Écailles de Lune is, in many ways, unique from past Alcest albums. Story-driven and reflective, it aims to capture and channel feelings of ambivalence and existentialism. Stylistically, front man Neige has shifted back towards the sound of Black Metal that helped first shaped his compositions. For all the changes incurred, Neige has kept his trademarks: calm passages, massive walls of guitar, catchy melodies and hook-lines that go straight for the heart.

In explaining Lune's concept and meaning, Neige says, "This story isn't really a metaphor of death, as it would seem to be. For me, it is about a man who decides to leave one world for another one, literally. Like a passage to another reality, another state of existence."

Meaning Scales of Moon in English, the record is as otherworldly and ethereal as its title might suggest. Neige explains the record's somber tone, saying "This time I was especially inspired by the seaside, the energy and the exaltation you can feel when you sit in front of the sea at night. It appears terribly fascinating, full of secrets and scary at the same time."

Armed with Écailles De Lune and an arsenal of dates, Alcest is poised for their most successful year yet. Close your eyes and dream along, folks.
Tracklist for Écailles De Lune [April 20th, Prophecy Productions]:

01 Écailles De Lune (part I)
02 Écailles De Lune (part II)
03 Percées De Lumière
04 Abysses
05 Solar Song
06 Sur L'Océan Couleur De Fer

In celebration of the new release, Alcest will embark on a short 10 day stint of the US and Canada this April–their first ever North American appearances:
Spring 2010 North American Tour:

04-22 Québec, Quebec - Bar Octobre ^

04-23 Toronto, Ontario - Hard Luck Bar ^

04-24 Chicago, IL - Reggie's Rock Club %#

04-25 Indianapolis, IN - TBA %#

04-26 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Rex Theater %

04-27 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Kung Fu Necktie !

04-28 New Haven, Connecticut - Cafe Nine *$

04-29 New York, New York - The Studio at Webster Hall * 

04-30 Montreal, Quebec - Underworld ^

05-01 Boston, Massachusetts - Unit 11