Empalot were a French band formed in Landes, France in 1998 by the brothers Joe and Mario Duplantier of Gojira. The band members were Laurentx Etxemendi on saxophone, Joe Duplantier on vocals and guitar, Stéphane Chateneuf on vocals, Christian Maisonnave on percussion and Mario Duplantier on drums. In the band, Joe and Mario called themselves Venceslas Podaldo and Daniel Pestou, respectively.
History
The group's musical intention was to create a rare type of experimental metal, "terroir metal", which would combine alternative metal, jazz fusion, avant-garde[1] and a touch of insanity accompanied by aggressive vocals of Joe Duplantier. The lyrical themes range from the modern myth of Chouniard to silly songs, criticism of science and a struggle of the medieval period. The offbeat side of the group was also apparent in its appearance: the stage shows were colourful. The members appeared with masks or axes and were disguised as a cloud, a flower, a goat or a fund created by cardboard buildings. The theatrical aspect was reinforced by the fact that the concerts were sometimes mingled with mini-plays.
Tous aux Cèpes
Their only album, Tous aux Cèpes was recorded in the studio Arema Bordeaux, produced by Gabriel Editions – the same label family created by Gojira. It can be compared to other similar bands like Psykup, Trepalium or Gronibard. There are misspellings on the album. The group wanted it to be that way to magnify the ridicule.
