Bonjour à tous!

Today, we’re diving into Gojira’s popular concept album, “From Mars to Sirius,” released in 2005. This French progressive/groove metal band’s album tells a story that resonates deeply with listeners.

When I introduce this album to people, I often get the same reaction: “I want to headbang like crazy and cry my eyes out at the same time!”

That was my first thought too. Joe Duplantier’s screams convey a profound sense of sadness, anger, and searching, while Mario Duplantier’s aggressive drumming elevates the emotional depiction of the story told through the lyrics. Additionally, Jean-Michel’s bass performance and Christian Andreu’s unique riffs add another dimension to the songs.

Let’s dive into the tracks and explore their stories and emotions.

The opening track, “Ocean Planet,” reflects our protagonist’s feeling of being trapped due to war and pollution on his home planet and his subsequent quest to find an escape. “Backbone,” with its breakdowns, riffs, and aggressive rhythm, mirrors the determination and shift in mindset of the protagonist as he embarks on his search. Following “Backbone,” “From the Sky” expresses the protagonist’s desperation and fear on his home planet, justifying his need to start the aforementioned quest. Joe’s vocals vividly convey this sense of helplessness and fear.

“Unicorn” serves as a breather within the album. With whale sounds and a smooth rhythm, it gives you a moment to reflect on the story told in the first three tracks. Despite being a break in the aggressive album, the transitions are so seamless that the entire 66-minute journey feels like a continuous narrative. “Unicorn” acts as an interlude without making you feel like you’ve paused, maintaining the narrative flow.

he next track that blew me away when I first heard it is “Where Dragons Dwell.” The emotions of our protagonist, expressed through the struggles of his quest, are vividly depicted through the riff-rhythm-vocal trio. Personally, I believe this track best captures the protagonist’s feelings of helplessness and search for salvation, especially with Joe’s heart-wrenching screams. “The Heaviest Matter of the Universe” is essentially a nickname for the protagonist’s emotions, conveying their immense weight. Towards the end of the track, you can feel the protagonist starting to reap the rewards of his quest:

“…Overtaking time

And now understanding space

I feel united

I do cross light

I feel the living

Here in the center…”

More whale sounds, growls, guitar… Our protagonist finally finds the flying whales in “Flying Whales!” This fan-favorite track holds a special place in the album, even though Joe doesn’t fully understand its popularity. The breakdowns and riffs are what truly make this song “Flying Whales.”

“In the Wilderness” reflects the protagonist’s renewed hope for rebirth, making him believe again that he can save Mars. “World to Come” mirrors this belief, describing the protagonist’s vision of a restored, alive, and clean planet—essentially a pre-war and pollution version of his own planet. With this hope in his heart, he sets out for Sirius C.

“…I know the world
Will overcome its’ pain
The simple fact
I dream about it
Already makes it
Happen in the rain…”

The pair of tracks, “From Mars” and “To Sirius,” feels like a single song. The transition between the two tracks deepens your immersion in the concept. Upon reaching Sirius C, our protagonist meets and converses with a superior race, seeking their help to save Mars. The only drawback of “To Sirius” is its repetitive nature at some points, making it the only track where I momentarily lost connection with the story—purely from a musical standpoint, not the lyrics.

The album closes with “Global Warming,” doubling the emotional impact. Our protagonist learns from the superior race on Sirius C that they had come to guide his people thousands of years ago. The superior race comforts the child within the protagonist with the words:

“Don’t fear the living.”

Now, there is hope for Mars, and he will see his children grow.

“…Now see a new hope is growing inside

We will see our children growing…”

The struggle for existence following destruction is vividly felt in both riffs and vocals. The Duplantier brothers’ activist side adds sincerity to these emotional depictions.

Despite occasional repetition and the lack of a steady rhythm, these factors don’t hinder your immersion in the story. Each second of listening evokes emotions, proving that Gojira hasn’t wasted an ounce of their potential. “From Mars to Sirius” is a unique, striking, and emotional album of its time, filling your heart with sadness, anger, and ultimately peace.

If you ever wish to save the world, look to the sky for the flying whales—they will guide you.

Stay metal!