Les Voyages de l'âme cover

Les Voyages de l'âme

Alcest

Album 2012

About this album

Sound: "Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with heavy textures, creating a dreamlike journey through light and darkness."

Where they were

Released on January 6, 2012, 'Les Voyages de l'âme' marked Alcest's third studio album, solidifying their unique blend of black metal and shoegaze. Following the success of their previous album 'Écailles de Lune,' this release continued to explore themes of nature and existentialism while expanding their sonic palette.

Why it matters

The album received widespread acclaim from critics, with many praising its atmospheric depth and emotional resonance. It debuted at number 20 on the French Albums Chart, showcasing Alcest's growing influence in the post-metal scene and inspiring a wave of artists who sought to blend heaviness with melodic beauty.

Essential tracks

  • "Autre temps" — 'Autre temps' opens the album with sweeping melodies and haunting vocals, encapsulating the ethereal essence that defines Alcest's sound.
  • "Là où naissent les couleurs nouvelles" — This track showcases intricate guitar work paired with immersive atmospherics, representing the band's signature fusion of black metal intensity and dreamy shoegaze.
  • "Les Voyages de l’âme" — The title track is a centerpiece of the album, blending dynamic shifts in tempo and texture that reflect the thematic journey inherent in the entire project.
  • "Beings of Light" — 'Beings of Light' features lush arrangements and ethereal vocals that evoke feelings of transcendence and connection to nature, key motifs throughout the album.

Release Date

January 6, 2012

Artist Origin

France

Tracklist

  1. 1 Autre temps 5:50
  2. 2 Là où naissent les couleurs nouvelles 8:50
  3. 3 Les Voyages de l’âme 6:59
  4. 4 Nous sommes l’émeraude 4:20
  5. 5 Beings of Light 6:11
  6. 6 Faiseurs de mondes 7:57
  7. 7 Havens 2:10
  8. 8 Summer’s Glory 8:05