Écailles de Lune (Part II)

Alcest's 'Écailles de Lune (Part II)' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of escapism and the allure of the unknown. The song's lyrics, written in French, paint a vivid picture of a mesmerizing dance with the sea under distant stars. The opening lines describe the passage of time and the sighing of the sea, setting a tranquil yet melancholic tone. The imagery of golden stardust trembling on the waves evokes a sense of ethereal beauty and otherworldliness, drawing the listener into a dreamlike state.

The protagonist of the song expresses a deep yearning to disappear beneath the waves, to escape the world that feels foreign to them. This desire to be absorbed by the sea and to hear the enchanting laments from its depths suggests a longing for peace and a connection with something greater than oneself. The sea, with its nacreous and aquamarine scales, symbolizes a mystical realm that promises solace and a sense of belonging. The protagonist's wish to be taken away from their current reality highlights themes of alienation and the search for a place where they truly belong.

As the song progresses, the protagonist envisions a slow descent into the dark waters, hand in hand with the sea's inhabitants. This imagery of sinking into silent, cold currents to purify thoughts and find eternal rest at the ocean's bottom is both serene and somber. The final lines, which speak of saying goodbye to the morning light and finding sleep in the ocean's depths, encapsulate the song's central themes of escape, purification, and the allure of the unknown. Alcest's blend of shoegaze and black metal elements in their music further enhances the ethereal and introspective atmosphere of the song, making 'Écailles de Lune (Part II)' a poignant reflection on the human desire for transcendence and peace.