Alcest has had a two year run that many bands would give their kidneys for, with a top-tier album in 2010 (Écailles de Lune), a wonderful re-release of their EP Le Secret last year, and to cap it off, a North American tour in support of Enslaved.  So, what does 2012 hold for the French metal band?  If their new album Les Voyages de L'Âme is any indication, then things are looking great for Alcest.

Alcest is considered by many to be one of the innovators of the shoegaze black metal subgenre, and while the genre name sounds silly, Alcest’s music is not.  Their opening track “Autre Temps” is a nice table setter in terms of what Alcest is about: a soundtrack to dreams when one sleeps.  One noticeable difference on Les Voyages de L'Âme compared to Écailles de Lune is the distinct lack of the harsh black metal vocals, which don’t appear on the new album until “Faiseurs du Mondes,” or almost three-fourths of the way through the album.  That isn’t necessarily bad, as Alcest shows that it can set any mood it wants and still keep the listener’s attention.  For those who have listened to Écailles de Lune, the similarities between that album and Les Voyages de L'Âme are quite obvious to the point where one thinks they’re listening to same album.  However, the quality in which Les Voyages de L'Âme is done is so well that it almost serves as a continuation of the previous album, even if it doesn’t actually cover much in the way of new ground.

One could be forgiven if they get Les Voyages de L'Âme confused with their previous album Écailles de Lune in many aspects, including the overall quality.  That isn’t to say Les Voyages de L'Âme doesn’t stand on its own entirely, as there is a lucid quality to it that provides more of a dream-like feel.  Alcest fans should have no trouble getting into Les Voyages de L'Âme, but it just doesn’t outshine its predecessor, which is an understandably difficult task.

TRACK LISTING

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments:

1.  Autre Temps
2.  Là Où Naissent Les
     Couleurs Nouvelles
3.  Les Voyages de L'Âme
4.  Nous Sommes L’Emeraude
5.  Beings of Light
6.  Faiseurs du Mondes
7.  Havens
8.  Summer’s Glory

Total playing time:  50:24

Release Date: January 6, 2012
Label: Prophecy Productions

Alcest - Les Voyages de L'Âme

Reviewer: Peter

January 15, 2012