Alcest Drop Shimmering New Single, “Sapphire”

French blackgaze outfit Alcest cover the dark and light ends of the metal spectrum as well as any band in the game today, often vacillating between both within the same composition. While the first single from the band’s upcoming album, “Protection,” was an especially heavy track, the latest “Sapphire,” takes things in the more atmospheric, ambient direction typical of much of their latter-day material. It’s shimmery, it’s grandiose, it’s cathartic and it’s beautiful… but all without losing the band’s trademark anguished, heavy edge. Have a listen below.

“Sapphire” comes from Alcest’s forthcoming fifth full-length album, Spiritual Instinct, set for release on October 25.