Alcest took an audible step towards their black metal roots with their sophomore full-length "Écailles de Lune" ("Moon Scales") without losing any of the trademarks that had evolved on their debut album "Souvenirs d'un Autre Monde". The French post-black metal pioneers created a sound of lucent, dreamlike quality and otherworldly beauty that has equally defined them and been refined by them ever since. In musical terms, Alcest amalgamate calm, semi-acoustic passages, repetitive, hypnotic patterns, and captivating melodies with outbursts of harsh riffing and aggressive drumming. The same contrasting and complementing effect is used by band founder and guitarist Neige for his vocals. Clean singing that is morphing back and forth between a warm and darker tone and a gentle higher pitch occasionally gets swept aside by despairing shrieks and furious black voices - only to flowingly return like an unstoppable tide. "For this album, I was especially inspired by the sea, the energy, and the exaltation that you can feel when you sit in front of the ocean at night," Neige explained about "Écailles de Lune". "The sea appears terribly fascinating, full of secrets, beautiful and frightening at the same time." Alcest's music has received many labels over the years including post-black metal, post-rock, shoegaze, and blackgaze to name some of the more commonly found terms. Yet whatever the band originally from Avignon and now based with Neige in Paris is called, their sound has always remained unique. Another typical element of their albums is a concept or theme that runs through the songs. On "Écailles de Lune" it is a tale of transformation. "This album's story is not a metaphor for death as it might appear to be", says Neige. "To me, it is about a man who decides to literally leave one world for another. It can rather be seen as a passage to another reality or another state of existence." For those, who want to follow in those footsteps and journey to another place, Alcest offer a key. Just close your eyes and listen to "Écailles de Lune" and you will be taken far away to a world of musical wonders and haunting beauty - but beware, even roses of the otherworld have thorns. "Ocean Edition" box set: Gatefold LP with exclusive blue-black marbled 180g vinyl, hardcover CD book, back patch with cover artwork and art print with cover artwork (500 copies available).
Release date:
December 18, 2020
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
-
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Featuring a one-piece carbon fiber tonearm, precision-tuned motor, and a heavy steel platter with TPE damping, it ensures superior stability and sound quality.
-
Audioengine A2 Plus
Precision-engineered 2.75-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, featuring built-in DAC and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration.
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Vinyl Care - Top Picks
A selection of accesories to keep your turntable equipment & vinyl records in the best shape
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
The Barrens Corpse Lights
Pelagic
September 19, 2025 -
Excide Bastard Hymns (Pink Red Marbled)
Sharptone
November 28, 2025 -
The Boojums The Boojums
Having Fun
October 31, 2025 -
Carter Faith Cherry Valley [2xLP]
Mca Nashville
October 3, 2025 -
Buckingham Nicks Buckingham Nicks
Rhino Records
September 19, 2025 -
Tate McRae The One Day
Nettwerk Records
October 17, 2025 -
Sam Ryder Heartland
Artist Theory
October 17, 2025 -
Good Neighbours Blue Sky Mentality (Blue Sky)
Capitol
September 26, 2025 -
The Autumn Defense Here and Nowhere
Yep Roc Records
October 10, 2025 -
Tom Smith There Is Nothing in the Dark That Isn't There in the Light - Maroon
Play It Again Sam
December 5, 2025 -
The Bats Corner Coming Up (Blue)
Flying Nun
October 17, 2025 -
Ups and Downs Stained Glass Memories (Random: Red, Yellow Or Blue)
Basket Case Records
September 19, 2025 -
Bob Moses BLINK
Bob Moses LLC
October 17, 2025 -
Paul McCartney and Wings WINGS (Limited Edition, Deluxe) [3xLP]
Capitol
November 7, 2025