Alcest is Neige. At least that's what it says on my booklet. But who is Neige? Ahh… Neige is the Frenchie behind Celestia and Mortifera, and maybe some other projects I've forgotten to mention. He's also the man behind Drakkar Productions, a label which has time and time again released demos and full lengths of amazing quality, mostly within the realm of very underground black metal. Alcest however, is not black metal… I think.
This may only be an MCD, but I thought it a little odd that there were only two tracks. 'Le Secret' starts off with a very calming and peaceful acoustic guitar, picking some fairly simply chord progressions, which goes on nicely for a few minutes before slowing off entirely before a somewhat abrupt distorted guitar jumps in. Some slow paced and still very melodious black metal ensues, eventually with some quiet female (I think?) vocals coming in and peacefully singing some French lyrics. The whole thing is very mild, only really crossing over into a more aggressive style during the second track 'Elevation', which includes some harsh vocals and abrasive riffing. But most of the MCD is purely droning, hypnotic melodies.
That's really all there is to this MCD, it's quite lovely, if the word could be used to describe metal, and nice to relax to. Other than that, the artwork is quite nice and suiting as well, with some great serene photography, particularly the sort of scenes you might enjoy while going for a brisk walk on a cool, quiet morning in France, which really seems to sum up this release entirely. The cover has the portrait of two children, but no meaning is given to this, and it leaves me a bit confused. But who am I to question Neige, eh?
Tracks:
1. Le Secret
2. Elevation
