LIVE REVIEW: Alcest @ SWX, Bristol

Before DEAFHEAVEN, there was ALCEST. Pioneers of the ‘blackgaze’ movement (which is the hybrid of black metal and shoegaze, for the uninitiated), the French band have been producing sweeping soundscapes for post-metal enjoyers to immerse themselves in for over two decades. Now, they’ve taken a trip across the channel to celebrate the belated 10th anniversary of their opus, Écailles De Lune.

First though, gig-goers are introduced to, many for the first time, Hungarian metallers THE DEVIL’S TRADE. Expecting something more traditionally black metal than the dreamy stylings of tonight’s headliners, we were surprised to find that this three-piece play methodical, atmospheric, and downright mournful music. The slow-building folk-laden metal songs have an ominous portent that exquisitely communicates the pain of grief, casting a funeral-like atmosphere over the crowd. While the doom-flecked ballads are no doubt powerful, we were not ready to be confronted by such sadness on a Monday night. Did we particularly enjoy it? No. Did we hate it? Also, no. 

Rating: 7/10

Not long after the ‘existential crisis, the band’ exits the stage, Stéphane ‘Neige’ Paut and company emerge. Conceptualised as a sonic outlet for psychedelic spiritual visions that Niege experienced as a child, the band’s unique sound transports the listener to another dimension. In this fantastical realm, like in the Studio Ghibli movies that inspired them, man and nature are one, but the threat of evil and death lingers consistently amid the beauty.

Being an anniversary tour, there’s little surprise in the setlist as the troupe wastes no time diving into Écailles De Lune, Pt. 1, followed naturally by Écailles De Lune, Pt. 2. This epic two-parter gingerly tempts the listener into its waters, lapping at their feet with gently strummed clean chords and reverb-laden vocalizations before enveloping them in its distorted waves. Throughout the songs’ almost 20-minute runtime, listeners are treated to gently plucked clean guitars, chunky riffs, choir-like singing, and piercing black metal screams. The highlight is undoubtedly the crescendo of Pt.1, where a gorgeously melodious interlude gives way to a soaring climax hailed by blast beats and tremolo-plucked guitars.

Few of the attendees dance, or even move, but ALCEST isn’t that kind of band. They’re the kind of band that keeps your feet firmly planted in one place as you gaze on, immersed in their ethereal otherworld. Rarely do we mention, or even notice the stagecraft for most bands, but ALCEST’s set is truly enhanced by the projected images behind them, which slowly oscillate with the music, from grim darkness into dazzling, euphoric light.

The playthrough of the 2010 album concludes with the beautifully sombre Sur l’océan couleur de fer (On The Iron-Colored Ocean). This haunting lament sees frontman Neige demonstrate some of his finest vocals, gliding over the audience like an eagle in flight.

After the album playthrough fans get to hear a few choice cuts from the rest of the back catalogue, as well as some more recent material, from 2019’s Spiritual Instinct. Unfortunately, both the title track from 2016’s masterpiece Kodama, as well as the massive Eclosion are absent from the setlist. Instead, we are treated to some deeper cuts including Oiseaux de proie and the triumphant Délivrance.

More than 20 years into their career, ALCEST are still redefining what it means to be a ‘heavy’ band, providing truly original musical experiences that have a profound impact on those open-minded enough to appreciate its many facets. Despite some notable setlist omissions, they’ve have once again impressed their faithful fans with a stunning live performance.

Rating: 8/10

Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in Bristol from Serena Hill Photography here: 

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