From Mars To Sirius - Gojira

...is a progressive metal band from France. They have been compared by some as the French version of Mastodon. Their music has themes of the environment and impact by humans so I thought I would review this album as it currently has some significance in the growing problem of climate change. This album was released in 2005 and is their most recent effort. The band is growing increasingly popular and has supported such bands as trivium and machine head.
...other reviews for this album from magazines and websites to get other people’s opinions as I was not sure if I was just the only fan, but it appears that other people like them more than I do! I would happily give this album an 8/10 overall for several reasons.

Firstly, this band is unique. They have broken the death and progressive metal mould and produced an album that is both heavy and listenable, and although technical and requiring ... more

Gojira is a progressive metal band from France. They have been compared by some as the French version of Mastodon. Their music has themes of the environment and impact by humans so I thought I would review this album as it currently has some significance in the growing problem of climate change. This album was released in 2005 and is their most recent effort. The band is growing increasingly popular and has supported such bands as trivium and machine head.

Background of band:

The band was originally called Godzilla before having to change the name due to legal reasons, so they chose Gojira as it was the original name for Godzilla. The band was formed by the two brothers Joe and Mario Duplantier in 1996. The music muses together elements of progressive music with death and heavy metal and other music including atmospheric elements.

Band members:
Joe Duplantier: vocals, guitar
Mario Duplantier: drums
Christian Andreu: guitar
Jean Michel – Labadie: bass

Song by song review:

1. Ocean planet

This song is a heavy yet progressive starter with a repeating riff playing through most of the song. It seems to take a while to get going and isn’t the most appealing of songs but is strangely attractive. The riff changes about halfway through the song and in comes some fast double pedal guitars and a palm muted riff. It then changes again into a straight forward open riff. Not a bad song, worth a listen and quite atmospheric but better to come. 6/10

2. Backbone

This song is more of a straight forward death metal song with some chugging riffs. It also features the first all out thrash riff with blast beat drums (the fastest type of drumming) and does quite well to show the drummer in the band is very talented. Quite an instrumental song but good lyrical content too. 8/10

3. From the sky

This is an extremely progression – led song with plenty of changing speeds and riffs with lots of flat out drumming. Definitely one of the showpieces of the album which makes Gojira so unique. The song has many sections to it and no real verse or chorus but there are repeating parts and it has some structure but being progressive is not as one would usually expect. The vocals go well with the song and add extra intensity to an already intense sound. 8/10

4. Unicorn

This song is an instrumental slowdown to let you catch your breath back, and is a nice gentle calm for the next upcoming songs. While not really a song in itself it does serve a good purpose in this album. 5/10

5. Where dragons dwell

Back to progression here with some more heavy riffs and intricate song writing. The song starts off mellow then builds up to heavier parts then suddenly stops and breaks down. Quite a mind numbing song, as most on here are, it’ll require your attention to listen. 7/10

6. The heaviest matter of the universe

This is another one of the more brutal songs with more blast beats and chugging riffs. Possibly one of the least progressive which makes it more listenable with other band’s songs and the song I listen to the most off the album. The verse has a great riff to it which sucks you in and gets you nodding along. Quite a brutal song and a definite must listen. 9/10

7. Flying whales

This song takes a long time to get going; it starts off very chilled with the sounds of whales in the background before hitting home with a big riff after a few minutes. Another one that’ll require the listener’s attention but is worth it in the end. It chills down again towards the end of the song. 7/10

8. In the wilderness

This is another brutal death metal song led along with double pedals and huge riffs along with the growls. It still has progressive and technical elements but moves along on its heavy thrash basis. 8/10

9. World to come

This song starts with an uplifting intro which sounds slightly out of place, then becomes a bit heavier further along. You wouldn’t miss out if you didn’t hear this song, just a filler which is a shame. 5/10

10. From mars

This song is another mellow chapter which would’ve been needed had song 9 not been there, but instead is a bit of a delay in the album coming back to life. Disappointing that it has been put here as made me start to become distracted, was hoping for another heavy song to bring the album straight back. 4/10

11. To Sirius

A good leading riff coupled with double pedals moves this song along nicely. A welcome return after the last two songs, again this song is quite progressive yet led mostly by its heavy riffs. Not quite the pick up I would have liked, however. 7/10

12. Global warming

The final track helps end the album on a high note with some intricate guitar work on show here, mostly hammer - ons and pull – offs. A good intro builds up the feeling and the vocals have an effect added to add more. The structure of this song is another unique one. Some more heavy riffs and big drums help to end the album with the listener smiling. 8/10

Overall rating:

I have read other reviews for this album from magazines and websites to get other people’s opinions as I was not sure if I was just the only fan, but it appears that other people like them more than I do! I would happily give this album an 8/10 overall for several reasons.

Firstly, this band is unique. They have broken the death and progressive metal mould and produced an album that is both heavy and listenable, and although technical and requiring thought whilst listening, will keep you hooked whilst you wait for the next turn.

Secondly, the songs on offer here are a mixture: some are top quality heavy tracks whilst some others don’t quite match up but will appeal to fans of progression.

Finally, I recommend to anyone to listen to this album, even if you hate metal music, because you will never hear anything quite like this ever again. There is something going on in this album that makes me believe this band will bring out more albums even better than this one with ease, yet this album is better than what a lot of bands could ever produce.

It may be difficult for some people to stay attentive to all the songs as they have parts that really test your resolve to stop you skipping, but that’s common place in progressive music. You may also be surprised to hear that this album has no solos whatsoever, yet still manages without them fine.

The songs vary in length but most are between 4 and 7 minutes so are on the longer end of things. To sum up, go and listen to this album for an experience which you may never get from another album again.

This album is for fans of:

The closest I think this band is to sounding like is Meshuggah, although they are nothing alike. Fans of mastodon will approve, as will fans of technical metal or progressive metal. Fans of blast beat drums and brutal riffs will also love this. 

...less