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Gojira

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Band Timeline

1996

Formation of Godzilla, later renamed Gojira

In 1996, the band was formed in Ondres, France, originally under the name Godzilla. The founding members included brothers Joe Duplantier (vocals, guitar) and Mario Duplantier (drums), along with guitarist Christian Andreu and bassist Alexandre Cornillon initially. Joe and Mario started by jamming together and then recruited Christian, with their music focusing on technical death metal characterized by speed and strength. The group practiced in a garage studio in their hometown, initiating what would become a prominent career in metal.
2001

First album release and name change to Gojira

By 2001, the band changed its name from Godzilla to Gojira to avoid legal issues and reflect a unique identity inspired by the Japanese kaiju culture. That same year, Gojira released their debut studio album, 'Terra Incognita,' which established them as a serious act in the French metal scene. Their early work garnered attention for its technical proficiency and heavy progressive death metal style, setting the foundation for their international recognition.
2003

Release of The Link album and rising reputation

Gojira released their sophomore album 'The Link' in 2003, which continued to showcase their evolving sound with more progressive elements integrated into their death metal style. This album helped solidify their presence in the European metal community, supported by powerful live performances renowned for their energy and musicianship. The band's lineup had stabilized with the addition of bassist Jean-Michel Labadie, replacing Alexandre Cornillon.
2005

Breakthrough with From Mars to Sirius

The pivotal moment in Gojira’s career came with the release of their third album 'From Mars to Sirius' in 2005. This critically acclaimed album featured standout tracks like 'Backbone' and 'Flying Whales' and brought them significant media coverage, especially in the UK metal press. It was noted for its spiritual and environmental themes and marked their transition from underground European sensation to an internationally respected metal band. The album elevated the band’s status and expanded their fanbase globally.
2008

The Way of All Flesh and first Billboard charting

In 2008, Gojira released the album 'The Way of All Flesh,' which further cemented their reputation for complex compositions and thematic depth. This album was the band's first to chart on the Billboard 200, signaling their growing success in North America. Following this release, Gojira launched their first headlining tour outside Europe, increasing their international visibility and expanding their influence within the metal genre.
2011

Signing with Roadrunner Records

A key milestone in Gojira’s career occurred in 2011 when the band signed with Roadrunner Records, a major label specializing in heavy metal acts. This partnership provided them with greater exposure and market reach, particularly in North America. Around this time, Gojira collaborated with various metal musicians to record the Sea Shepherd EP, aligning their music with activism for marine conservation, showcasing their commitment to environmental causes.
2012

Release of L'Enfant Sauvage

Gojira’s fifth studio album, 'L'Enfant Sauvage,' was released in 2012 under the Roadrunner label. The album peaked at number 34 on the Billboard 200 and was critically acclaimed for its refined sound balancing heaviness with melody. The band's lyrical focus continued on introspection and nature-related themes. This release helped Gojira solidify its standing as a major force in contemporary metal music, expanding their global fanbase through extensive touring and media presence.
2016

Magma album breakthrough and stylistic evolution

In 2016, Gojira released 'Magma,' an album considered their breakthrough at a broader level, peaking at number 24 on the Billboard 200 and earning gold certification in France. The album marked a stylistic shift as Gojira moved away from pure death metal towards a more straightforward, emotionally driven sound. 'Magma' also earned the band a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album and featured acclaimed singles emphasizing personal loss and resilience. It significantly boosted their international profile and critical acclaim.
2020

Chart success with single 'Another World'

In 2020, Gojira reached a new high with their single 'Another World,' which became their first to chart on the Billboard charts. The song continued the environmentally and socially conscious themes the band is known for and was released at a time of global reflection. This success further demonstrated Gojira's ability to evolve musically while maintaining their core messages, expanding their audience and reinforcing their position in the heavy metal landscape.
2021

Fortitude album and rise to arena headliner status

Gojira’s 2021 album 'Fortitude' achieved the band's first number-one position on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart and was noted as the best-selling album in the US during its debut week. The album's release was accompanied by major tours, elevating Gojira to arena headliner status, particularly in Europe, the UK, and South America. 'Fortitude' reinforced the band’s themes of hope and perseverance, earning multiple Grammy nominations and solidifying Gojira as one of the leading contemporary metal acts worldwide.
2022

Record-setting live performances and continued activism

In 2022, Gojira set the record for the loudest concert ever recorded, performed at Stade de France, demonstrating their reputation for powerful live shows. The band also continued their environmental and human rights activism, which has been a hallmark throughout their career. Their DIY approach to recording in studios in France and New York allows them creative control, helping maintain their distinct sound and message. Their influence on global metal culture continued to grow with each performance and release.
2024

First heavy metal band to perform at Olympics Opening Ceremony

In 2024, Gojira became the first heavy metal band to perform at an Olympic opening ceremony, during the Summer Olympics held in France. This groundbreaking achievement symbolizes their worldwide recognition and cultural impact beyond the metal scene. Their performance introduced heavy metal to a broader, global audience on one of the largest stages in the world, highlighting the genre's versatility and Gojira's unique blend of musical intensity and meaningful themes.

Albums

gojira_1st_album
Terra incognita
14 tracks
2001
gojira_2nd_album
The Link
11 tracks
2003
gojira_3rd_album
From Mars to Sirius
12 tracks
2005
gojira_4th_album
The Way of All Flesh
12 tracks
2008
gojira_5th_album
L’Enfant sauvage
13 tracks
2012
gojira_6th_album
Magma
10 tracks
2016
gojira_7th_album
Fortitude
11 tracks
2021
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Story of Gojira

Gojira: A French Metal Force Unleashed

Gojira, hailing from the French town of Ondres, are more than just a heavy metal band; they're a force of nature. Originally formed as Godzilla in 1996, the band's core lineup - brothers Joe (lead vocals, guitars) and Mario Duplantier (drums), Christian Andreu (guitars), and Jean-Michel Labadie (bass) - has remained steadfast since their name change to Gojira in 2001.

Known for their progressive and technical death metal sound, Gojira weaves intricate musical tapestries, punctuated by lyrics that delve into spiritual, philosophical, and environmental themes. Their journey has been one of remarkable growth, from the underground obscurity of their early years to achieving global recognition in the latter half of their career.

Their first two albums, "Terra Incognita" (2001) and "The Link" (2003), along with their powerful live performances, solidified their reputation as a leading force in the French metal scene. Their third album, "From Mars to Sirius" (2005), featuring standout tracks like "Backbone," "The Heaviest Matter of the Universe," and "Flying Whales," garnered critical acclaim and caught the attention of the British metal press.

Signing with Prosthetic Records brought them to the forefront of the North American scene. Their following album, "The Way of All Flesh" (2008), reached the Billboard 200 charts, propelling them to their first headlining tour across the globe.

Beyond their studio work, Gojira has embraced collaborative projects, evidenced by the "Sea Shepherd" EP, which brought together a diverse group of metal musicians.

Gojira's trajectory is testament to their unwavering dedication, their innovative spirit, and their commitment to powerful, thought-provoking music. They have carved a unique path within the metal landscape, establishing themselves as one of the most influential and respected bands of the genre.

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