Leader Neige comments: "Alcest's 6th album is called 'Spiritual Instinct' and will be released on Nuclear Blast. The recording of 'Spiritual Instinct' was a long and challenging process, but we are really proud of it and can't wait to share our new music with you all. The artwork was done by the Parisian duo Førtifem and depicts a sphinx, in reference to the symbolist art movement. The sphinx is the ultimate figure of enigma, embodying both the spiritual and wild side within us. Founded in 2000 by songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Neige and joined by drummer Winterhalter in 2009, Alcest has become the pioneer of blackgaze, a unique and virtuoso blend of post-(black) metal and shoegaze. With a dreamy and otherworldly sound full of contrasts mixing raw darkness and sweet melodies, the band has forged five full-length albums and transitioned from black metal beginnings to eerie pop on 'Shelter' and further to 2016's 'Kodama,' inspired by the Japanese anime 'Princess Mononoke.' Fans of ALCEST always expect the unexpected from a duo who has constantly explored new worlds, delved into their own imagination, and created a truly magical universe through every note played."