On Friday (30th September), French blackgaze duo Alcest are releasing their new album Kodama via Prophecy Productions. The LP is both a voyage back into heavier territory for the pair, as well as an embracing of Eastern influences. It’s been inspired to some extent by Hayao Miyazaki’s film Princess Mononoke and deals with issues of otherness and identity.
Previously, the band have shared two singles, ‘Oiseaux de Proie’ and ‘Je Suis D’Ailleurs.’ Both tracks showed off the heavier side of the group, where they traversed more firmly into black metal territory. However, the newly-shared title track, while being no less menacing, takes a different direction. There’s a touch of cinematic shoegaze in the track, which soars to the same heights as their heavier, riff-ridden works. Listen below.
Alcest are also heading out on an extensive co-headline tour with Japan’s Mono to help promote Kodama in November. Details below.
9th November – The Engine Rooms, Southampton
10th November – The Institute, Birmingham
11th November – Queens Hall, Leicester
12th November – Classic Grand, Glasgow
13th November – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
14th November – Gorilla, Manchester
15th November – The Globe, Cardiff
16th November – Marble Factory, Bristol
17th November – Brixton Electric, London
