French metal band Gojira has no plans to perform any of its albums in their entirety during live concerts, according to lead vocalist Joe Duplantier. In a recent interview, Duplantier explained the differences between recorded music and live energy, while also providing updates on the band's upcoming album. The statement comes amid growing trends of full-album sets in the metal scene.
Gojira, the French metal quartet known for blending dark, crushing riffs with triumphant melodies, is steering clear of a popular trend in live performances: playing entire albums from start to finish. Lead vocalist and guitarist Joe Duplantier shared this stance in an interview with Rolling Stone France, emphasizing that such sets do not suit the band's dynamic approach.
"We already tried it in rehearsal, but it doesn’t work," Duplantier said. He described listening to a recorded album as an intimate experience, akin to "lying on a bed, headphones on, following a story, with some crazy things happening." In contrast, he noted, live shows thrive on raw energy, and forcing a studio narrative onto the stage could result in an unconvincing performance. While full-album plays have become common for anniversaries, Gojira has opted for alternatives, such as a recent live-in-studio recording celebrating their 2005 debut "From Mars to Sirius."
The band, comprising Duplantier, his brother Mario on drums, guitarist Christian Andreu, and bassist Jean-Michel Labadie, has spent the past 15 years exploring humanity's dual nature—viewing it as both parasitic and capable of profound beauty. This philosophy shapes their music and creative process. Internal disagreements, far from hindering progress, have refined their message, according to Duplantier: "These are precious things, because it means the band’s message is becoming more refined."
Looking ahead, Gojira is actively working on a new album, tentatively set for release in 2026. Production involves a mobile studio setup, allowing the band to develop tracks during tours. "We have a mobile studio, so we can also work on it while on tour," Duplantier explained. "[The album is gradually taking shape and] we have some solid foundations and some tracks already have demos."
This commitment to evolution underscores Gojira's dedication to maintaining authenticity in both recording and performance.
