Gojira
From Mars to Sirius
Third full-length album
September 27, 2005
Listenable Records / Prosthetic Records
12 tracks long
Length: 66:52
For the last few years the French metal titans Gojira have sat there as one of my favourite bands, having first heard “The Way of All Flesh” and being blown away by the album, and then hearing their 2012 release “L’Enfant Sauvage” only reaffirming why they are one of my favourites.
It’s no secret that I hadn’t heard any of their earlier albums and I bought their earlier three albums–their début: 2001 Terra Icognita; 2003′s The Link and finally, the album you are reading about–together on iTunes. I was comparing the price and which would be cheaper, I went with iTunes because they were cheaper and were on sale at the time.
It’s no surprise why this album over time–at least for me–has stood out as being Gojira’s best work before they became such a massive band, if they weren’t already. When I’ve listened to Terra Icognita and The Link neither of them didn’t really grab my attention like From Mars To Sirius has. I’ve had it on repeat for a while now, as I think I’ve listened to the later two albums to death, no really I have.
Band’s lesser well-known albums often sound alien to what they are today known as, Opeth are a prime example of this and I was left somewhat confused from listening to their début Orchid, however From Mars to Sirius was the first step–I believe– into the real sound of Gojira. It has all the elements which are heard in the later two albums: the jagged rhythms heard on “Backbone” (and the oddly groovy break-your-neck moments), the oddly calm “Unicorn” which serves an instrumental (took me aback at first), the heavy but groovy “Where Dragons Dwell”, then finally the epic “From Mars” / “To Sirius”.
Even though it may not seem like it Gojira have never put a foot wrong musically, making absolutely amazing albums and, from day one, making a very statement: one day, we will rule. With From Mars To Sirius the production and overall sound of the album is a little harsh on the ear when you compare it to the lush production seen on future albums, as the snare drum sounds is loose and the guitar work, even the vocals at times when Joe screams as usual. Again, there doesn’t seem to be a bum note anywhere on this album (not least I can tell).
Overall, when I sat and listened from start to finish, as I had tried but didn’t really get into it at first, this album took me by storm. I must have let it go on repeat about five or six more times, constantly on repeat. This album sticks out to me like a sore thumb, and if this was any indication of the band that Gojira would become, then From Mars To Sirius rightly promises very good things.
RATING: 5 / 5
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