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France
2 bands founded at France
Founded in: 2012
Rendez-Vous: Parisian Post-Punk Pioneers
Rendez-Vous, hailing from the vibrant music scene of Paris, France, emerged in 2012 as a force of post-punk energy. The band, formed by the dynamic duo of Francis Mallari and Elliot Bethault, quickly expanded, welcoming Maxime Gendre and Simon Dubourg into the fold.
Their debut EP, aptly titled "Rendez-Vous," dropped in 2014 on Zappruder Records, marking their arrival on the French indie scene. This release fueled their first European tours in the summer of 2015, igniting a passionate following across the continent.
In 2016, Rendez-Vous upped the ante with their "Distance" EP, expertly mixed by Ben Greenberg of The Men and released on their new label, AVANT! Records. Their self-titled single "Distance" resonated with music critics, earning a coveted spot in Les Inrockuptibles magazine's "100 Best Songs of the Year" list.
2017 saw the release of "The Others," a track chosen by Burger Records to represent France on their global compilation, "Burger World." This recognition solidified Rendez-Vous' status as a key player in the international post-punk revival.
The band continued their relentless momentum, releasing "Double Zero" in June 2018, a taste of their debut LP, "Superior State." This LP was a testament to their evolution, showcasing their signature blend of driving rhythms, angular guitar riffs, and darkly poetic lyrics.
Rendez-Vous are more than just a band; they are a movement. With their captivating live performances and innovative sound, they continue to push the boundaries of post-punk, earning a devoted following and solidifying their place as one of the most exciting French bands to emerge in recent years.
Founded in: 1996
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.