Gojira

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This article is about the musical group. For the fictional character after which the group is named, see Godzilla. For the Sea Shepherd ship, see MV Gojira. For other uses, see Gojira (disambiguation).
Gojira
Metal band Gojira live at Tuska (Finland) 2006.jpg
Gojira performs at Tuska Open Air Metal Festival in 2006
Background information
Also known as Godzilla
Origin Bayonne, France
Genres Progressive metal, technical death metal, groove metal
Years active 1996–present
Labels Roadrunner
Prosthetic
Listenable (France)
Website www.gojira-music.com
Members Joe Duplantier
Mario Duplantier
Christian Andreu
Jean-Michel Labadie
Past members Alexandre Cornillon

Gojira is a French metal band from Ondres, close to Bayonne in the South West of France. Formed in 1996, the band was known as Godzilla until 2001. Gojira is composed of Joe Duplantier on vocals and rhythm guitar, his brother Mario Duplantier on drums, Christian Andreu on lead guitar and Jean-Michel Labadie on bass. Since their first studio album, Gojira has had no changes in lineup, written five studio albums and produced two live DVDs. They are known for their environmentally-themed lyrics and have gone from "utmost obscurity" to being mentioned regularly "amongst the genre's leading new millennium upstarts", according to Allmusic.[1]

Contents

History [edit]

Early years and Terra Incognita (1996−2002) [edit]

Gojira are from Ondres, France, a village close to Bayonne. Gojira's music combines elements of death metal, groove metal, thrash metal and progressive metal. The band started touring and recording under the name Godzilla and released their demos Victim, Possessed, Saturate and Wisdom Comes in 1996, 1997, 1999 and 2000, respectively. After touring, supporting Cannibal Corpse, Edge of Sanity, Impaled Nazarene and supporting Immortal in September 1999,[2] legal problems forced Godzilla to change their name. They changed their name to Gojira, the rōmaji spelling of the fictional monster Godzilla.[3] Their debut album Terra Incognita was released under the new name in 2001.

The Link and From Mars to Sirius (2003−2007) [edit]

The band released their second studio album in 2003, The Link (reissued in 2007 with remastered audio and new booklet artwork).[4] After the success of the first two albums and their live performances they made a DVD in Bordeaux produced by Gabriel Editions. Since May 19, 2004, The Link Alive has been on sale in France.[2] In 2005, Gojira decided to sign with French-based Listenable Records to help give them exposure outside of France with the album From Mars to Sirius.[5]

Gojira was featured on Children of Bodom's US tour in late 2006, joining Amon Amarth and Sanctity as the openers.[6] Furthermore, Gojira supported Trivium on the UK dates of their European tour in 2007 with Sanctity and Annihilator.[7] Later they supported Lamb of God on their 2007 American tour along with Trivium and Machine Head.[8] In late 2007 they took part in the Radio Rebellion Tour, featuring co-headliners Behemoth and Job for a Cowboy, as well as Beneath the Massacre.[9] In October 2007, Listenable Records re-released Gojira's 1997 demo Possessed in a limited edition.[10]

The Way of All Flesh (2008−2010) [edit]

The Way of All Flesh was released on October 13 in Europe via Listenable Records and October 14 in North America through Prosthetic Records in 2008.[11] On July 25, 2008, the band announced the track listing and revealed the final cover art for the record.[12] Joe Duplantier told Revolver magazine, "I would say that it's the logical next album. It's more intense, more brutal, and more melodic at the same time — it's more everything! I'm very happy with the new songs and the recording is very good. I think it was a good thing for us to come to the States to work with Logan [Mader] on the drum tracking because it really brought something — it's more tight, it's more powerful. I'm very positive about the new production, and even the writing is more straight to the point, more one tempo. We still have a lot of double bass, very fast, and at the same time there are melodies."[11] Joe Duplantier also stated about the album: "This record is a lot darker — like, a lot darker, I would say. The music is darker and more violent."[13] The album will be "more intense, more brutal, and more melodic" than its predecessor.[14] "That's the theme — it's about death itself," he explained. "It's also about the immortality of the soul. That's the main subject for us".[13] Randy Blythe from the American band Lamb of God appeared as a guest vocalist on the song "Adoration for None"[15] The album took four months to write and record, and three months to mix.[16] On March 17, 2009, the band's first North American headlining tour was announced. Opening bands were The Chariot and Car Bomb.[17] Gojira accompanied Metallica on their tour September 14 - October 18,[18] performing before Lamb of God. Gojira entered a Los Angeles, California-area studio in early November, 2010, with producer Logan Mader to begin recording a new non-profit four-song EP, the proceeds from which will benefit Sea Shepherd, an anti-whaling organization.[19] According to Joe Duplantier, the EP will feature guest appearances from the international metal scene.[20] "Of Blood And Salt" will feature Devin Townsend and Fredrik Thordendal. The other tracks will feature Randy Blythe, Anders Fridén, Jonas Renkse and Max Cavalera.

L'Enfant Sauvage, Sea Shepherd EP & DVD (2011–present) [edit]

As a preview of their Sea Shepherd EP, Gojira released the song "Of Blood And Salt" in May 2011, featuring Devin Townsend as a guest vocalist and a guest guitar solo performed by Fredrik Thordendal. Mario Duplantier talks about the collaboration with Devin Townsend: [21]

“ We decided to invite him because we've known him since a long time, when we shared a stage in 2006. We were big fans of Strapping Young Lad, we're amazed by his work. He told us he had a lot of respect [for] and loved our music as well. We wanted to share something and when Joe decided to make the project, Devin was the first guy we decided to contact. He agreed to participate as he was a big fan of Gojira, but he was also a big fan of the project. ”

Mario reveal reason for Sea Shepard EP delay: [22]

“ We should have kept it a secret. We have a few things to do. We had a few problems come up and one was that the computer crashed and lost the hard drive. We aren’t like computer geeks and we live in a part of France in the southwest where nobody works on computers. If you have a problem with your computer or it needs repaired you have to wait for two months to get the computer back. But when the new album is released, we will start working on it again. It will be a priority for sure. ”

They were acquired by Roadrunner Records.[23] and released L'Enfant Sauvage on 4 April, 2012 on that label. The title translates to "The Wild Child." The album features 11 tracks, and was released on 26 June, 2012.

The title song "L'Enfant Sauvage" was released as a single along with a video to support it followed by a release of the song "Liquid Fire" as free download on Gojira's official website. The album was released June 26, 2012 through Roadrunner Records.

Joe Duplantier discusses Sea Shepherd:

On February 8, 2013, Joe talked about the EP Sea Shepherd and commented: [24]

“ The EP itself is not called Sea Shepherd. It’s something that we’re going to release when it’s done to help Sea Shepherd raise money. We’re doing this for them and to bring the spotlight on these guys because we think that it’s important. There are controversies surrounding them. Are they terrorists, are they this or that? Who cares!? At least they’re doing something, and that’s very very important. ”

Gojira to release DVD filmed at London’s Brixton Academy

In a recent interview with Metal XS, Joe Duplantier, revealed that the concert on March 24 at the O2 Academy Brixton in London, England was professionally filmed for DVD release. Joe Duplantier said: [25]

“ During our tour we filmed a show at London’s Brixton Academy... and we’re going to bring out a DVD soon. We’ll be playing the States again, and almost certainly Japan, Australia, South America. ”

Setlist for the show was as follows: Explosia, Flying Whales, Backbone, The Heaviest Matter of the Universe, L’Enfant Sauvage, Toxic Garbage Island, Wisdom Comes, Oroborus, Drum Solo, The Axe, The Gift of Guilt.[26]

Side projects [edit]

Joe Duplantier was invited by the founders of influential Brazilian band Sepultura, brothers Max and Igor Cavalera, to join their new band Cavalera Conspiracy as a bassist. The album Inflikted was released in March 2008 and a tour followed in mid-2008.[27] Also, the Duplantier brothers formed an avant-garde metal band called Empalot in 1998, starring Stéphane Chateauneuf, who appears in The Link Alive DVD's short show called "Thang & Tanguy". Their first release was a demo album called Brout, in 1998. Two albums followed: Tous aux Cèpes in 2001 and a live CD called Empalot en Concert.[28]

Musical style and lyrical themes [edit]

Gojira's sound is not easily classifiable[2] as they blend several styles.[29] Genres that have been associated with Gojira are technical death metal,[30] thrash metal and progressive metal. Gojira has been influenced by metal artists such as Sepultura, Death, Morbid Angel, Meshuggah, Tool, Metallica, Pantera, and Neurosis.[31][32]

Gojira plays a technical and rhythmic style of heavy metal with precision drumming, unusual rhythm patterns, and start-and-stop riffs. Gojira has also been known to incorporate textured atmospheric elements and instrumental songs into their music.[4] Gojira songs have progressive and uncommon song structures, rarely using the standard verse, chorus, verse songwriting.[4] The vocal style is varied, ranging from the screamed style often employed in extreme metal, with the death growl style predominantly used in death metal, in addition to clean vocals and higher screams. At times, death metal growls and clean vocals are mixed to create an aggressive but melodic effect.[29][31]

The members of the band were raised in Bayonne, a city on the south west coast of France (Pyrénées-Atlantiques/French Basque Country). The surrounding scenic countryside and rugged coastline inspired Gojira's interest in nature and the earth. Gojira uses its lyrics to spread its spiritual beliefs and concerns for the environment.[5] They also cooperate with Sea Shepherd to protect marine animals, especially dolphins, whales and sharks. Members from Sea Shepherd are allowed to run a merchandise booth at Gojira gigs. In addition, Gojira is working on the Sea Shepherd EP with well known musicians from the metal scene, e.g. Devin Townsend. All proceeds from that project will be transformed to the benefit of the organisation.[33]

Band members [edit]

Members
Past members

Discography [edit]

Main article: Gojira discography
Studio albums

References [edit]

  1. ^ Gojira at Allmusic
  2. ^ a b c "Gojira Biography". Metal Storm. Retrieved 2008-05-04. 
  3. ^ "Gojira Biography". The Gauntlet. Retrieved 2008-05-04. 
  4. ^ a b Lucy Williams. "Gojira Biography". Official Gojira Website. Retrieved 2008-05-04. 
  5. ^ "CHILDREN OF BODOM, AMON AMARTH: More North American Tour Dates Announced". Blabbermouth. Retrieved 2008-04-05. 
  6. ^ "GOJIRA And SANCTITY Added To TRIVIUM's European Tour". Blabbermouth. Retrieved 2008-04-05. 
  7. ^ "LAMB OF GOD, MACHINE HEAD, TRIVIUM, GOJIRA: North American Tour Dates Announced". Blabbermouth. Retrieved 2008-04-05. 
  8. ^ "GOJIRA: New Performance Footage Posted Online". Blabbermouth. Retrieved 2008-04-05. 
  9. ^ Gojira: 'Xfm Sessions' Recording Posted Online - Oct. 15, 2007, Blabbermouth.net
  10. ^ a b "GOJIRA: New Album Title, Release Date Announced". Blabbermouth. Retrieved 2008-06-06. 
  11. ^ "GOJIRA: 'The Way Of All Flesh' Artwork, Track Listing Revealed". Blabbermouth. Retrieved 2008-07-25. 
  12. ^ a b "GOJIRA Frontman: 'I'm So Pissed Off With The Situation On Earth Right Now'". Blabbermouth. Retrieved 2008-06-23. 
  13. ^ "GOJIRA Frontman Explains New Album Title". Blabbermouth. Retrieved 2008-06-23. 
  14. ^ "LAMB OF GOD Frontman To Guest On New GOJIRA Album - July 10, 2008". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved 2008-07-20. 
  15. ^ Minton, James (2008) "Studio Report - Flesh and Blood", Terrorizer, issue No. 176, November 2008
  16. ^ "GOJIRA: North American Tour Dates Announced". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved 2008-03-31. 
  17. ^ http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4689215&blogID=499190534
  18. ^ "GOJIRA Working On Material For New Album". Blabbermouth.net. March 15, 2011. Retrieved May 22, 2013. 
  19. ^ "GOJIRA Recording New EP: Photos From The Studio Available". Blabbermouth.net. November 8, 2010. Retrieved May 22, 2013. 
  20. ^ "Gojira’s drummer talks, Sea Shepherd". blabbermouth.net. 2011-07-29. Retrieved 2011-07-29. 
  21. ^ "Mario reveal reason for Sea Shepard EP delay". theprp.com. 2012-1-30. Retrieved 2012-1-30. 
  22. ^ "Joe Duplantier: 'Working with Roadrunner Records'". gojira-music.com. 2011-11-08. Retrieved 2011-11-23. 
  23. ^ "Gojira’s Joe Duplantier discusses, Sea Shepherd". metalinsider.net. 2013-2-8. Retrieved 2013-2-8. 
  24. ^ "Gojira to release DVD". bravewords.com. 2013-5-2. Retrieved 2013-5-2. 
  25. ^ "Gojira’s Brixton Academy Show". Metal Hammer. 2013-5-2. Retrieved 2013-5-2. 
  26. ^ "Cavalera Conspiracy Biography". Roadrunner Records. Archived from the original on 2008-04-02. Retrieved 2008-05-04. 
  27. ^ "Empalot (groupe)". Wikipedia. 
  28. ^ a b Simon Milburn. "From Mars to Sirius review". The Metal Forge. Retrieved 2008-04-20. 
  29. ^ Lissa Brennan, With French death-metal pioneers Gojira, the lyrics matter as much as the blastbeats, pittsburghcitypaper.ws , October 15, 2009
  30. ^ a b Chad Bowar. "From Mars to Sirius review". About.com. Retrieved 2008-03-14. 
  31. ^ "Gojira entry". MySpace. Retrieved 2008-03-14. "Morbid Angel, Metallica, Tool, Meshuggah, Neurosis, Death" 
  32. ^ Dennis Rowehl(entertaim.net). "Gojira Interview Joe". entertaim.net. Retrieved 2013-04-22. 
  33. ^ http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Godzilla/55597
  34. ^ http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Gojira/18351

External links [edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Gojira
Gojira
Studio albums
Demo albums
Live albums
Singles and music videos
  • "Love"
  • "Indians"
  • "To Sirius"
  • "Vacuity"
  • "All the Tears"
  • "End of Time"
  • "L'Enfant Sauvage"
  • "Liquid Fire"
  • "Explosia"
Related articles
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