Metal Tour Guide

Formed in 1999 by French black metal multi-instrumentalist Neige (who also worked with Peste Noire, Mortifera, and Amesoeurs), Alcest was originally conceived as a solo project. It would eventually take on the form of a full band as Hegnor (also of Peste Noire) and Arguth joined the fray and released a four-track demo entitled Tristesse Hivernale in 1999. This demo was a more straightforward 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.

Discography:
Tristesse Hivernale - Demo [2001]
Le Secret - EP [2005]
Souvenirs d'un autre monde - Full Length [2007]
Aux Funérailles Du Monde/Tristesse Hivernale [2007]
Les Discrets / Alcest - Split [2009]

Neige is currently working on his second album consisting 5 or 6 new songs and both the songs from Le Secret EP will be re-recorded. Some of the new songs will also include some harsh vocals. According to Neige the album will be finished in May or June.