Gojira

This article is about the musical group. For the Sea Shepherd ship, see MV Gojira. For other uses, see Gojira (disambiguation).

Gojira
Gojira performs at Tuska Open Air Metal Festival in 2006
Background information
Also known as	Godzilla
Origin	Bayonne, France
Genres	Technical death metal, progressive metal, groove metal, thrash metal, experimental 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

Gojira is a heavy metal band formed in 1996 in Bayonne, France. 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 its first studio album, Gojira has had no changes in lineup, and has released four studio albums, one live album, one single, and one DVD. Their new EP will be released in 2011.

Gojira, known for their environmentally-themed lyrics, "have risen from utmost obscurity during the first half of their career to widespread global recognition in the second, including regular mention amongst the genre's leading new millennium upstarts", according to Allmusic.^[1]

History

Early years and Terra Incognita (1996−2002)

Gojira was formed in 1996 in Ondres, France, a village close to Bayonne, by brothers Joe Duplantier (guitar, vocals) and drummer Mario Duplantier, guitarist Christian Andreu, and bassist Jean-Michel Labadie. The band started touring and recording under the name Godzilla and released their demos Victim, Possessed, and Saturate in 1996, 1997, and 1999, respectively. Former member Brodie Hovanessian does not enjoy their sound.^[2] After touring, supporting Cannibal Corpse, Edge of Sanity, Impaled Nazarene and supporting Immortal in September 1999,^[3] legal problems forced Godzilla to change their name. They changed their name to Gojira, the rōmaji spelling of the fictional monster Godzilla.^[4] Their last demo, Wisdom Comes, and their debut album Terra Incognita were released under the new name in 2000 and 2001, respectively.

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

The band released their second studio album in 2003, The Link (reissued in 2007 with remastered audio and new booklet artwork).^[5] 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.^[3] 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.^[2]

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]

Cavalera Conspiracy and The Way of All Flesh (2008−2010)

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.^[11]

Gojira's latest album, 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.^[12] On July 25, 2008, the band announced the track listing and revealed the final cover art for the record.^[13] 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 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."^[12] 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."^[14] The album will be "more intense, more brutal, and more melodic" than its predecessor.^[15] "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".^[14]

Randy Blythe from the American band Lamb of God appeared as a guest vocalist on the song "Adoration for None"^[16] The album took four months to write and record, and three months to mix.^[17] On March 17, 2009, the band's first North American headlining tour was announced. Opening bands were The Chariot and Car Bomb.^[18] Gojira accompanied Metallica on their tour September 14 - October 18,^[19] 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.^[20] According to Joe Duplantier, the EP will feature guest appearances from the international metal scene.^[21]

DVD, new material (2011-)

Gojira have recently issued an update on the progress on their next studio album, which as of March 15, 2011, they are half way through writing and are excited about their new material. In the same update, Gojira also stated that they are currently working on a live DVD with a bonus section called 'The Way of All Flesh From the Inside'.

As a preview of the Sea Shepherd EP, Gojira released the song "Of Blood And Salt" In late May 2011, featuring Devin Townsend as a guest vocalist and a guest guitar solo performed by Fredrik Thordendal. The EP is set for a tentative release of September, 2011.

Regarding on what the new Gojira material sounds like, Joe Duplantier said:^[22]

“

It's Gojira but wiser and heavier. Our music is always evolving. I hope there is more to come from us! I believe we can get heavier and deeper and more magical than before. I respect everything that's been done before, but I hope we're digging in another direction. It's not a technical direction. It's a more spiritual direction. I think we're getting closer to the core of why we're doing this music. It's hard to describe it. Until I hear the new album it's hard to have a clear vision of it. Fuck it, it's just better!

”

Musical style and lyrical themes

Gojira's sound is not easily classifiable^[3] as they blend several styles.^[23] Genres that have been associated with Gojira are technical death metal,^[24] thrash metal and progressive metal. Gojira have been influenced by metal artists such as Sepultura, Death, Morbid Angel, Meshuggah, Metallica, Pantera, Tool and Neurosis.^[25][26]

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.^[5] Gojira songs have progressive and uncommon song structures, rarely using the standard verse, chorus, verse songwriting.^[5] 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. Often at times, death metal growls and clean vocals are mixed to create an aggressive but melodic effect.^[23][25]

The members of the band were raised in Bayonne, a city on the south west coast of France (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.^[2]

Band members

• Joe Duplantier − vocals, guitar (since 1996)
• Mario Duplantier − drums, percussion (since 1996)
• Christian Andreu − guitar (since 1996)
• Jean-Michel Labadie - bass (since 1996)

Discography

Main article: Gojira discography

Studio albums Terra Incognita (2001) The Link (2003) From Mars to Sirius (2005) The Way of All Flesh (2008) Untitled 5th studio album (2012)[27] Live albums The Link Alive (2004) Untitled DVD (2012) [28]

Demos and EPs Victim (1996) Possessed (1997) Saturate (1999) Wisdom Comes (2000) Maciste All'Inferno (2003) Sea Shepherd EP (TBA)[29]

Notes

References

1. ^ Gojira at Allmusic
2. ^ ^{a b c} Lucy Williams. "Gojira Biography". Official Gojira Website. http://www.gojira-music.com/. Retrieved 2008-05-04. 
3. ^ ^{a b c} "Gojira Biography". Metal Storm. http://www.metalstorm.ee/bands/biography.php?band_id=475&bandname=Gojira. Retrieved 2008-05-04. 
4. ^ "Gojira Biography". The Gauntlet. http://www.thegauntlet.com/bio/1611/Gojira.html. Retrieved 2008-05-04. 
5. ^ ^{a b c} Chad Bowar. "The Link review". About.com. http://heavymetal.about.com/b/2007/04/15/gojira-the-link-review.htm. Retrieved 2008-04-22. 
6. ^ "CHILDREN OF BODOM, AMON AMARTH: More North American Tour Dates Announced". Blabbermouth. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=58730. Retrieved 2008-04-05. 
7. ^ "GOJIRA And SANCTITY Added To TRIVIUM's European Tour". Blabbermouth. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=66553. Retrieved 2008-04-05. 
8. ^ "LAMB OF GOD, MACHINE HEAD, TRIVIUM, GOJIRA: North American Tour Dates Announced". Blabbermouth. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=63629. Retrieved 2008-04-05. 
9. ^ "GOJIRA: New Performance Footage Posted Online". Blabbermouth. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=85523. Retrieved 2008-04-05. 
10. ^ Gojira: 'Xfm Sessions' Recording Posted Online - Oct. 15, 2007, Blabbermouth.net
11. ^ "Cavalera Conspiracy Biography". Roadrunner Records. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/artists/CavaleraConspiracy/bio.aspx?bio=official. Retrieved 2008-05-04. 
12. ^ ^{a b} "GOJIRA: New Album Title, Release Date Announced". Blabbermouth. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=98427. Retrieved 2008-06-06. 
13. ^ "GOJIRA: 'The Way Of All Flesh' Artwork, Track Listing Revealed". Blabbermouth. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=101599. Retrieved 2008-07-25. 
14. ^ ^{a b} "GOJIRA Frontman: 'I'm So Pissed Off With The Situation On Earth Right Now'". Blabbermouth. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=99417. Retrieved 2008-06-23. 
15. ^ "GOJIRA Frontman Explains New Album Title". Blabbermouth. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=98942. Retrieved 2008-06-23. 
16. ^ "LAMB OF GOD Frontman To Guest On New GOJIRA Album - July 10, 2008". Blabbermouth.net. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=100650. Retrieved 2008-07-20. 
17. ^ Minton, James (2008) "Studio Report - Flesh and Blood", Terrorizer, issue #176, November 2008
18. ^ "GOJIRA: North American Tour Dates Announced". Blabbermouth.net. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=116355. Retrieved 2008-03-31. 
19. ^ http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4689215&blogID=499190534
20. ^ http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=155324
21. ^ http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=149044
22. ^ "Joe Duplantier: 'Our music is always evolving'". Blabbermouth.net. 2011-06-01. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=158865. Retrieved 2011-06-01. 
23. ^ ^{a b} Simon Milburn. "From Mars to Sirius review". The Metal Forge. http://www.themetalforge.com/modules.php?name=Reviews&rop=showcontent&id=588. Retrieved 2008-04-20. 
24. ^ Lissa Brennan, With French death-metal pioneers Gojira, the lyrics matter as much as the blastbeats, pittsburghcitypaper.ws , October 15, 2009
25. ^ ^{a b} Chad Bowar. "From Mars to Sirius review". About.com. http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/gojira.htm. Retrieved 2008-03-14. 
26. ^ "Gojira entry". MySpace. http://www.myspace.com/gojira. Retrieved 2008-03-14. "Morbid Angel, Metallica, Tool, Meshuggah, Neurosis, Death" 
27. ^ http://gojira-music.com/news/item/24-roadrunner-records-announces-the-signing-of-gojira
28. ^ http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=164071
29. ^ http://gojira-music.com/news/item/24-roadrunner-records-announces-the-signing-of-gojira

Further reading

• "Gojira stalks city". Worcester Telegram & Gazette. November 15, 2007. http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=WO&p_theme=wo&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=11CF7128A19F19F8&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM. Retrieved 2008-07-07. 
• Ross, Curtis (30 March 2007). "Gojira Makes A Whale Of A Sound". Tampa Tribune (Tampa, FL). http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-30180219_ITM. Retrieved 2008-07-07. 
• Gojira profiled on the White Noise Metal Video Podcast

External links

• Official website
• Gojira on Myspace
• Video interview with Joe Duplantier from Gojira (2009) at Metalpaths.com