Novelists

Parisian metalcore powerhouse Novelists (often stylized as Novelists FR) exploded onto the scene in 2013, founded by visionary brothers Amael and Florestan Durand. Renowned for their intricate blend of progressive metalcore and djent-infused ferocity, the band quickly carved out a distinctive niche in the modern heavy music landscape. After delivering three critically acclaimed studio albums through Arising Empire and SharpTone Records, they inked a deal with Out of Line Music in 2020. Experiencing significant lineup shifts, including two crucial vocalist changes, Novelists unveiled their current frontman, Camille Contreras, in 2023. This revitalized era saw the release of the dynamic Okapi EP in 2024, culminating in their highly anticipated fifth studio album, CODA, in 2025 – a landmark release under their own artist-run imprint, ACKOR Music.

History

**2013–2020: The Genesis and *Cest La Vie*** The seeds of Novelists were sown in late 2013, when drummer Amael Durand and guitarist Florestan Durand united with founding vocalist Matteo Gelsomino, bassist Nicolas Delestrade, and guitarist Charles-Henri Teule. Their raw talent was evident from a self-released demo EP in 2014, which propelled them to a deal with Arising Empire for their stunning debut full-length, *Souvenirs* (2015). This was swiftly followed by the equally impactful *Noir* in 2017, released via SharpTone Records, further cementing their status in the burgeoning progressive metalcore landscape. The bands third monumental album, *Cest La Vie*, arrived in January 2020, earning widespread critical acclaim, including a glowing review from *Kerrang!* which lauded its "emotion-soaked riffing" – a testament to Novelists evolving melodic and aggressive prowess.

2020–2022: Shifting Voices and Déjà Vu A pivotal moment arrived in April 2020 with the departure of founding vocalist Matteo Gelsomino. The band swiftly regrouped, welcoming former Alazka frontman Tobias Rische in October of the same year, a period that also saw them forge a new partnership with Out of Line Music. This revitalized lineup embarked on an intensive touring schedule in 2022, supporting Swedish metalcore giants Imminence on a sweeping European tour in May and delivering a crushing performance at the UK`s prestigious Tech-Fest in June–July. The culmination of this era was the release of their eagerly awaited fourth studio album, Déjà Vu, in November. Preceded by several compelling singles, notably "Heretic" – a powerful track featuring a standout guest appearance from LANDMVRKS vocalist Florian Salfati – Déjà Vu showcased a bold new chapter for the French quintet.