Bayonne, FR · progressive metal

Gojira

1 upcoming festival

France's environmental-metal titans — from the Olympics opening ceremony to the pit, whale-song riffs and precision heaviness with an actual conscience.

Gojira formed in the Bayonne area of south-west France in 1996, built around brothers Joe Duplantier on guitar and vocals and Mario Duplantier on drums. Originally called Godzilla, the band changed its name in 2001. Their music combines death metal and groove metal with progressive structures, using pinch harmonics, heavy syncopation and long, building passages.

Environmental themes run through much of their work, including songs concerned with whaling, deforestation and the state of the oceans. The band relocated its base to New York and has toured internationally for two decades, becoming one of the most widely recognised metal groups to come out of France.

progressive metal