Ciel Errant

Alcest's song 'Ciel Errant' delves into the profound sense of alienation and the search for solace in the vastness of the sky. The lyrics, sung in French, open with the protagonist waking up to a morning filled with an immediate sense of sorrow. This initial feeling of melancholy is sometimes replaced by a numbness or a sharp awareness of not belonging to this world. This existential disconnection is a recurring theme in Alcest's music, often exploring the boundaries between reality and a dreamlike state.

The protagonist finds a temporary escape from this pervasive sadness by gazing at the sky. The act of contemplating the sky symbolizes a desire to transcend earthly troubles and connect with something greater and more infinite. The imagery of flying towards the clouds, which then disappear into the endless blue, evokes a sense of fleeting freedom and the ephemeral nature of peace. This metaphor of the sky as a boundless sea suggests an eternal quest for serenity and understanding, a common motif in Alcest's ethereal and atmospheric soundscapes.

Alcest, led by Neige, is known for blending elements of black metal with shoegaze, creating a unique genre often referred to as 'blackgaze.' Their music frequently explores themes of nostalgia, otherworldliness, and introspection. 'Ciel Errant' is a poignant reflection on the human condition, capturing the delicate balance between despair and the yearning for transcendence. The song's ethereal quality and poetic lyrics invite listeners to embark on their own introspective journey, contemplating their place in the universe and the fleeting moments of beauty that offer respite from life's inherent struggles.