Gig: Alcest @ Electric Brixton, London
Alcest by Jez Pennington
On 11 December, Alcest brought their Les Chants de l’Aurore tour to London’s Electric Brixton, delivering an evening steeped in darkgaze intensity. With support from Belgian duo Doodseskader and Bristol’s Svalbard, the lineup catered to a broad spectrum of heavy music fans. The crowd packed the venue, eager to immerse themselves in Alcest’s signature fusion of heaviness and melody, as well as to hear tracks from their latest album performed live.
Doodseskader
Doodseskader opened with a wall of noise, their bass-and-drums setup proving more than enough to fill the room. Songs like “Pastel Prison” and “FLF” showed their knack for creating heavy, confrontational soundscapes. Their set was raw and unapologetic, drawing the audience in and leaving no doubt about their presence.
Svalbard
Svalbard followed with a tight, hard-hitting set that paired aggression with moments of melodic clarity. “Eternal Spirits” and “Disparity” carried a punch, while the driving rhythm of “To Wilt Beneath the Weight” showcased the band’s ability to deliver sharp, focused performances.
Alcest
Alcest began their set with “Komorebi,” immediately immersing the crowd in their distinctive mix of heavy and melodic sounds. The night’s focus on Les Chants de l’Aurore offered plenty of new material, including “Flamme Jumelle” and “Le miroir,” which drew as much attention as older tracks like “Écailles de lune - Part 2.” The shift between delicate melodies and heavier moments felt natural, a balance Alcest have mastered over the years. Closing with “Autre Temps” and “L’Adieu,” the band brought the evening to a quiet, reflective end. It was a strong showing for a band who continue to move forward without losing sight of what makes their sound so distinct.
