Alcest is a post-black metal band formed in Bagnols Sur Cèze, Languedoc-Roussillon, France in 2000. Formed by French multi-instrumentalist Neige (who has also worked with Amesoeurs, Mortifera, Lantlôs, Peste Noire, and more). Alcest was originally conceived as a solo project, though it would eventually take on the form of a full band as Aegnor (also of Peste Noire) and Argoth joined the fray and released a four-track demo entitled Tristesse Hivernale in 2001. This demo was a more straightforward heavy/black metal affair, much different from what would happen next. After that released, Alcest returned to a one-member format, with Neige moving away from the metal overtones of the three-piece and embracing a more atmospheric approach to his work. The 2005 EP release, Le Secret, was more in tune with the project`s ultimate goal, which was to put to ear, as it were, Neige`s fascination with an "otherworld" -- of sorts -- that had held a fascination for him beginning in his childhood. In 2007, Neige released the first full-length Alcest recording, Souvenirs D`un Autre Monde (Memories of Another World, for those keeping up in English), which was released on Prophecy Productions, and was a critical success. 2007 also saw a split-EP release with Angmar. Écailles de Lune (Scales of the Moon), released in 2010, continues in the otherwordly vein, evoking images of an underwater realm. The band's third album, Les Voyages de l'Âme, was released on January 6, 2012. Alcest's fourth effort entitled Shelter was released on January 17, 2014 via Prophecy Productions. It features Birgir Jón Birgisson as producer, Amiina for the string sections and a guest appearance by Neil Halstead. Discography: Tristesse Hivernale - Demo [2001] Le Secret - EP [2005] Souvenirs d'un autre monde - LP [2007] Aux Funérailles Du Monde/Tristesse Hivernale - Reissue/Split with Angmar [2007] Les Discrets / Alcest - Split [2009] Écailles de Lune - LP [2010] Le Secret - Reissue/LP [2011] Les Voyages de l'Âme - LP [2012] Shelter - LP [2014]
