Words and Photos by Crystal Smeltz

Music transcends. Time, barriers, language. It is a distinctly different experience for every individual, yet it unites and can become a shared moment. When Niege started writing Alcest music, it was his exploration into a more spiritual plane. Niege wanted to share with the world something beautiful and transcendental.

Alcest began as a French solo Blackgaze project for Niege, who released Alcest’s first demo Tristesse
Hivernale in 2001. In 2009 drummer Winterhalter joined the band thus making Alcest a duo. From 2007 to their most recent release Spiritual Instinct in 2019, Alcest have released six studio albums, three eps, and two split albums.

Every Alcest album manages to sound different yet remain distinctly Alcest. Spiritual Instinct features a darker raucous tone while Shelter is more airy and jubilant. This is music that takes you on an incorporeal journey whether you understand French or not. Coincidentally, ethereal songs Delivrance and Sapphire, for example, highlight singing without actual language. They are perhaps examples of Alcest’s most radiant talent.

Niege is a proficient musician. Some titles include singer, song writer, as well as multi-instrumentalist. Alcest is largely regarded as pioneering Blackgaze and Post Black metal. Ecailles des Lune is quite an enveloping voyage. This album contains heavenly notes, both angelic and biting vocals, and the ambiance of Eden. For anyone wishing to escape reality for a bit, or to be lulled into peace, Alcest is a must. Check them out at Alcest-music.com or follow