ALCEST was founded in 2000 by songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Neige and later joined by drummer Winterhalter in 2009. Labeled as pioneers of post metal/shoegaze or “blackgaze”, ALCEST crafted a unique sound based on musical opposites from their very first EP “Le Secret” (2005), and through their full-length releases “Souvenirs D'Un Autre Monde” (2007), “Écailles De Lune” (2010) and “Les Voyages De L'Ame” (2012). Since its beginnings, the conceptual project is based on a personal spiritual experience portrayed by Neige in the otherworldly melodies and lyrics of the band.

In 2014 their 4th album “Shelter” marked the band's departure from the metal sound, in favor of dream-pop aesthetics, while the follow-up "Kodama" (2016), was inspired by Hayao Miyazaki's anime "Princess Mononoke” and picks up on the fate of a protagonist dealing with the sensation of not belonging and living in between worlds. The album marked the group’s return to the style of its early works.