L'Enfant Sauvage cover

L'Enfant Sauvage

Gojira

Album 2012

About this album

Sound: "A ferocious blend of progressive rhythms and crushing metal riffs, underscored by themes of nature and humanity's primal instincts."

Where they were

L'Enfant Sauvage is Gojira's fourth studio album, released in 2012 after their critically acclaimed album, The Way of All Flesh. At this point in their career, Gojira had established themselves as a leading force in the metal scene, known for their innovative sound and environmental themes. This album further solidified their reputation, showcasing a maturity in songwriting and production.

Why it matters

The album debuted at number 34 on the Billboard 200, marking Gojira's first entry into the U.S. mainstream charts. L'Enfant Sauvage received widespread critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising its complexity and emotional depth, contributing to Gojira's growing influence within the metal genre and beyond.

Essential tracks

  • "L’Enfant sauvage" — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of primal instinct and self-discovery, combining aggressive instrumentation with haunting melodies that highlight Gojira's unique approach to metal.
  • "Explosia" — This opening track sets the tone for the entire album with its explosive energy and intricate guitar work, showcasing the band's technical prowess right from the start.
  • "Planned Obsolescence" — With its sharp lyrics critiquing consumer culture, this track combines fierce rhythms with thought-provoking themes, making it a standout in both message and musicality.
  • "The Gift of Guilt" — This track blends melodic elements with heavy riffs, exploring deeper emotional layers while maintaining the album's overall intensity, reflecting Gojira's ability to balance aggression and vulnerability.

Release Date

June 26, 2012

Artist Origin

France

Tracklist

  1. 1 Explosia 6:39
  2. 2 L’Enfant sauvage 4:17
  3. 3 The Axe 4:34
  4. 4 Liquid Fire 4:17
  5. 5 The Wild Healer 1:48
  6. 6 Planned Obsolescence 4:39
  7. 7 Mouth of Kala 5:51
  8. 8 The Gift of Guilt 5:56
  9. 9 Pain Is a Master 5:07
  10. 10 Born in Winter 3:51
  11. 11 The Fall 5:25