neige's solo endeavor, evolving into the pioneering force of the 'blackgaze' genre. Alcest's music is known for its blend of atmospheric, ethereal soundscapes with elements of shoegaze and post-rock, contrasted with occasional black metal intensity. After the demo 'Tristesse Hivernale', the 2005 EP 'Le Secret' established this new direction. The band, officially a duo with drummer Winterhalter since 2009, has released acclaimed albums on labels like #Prophecy Productions# and #Nuclear Blast#, including 'Souvenirs d'un autre monde' and 'Kodama', exploring themes of spirituality, nostalgia, and an otherworldly fairy land from Neige's childhood memories.