GOJIRA

GOJIRA
The Titan of Progressive Death Metal Born in France

1. The Emergence of a "Kaiju" Expanding the Boundaries of Heavy Metal

1.1. Cultural Background and the Band's Uniqueness

Emerging from Ondres, a quiet town in the Landes region facing the Atlantic Ocean in southwestern France, GOJIRA has established themselves as one of the most important and unique entities in the modern heavy metal scene. Fusing the brutality of death metal, the structural beauty of progressive metal, and philosophical lyrics emphasizing environmental protection and spirituality, their music transcends genre boundaries and has garnered worldwide acclaim.

Typically, in heavy metal, particularly extreme metal subgenres, France has a history of long lagging behind the United States, the United Kingdom, or Nordic countries (such as Sweden and Norway). However, the emergence of Gojira completely rewrote that power dynamic. Gojira's sound was formed without conforming to specific scenes or trends, but rather by pursuing their own unique aesthetics—"atmospheric heavy low-ends" and "spiritual purification."

The band's name originates from the Japanese pronunciation of "Godzilla," the King of the Monsters created by Japan's Toho Studios. When formed in 1996, they originally called themselves "Godzilla," but due to legal constraints, they changed their name to "GOJIRA" in 2001. This name change was more than just a modification in spelling; it marked a turning point where they evolved from a local death metal band into international artists with a unique spiritual world and environmental message. Just as a giant monster destroys cities, Gojira's music shatters the preconceived notions of listeners, offering hope for rebirth from the debris.

2. Chapter 1: Early Years - Starting and Experimenting as Godzilla (1996-2001)

2.1. Background of Formation and the Early Lineup

Gojira's history began in 1996 near Bayonne, France. At the center were the brothers Joe Duplantier (vocals, guitar) and Mario Duplantier (drums). Although Mario was only 15 years old at the time, he already possessed an outstanding sense of rhythm and power, astonishing those around him. His older brother, Joe, was fascinated by the violent energy of death metal, while simultaneously harboring a craving for spiritual exploration and artistic expression.

They added Christian Andreu (guitar) and Alexandre Cornillon (bass), starting their activities under the name Godzilla. What is noteworthy about this early lineup is that they set exceptionally high technical goals from the very beginning. Their early musical style was heavily influenced by bands like Sepultura, Death, Morbid Angel, and Metallica, delivering a pure and raw form of death metal. In particular, the groove and tribal elements found in Sepultura's "Chaos A.D." and "Roots" can be said to have had a definitive influence on the formation of Gojira's later sound.

2.2. Songs and Evolution during the Demo Tape Era

During the Godzilla era, they produced a series of demo tapes, solidifying their ground in the underground scene. These recordings are extremely crucial resources for tracing their musical transition.

Year	Title	Format	Notes
1996	Victim	Cassette/Demo	An early demo. Mario Duplantier participated in the recording at the age of 15. While following the typical style of death metal, the seeds of their unique interpretation of rhythm were already visible.
1997	Possessed	Cassette/Demo	A darker and more aggressive sound. It includes tracks like "Possessed" and is highly evaluated by fans, becoming a subject for later remastered reissues.
1999	Saturate	Cassette/Demo	A work showing the band's evolution. It contains many prototypes of songs that would be included in "Terra Incognita".
2000	Wisdom Comes	Cassette/Demo	Technical elements improved drastically. "Wisdom Comes" would later be included in their 2nd album "The Link", but it was already a highly completed song at this point.

These demo recordings were not merely student works but served as an experimental ground for the "spirituality-infused heaviness" they aimed for. In particular, early recordings like "Possessed" have had their historical value reevaluated, being later remastered and receiving a limited release as "End of Time".

2.3. From "Godzilla" to "GOJIRA": The Truth Behind the Name Change

As they continued their activities, the band faced a serious problem. Legal concerns and copyright reasons surfaced regarding the use of the name "Godzilla." Using the name of the world-famous movie character as-is could have posed a major barrier to launching international operations.

In response to this, the band decided to change their name in 2001 to GOJIRA, which is the romaji spelling of the Japanese name. Joe Duplantier later remarked about this name change, "There was legal enforcement, but it also meant a spiritual reset." There is a theory that the Japanese word "Gojira" is a blend of "Gorilla" and "Kujira" (Whale), and the name, combining massive power with oceanic mystery, ultimately became the perfect choice to symbolize their musicality.

In 2001, just before the name change, bassist Alexandre Cornillon departed, and Jean-Michel Labadie joined as his successor. This completed the classic, unchanging lineup of Joe, Mario, Christian, and Jean-Michel that has lasted for over 20 years to this day. Jean-Michel's addition brought explosive energy to the band's live performances and contributed to enhancing their visual impact on stage.

3. Chapter 2: Voyage into Unknown Territories (2001-2004)

3.1. 1st Album "Terra Incognita": A Journey into the Inner Self

In 2001, they released their first full-length album after the name change, "Terra Incognita". Meaning "Unknown Land" in Latin, this title symbolizes Gojira's musical exploration and a journey into the human inner self. The album's inlay includes a reference to a Hindu legend about "the unknown territory that exists within every human being," clearly demonstrating Gojira's philosophical stance from their debut work.

• Musicality: It is built upon a foundation of heavy death metal riffs and Mario's complex drumming, but it offers more than mere aggression. As seen in tracks like "Love" and "Clone," it features unconventional rhythm progressions and spacious guitar work.
• Production Background: During the album's production, Gojira regularly listened not only to death metal but also to progressive rock and ambient music, such as Mike Oldfield. Joe mentioned, "At that time, we were influenced by evil bands, but the lyrical content was about love, self-confidence, and becoming a better person." This gap between musical violence and positive lyrical messages became a factor that generated Gojira's unique charm.
• Key Tracks:
  • "Clone": A song sounding an alarm against genetic engineering and intervention in nature.
  • "Lizard Skin": A signature early track where reptilian coldness and intense riffs intersect.
  • "Love": A track for which a music video was also produced, representing an ambitious effort to express the universal theme of love within a heavy metal format.

3.2. 2nd Album "The Link": The Spirit of Self-Independence

In 2003, they released their 2nd album, "The Link". During this period, the band was going through trial and error regarding label contracts and distribution, and it was initially released through small labels, Boycott Records and Next Music.

What is noteworthy about the production of this album is that Gojira renovated a dilapidated barn in the forests of southwestern France with their own hands to create their unique studio, "Le Studio des Milans". By recording in their own space surrounded by nature rather than an external commercial studio, Gojira gained complete control over every detail of their sound. This DIY (Do It Yourself) spirit resonates with the punk and hardcore scenes, symbolizing Gojira's uncompromising attitude.

• Musical Evolution: "The Link" is a work that incorporates even more tribal rhythms, chants, and meditative pauses than its predecessor. Dealing with themes of "death," "rebirth," and "connection (Link)," its song structures became more unpredictable.
• The Legendary Outro of "Remembrance": The outro section of the song "Remembrance," included in this album, features an ultra-fast and unconventional double bass drum pattern perfectly synchronized with the guitar riffs. Due to its extreme difficulty and high precision, it became something of a "challenge letter" for drummers and guitarists worldwide.
• Live Album "The Link Alive": The sheer intensity of Gojira's live performances spread through word of mouth, and their prowess was visually proven by the live DVD/CD "The Link Alive", released in 2004. Capturing their performance in Bordeaux, this work stands as a monumental release documenting just how tight and emotional Gojira's playing truly is.

4. Chapter 3: Leaping to the Global Stage and Establishing Eco-Metal (2005-2007)

4.1. 3rd Album "From Mars to Sirius": A Conceptual Masterpiece

The definitive catalyst for Gojira gaining worldwide attention was their 3rd album, "From Mars to Sirius", released in 2005. After being released by France's Listenable Records, they signed with America's Prosthetic Records, expanding into the North American market as well.

This album is widely recognized as a "masterpiece" in Gojira's career. The title "From Mars to Sirius" implies a journey from Mars, which symbolizes war and destruction, to Sirius, symbolizing peace and elevated consciousness. It depicts an epic storyline of abandoning a dying Earth to search for a new habitable planet alongside flying whales (Flying Whales).

4.2. Song Analysis and Environmental Protection Messages

In "From Mars to Sirius," Gojira completely established their identity as "Eco-metal."

• "Flying Whales": The highlight track of the album. It fuses guitar effects mimicking whale calls at the beginning with an ominous silence and a heavy groove that surges down like an avalanche. While embedding an environmental protection message, this song became an anthem that induces massive mosh pits at live shows.
• "The Heaviest Matter of the Universe": True to its title, it boasts overwhelming heaviness and speed as if expressing "the heaviest matter in the universe" through sound. The riff work, which gives the sensation of being sucked into a black hole, is breathtaking.
• "Global Warming": A song themed around global warming. A sorrowful melody executed via tapping technique repeats, appealing that "we must open our eyes and admit our mistakes." Mario later stated, "This song was truly important for our environmental message."
• "Backbone": A song singing about an unwavering will and self-discipline like a "backbone." It is a staple at live shows, where it is customary for Joe to shout to the audience, "Show me your backbone!"

4.3. International Acclaim and Touring

With this album, Gojira was highly praised by the British metal press and American fans. They toured Europe and the US as support acts for major bands such as Mastodon, Lamb of God, Children of Bodom, and Trivium, showcasing their prowess. In particular, the high reproducibility in live settings and the overwhelming sound pressure unleashed from the stage solidified the reputation of "Gojira as a live band."

5. Chapter 4: The Philosophy of Death and the Apex of Technique (2008-2011)

5.1. 4th Album "The Way of All Flesh": The Mortal Destiny

In 2008, they released their 4th album, "The Way of All Flesh". This album is regarded as the darkest, most technical work in Gojira's career, delving deeply into the perspective of life and death.

The title points to the destiny that "all living things must die" (The way of all flesh), focusing on themes of physical death and the soul's journey. Joe Duplantier was deeply contemplating the fear and acceptance of death during this period, which reflected in the lyrics and song structures.

• "The Art of Dying": One of Gojira's most complex and highly acclaimed songs. It begins with a bizarrely complex percussion pattern (a loop in odd time signatures), depicting the acceptance and fear of death. The lyrics include teachings of Tibetan Buddhism and a yearning for spiritual liberation, singing "I practice the art of dying."
• "Oroborus": A song of cycles and rebirth utilizing the symbol of the "Ouroboros," a snake eating its own tail. It is characterized by riffs heavily utilizing the tapping technique, featuring a catchy melody despite being technical.
• "Vacuity": A slow-tempo song that sinks heavily. It depicts the contrast between emptiness (Vacuity) and inner fulfillment, and the music video portrayed an elderly woman on the brink of death and the liberation of her soul.

5.2. Unfinished Project: Sea Shepherd EP

During this period (around 2010), the band embarked on producing an EP (mini-album) to support the marine conservation organization Sea Shepherd. This project held significance far beyond a simple musical release.

• Luxurious Guests: A stellar lineup including Devin Townsend, Fredrik Thordendal of Meshuggah, Max Cavalera, Randy Blythe (Lamb of God), and Anders Fridén (In Flames) was scheduled to participate.
• Loss of Data: However, a tragedy struck mid-production when a hard drive failure occurred, causing a portion of the recorded audio sources to be lost.
• Current Status: Only the song "Of Blood And Salt" (featuring Devin Townsend and Fredrik Thordendal) was released, but the release of the EP as a whole has long been a legend among fans as a "lost project." Joe stated in an interview, "There are three songs left somewhere on a hard drive. I will release them before I die!"

6. Chapter 5: Expanding into the Major Scene, Introspection, Loss and Rebirth (2012-2016)

6.1. 5th Album "L'Enfant Sauvage": Explosion of Emotion

In 2012, the band moved to the major label Roadrunner Records and released their 5th album, "L'Enfant Sauvage" (meaning "The Wild Child" in French). Although it was a transition from indies to a major label, Gojira's musicality never conformed to commercialism. Rather, gaining a clearer and more powerful production, their expressive capability increased.

The title was inspired by François Truffaut's film "The Wild Child," while questioning the difficulty and importance of maintaining the inherent "wildness" and "freedom" of human beings within modern social systems.

• "L'Enfant Sauvage": The title track that serves as the band's spiritual pillar. It fuses complex rhythms with emotional vocals.
• "The Gift of Guilt": A song themed around the emotion of guilt. The sad yet beautiful melody woven by tapping riffs struck a chord with many fans.
• "Explosia": The opening number characterized by explosive riffs and grooves.

6.2. 6th Album "Magma": Mother's Death and Transformation

The 6th album "Magma," released in 2016, marked a major turning point for the band. During its production, the Duplantier brothers' mother fell ill and passed away, which had a definitive impact on the tone of the entire album. Produced in their newly established "Silver Cord Studio" in New York, this album deeply reflects grief, loss, and the process of accepting them.

• Style Changes: The songwriting shifted from the complex, long-form structures of the past to more compact and straightforward configurations. Furthermore, Joe's vocal style transitioned from leaning heavily toward fierce growls to incorporating more clean vocals and sorrowful singing. This choice was also made to deliver the lyrical words more clearly.
• Key Tracks:
  • "Stranded": Impressive for its chorus that shouts out attachment to their mother and the feeling of being left stranded. The unique guitar riff using a pitch shifter, sounding like a "cat's meow," became a massive hit.
  • "Silvera": Carries a strong message: "Don't commit suicide; change yourself, and the world will change."
  • "The Shooting Star": A beautiful yet heavy opening track that seems to mourn their mother's death. It expresses thoughts toward their mother who became a "star."
  • "Low Lands": An atmospheric and deeply personal track overlapping the landscape of their hometown with memories of their mother.
• Grammy Nominations: "Magma" achieved great success both commercially and critically, being nominated for "Best Rock Album" at the 59th Grammy Awards, while "Silvera" was nominated for "Best Metal Performance." This allowed Gojira to transcend the framework of an extreme metal band and gain recognition as a vital artist in the modern rock scene.

7. Chapter 6: Musicians in Action and "Fortitude" (2017-2023)

7.1. 7th Album "Fortitude": Unyielding Spirit

In 2021, they announced their 7th album, "Fortitude". Shifting 180 degrees from the introspective tone of the previous work "Magma," this album became a piece themed around call-to-action for the outside world, empowerment, and solidarity. Released in the midst of the pandemic, this work gave listeners the strength to survive difficult times.

• "Amazonia": A song pleading the deforestation of the Amazon and the hardships of its indigenous people. It features primitive rhythms, utilizing tribal instruments (such as a jaw harp) reminiscent of Sepultura's "Roots". Coinciding with the release of this song, the band launched a charity campaign, donating proceeds through instrument auctions and other means to the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (APIB).
• "Born For One Thing": Preaches criticism against consumerism and the importance of living in the "now." Mario's drumming still showcases absolute virtuosity.
• "The Chant": A song themed around "singing." Designed to be sung alongside audiences in stadium-scale venues, it is an anthem with a simple yet powerful melody, highlighting Gojira's "healing" aspect.

"Fortitude" ranked high on charts worldwide, reaching No. 2 in Finland and France, and breaking into top spots on the US Billboard. Furthermore, "Amazonia" was nominated for a Grammy Award once again.

8. Chapter 7: Triumphant Return at the Paris Olympics and Grammy Award Win (2024-Present)

8.1. Historic Performance at the Olympic Opening Ceremony

On July 26, 2024, Gojira carved a new page into the history of the French music scene and the heavy metal world. They became the first-ever metal band to perform at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games (Paris 2024 Olympic Games). This was a moment when the metal genre transcended the boundaries of a subculture and was recognized as part of national culture during a state event.

Details of the Performance

• Song: "Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça Ira!)", a metal arrangement version of the French Revolutionary era song "Ah! Ça Ira!" (meaning "It will be fine" or "It will work out"). The original song is a folk anthem singing about the fervor of the revolution and rebellion against the aristocracy.
• Location: The Conciergerie, standing along the Seine River in Paris. It is a historic site where Marie-Antoinette was once imprisoned awaiting her execution.
• Staging: It started with a shocking visual of a "headless Marie-Antoinette" figure appearing from a building window, holding her own head. Red smoke and flames then erupted, and the members of Gojira, stationed along the building's exterior walls (balconies), began blasting their thunderous sound.
• Collaboration: A co-performance with French-Swiss mezzo-soprano singer Marina Viotti. Appearing on a boat moving along the Seine River, her elegant opera vocals and Joe's beast-like growl created a dramatic contrast (resembling a "Beauty and the Beast" juxtaposition).
• Composition/Arrangement: The arrangement of this track was a collaborative work between the band and composer Victor Le Masne, who served as the musical director for the Olympics. The band added substance with their signature riffs and grooves to the tempo and guidelines presented by Le Masne.

8.2. Global Response and Grammy Award Win

This performance instantly went viral worldwide, and the fusion of the radical presentation of "Marie-Antoinette's severed head," overwhelming musical technique, and historical background left a massive impact on viewers. Joe Duplantier remarked, "The fusion of metal and opera in front of so many people is proof that France is still pushing boundaries."

Then in February 2025, the performance track "Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça Ira!)" was awarded "Best Metal Performance" at the 67th Grammy Awards. For Gojira, who had missed out on winning despite multiple past nominations, this win was the moment their long years of activity and musical integrity paid off, standing as an event symbolizing the pinnacle of their career. At the award ceremony, Joe delivered a speech dedicating this award to "all the bands that push boundaries."

9. Chapter 8: Musical and Technical Analysis

9.1. Genre Fusion and Evolution

Gojira's music is a unique style that highly fuses elements of Technical Death Metal, Progressive Metal, and Groove Metal.

• Rhythm and Polyrhythms: Mario Duplantier's drumming is the core of the band. It is characterized by heavily utilizing odd time signatures that do not fit into 4/4 time and polyrhythms that strike different beats with hands and feet, yet without losing the song's groove. His drumming possesses both mechanical precision and human dynamics.
• Pick Scrape: A playing technique that scrapes the pick along the strings to generate a screaming noise. Gojira is famous for using this sound rhythmically and percussively, making it a trademark known as the "GOJIRA Scrape."
• Tapping Technique: They frequently use the tapping technique—striking the guitar fretboard to produce sounds—not for fast solos, but to construct melodic riffs and arpeggios. "Oroborus," "The Gift of Guilt," and "Global Warming" are prime examples where a tapping riff serves as the main theme of the song.
• Atmospheric Soundscape: In between intense riffs, they insert parts that establish openness using ambient effects (reverb, delay), creating a massive sense of scale akin to the deep sea or outer space. Through this, listeners can feel not just physical weight, but spiritual vastness as well.

9.2. Lyrical Themes: Ecology and Spirituality

While many death metal bands frame violence or corpses as themes, Gojira has consistently sung about Environmentalism, Spirituality, and the Philosophy of Life.

• Environmental Protection and Action: They target specific environmental issues as subject matter, such as "Toxic Garbage Island" (about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch), "Global Warming," and "Amazonia" (deforestation), accusing the destruction of nature driven by human ego. Gojira's stance does not stop at mere criticism but encourages action from listeners through donations and support activities for NGOs.
• Spirituality and the View of Life and Death: Influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and yoga philosophies, "The Art of Dying" and "The Link" express thoughts that perceive death not as an "end" but as "transformation" or "liberation." Joe Duplantier is said to be deeply influenced by the "Tibetan Book of Living and Dying," writing many lyrics about the dissolution of ego and the soul's journey.
• Journey into the Inner Self: As seen in "Terra Incognita" (Unknown Land = Inner World) and "Magma," self-exploration, overcoming suffering, and spiritual growth are also central themes. For Gojira, music is a ritual to confront their inner demons and purify them.

10. Chapter 9: Detailed Member Profiles

Joe Duplantier

• Role: Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
• Tenure: 1996–Present
• Overview: The frontman of the band and the main axis of songwriting and lyric writing. An intelligent and charismatic leader, he speaks eloquently about the band's philosophy in interviews and other settings.
• Profile as a Producer: He built his own studio, "Silver Cord Studio," in New York, handling production not only for Gojira's works but also for other bands like Car Bomb.
• Side Project: He has experience participating as a bassist in Cavalera Conspiracy, a project by former Sepultura members Max and Igor Cavalera, playing on the album "Inflikted."

Mario Duplantier

• Role: Drums
• Tenure: 1996–Present
• Overview: Joe's younger brother. Evaluated as one of the finest drummers in the technical death metal scene. He is characterized by polyrhythms influenced by jazz and Afrobeat, an incredibly precise double bass drum, and intense striking power.
• Profile as an Artist: He also operates as a painter and graphic artist, exercising his artistic talents by painting on drumheads and hosting solo exhibitions. He is frequently deeply involved in designing Gojira's album artwork and merchandise.

Christian Andreu

• Role: Lead Guitar
• Tenure: 1996–Present
• Overview: A founding member of the band. He builds the heavy "wall of sound" alongside Joe. Rather than a type who plays flashy guitar solos, his style emphasizes texture, riff work, and atmospheric soundscapes, supporting the band's sonic landscape. His playing style is indispensable for maintaining the balance between the band's "heaviness" and "space."

Jean-Michel Labadie

• Role: Bass
• Tenure: 2001–Present
• Overview: Joined as the successor to Alexandre Cornillon. He is the most frantically moving member on stage, known for energetic performances where he swings or raises his bass high. Switching between fingerpicking and pick playing, he provides a resilient low end that connects the drums and guitars. His combination with Mario as the rhythm section is ironclad.

Past Members

• Alexandre Cornillon: Early bassist (1996-2001). He participated in the demo recordings from the Godzilla era.

11. Chapter 10: Discography

Gojira's complete works are detailed below. Gojira's discography is the very history of the band's evolution.

Studio Albums

Title	Year	Label	Key Tracks / Notes
Terra Incognita	2001	Gabriel Editions	The memorable debut work. It possesses the strongest death metal coloring and is filled with raw energy. The lyrics already reveal an exploration into the inner self. Key Tracks: "Clone", "Love", "Lizard Skin", "Deliverance"
The Link	2003	Listenable / Boycott Records	The second work produced in their self-made studio. Tribal elements increase, and a meditative atmosphere drifts through. The sound production is dry and percussive. Key Tracks: "The Link", "Remembrance", "Indians", "Wisdom Comes"
From Mars to Sirius	2005	Listenable / Prosthetic	The concept album that achieved their international breakthrough. An epic saga themed around environmental destruction and interstellar travel. Key Tracks: "Flying Whales", "The Heaviest Matter of the Universe", "Backbone", "Global Warming"
The Way of All Flesh	2008	Listenable / Prosthetic	A technical and dark masterpiece themed around death. The complexity of rhythms and the thickness of production increased. Key Tracks: "The Art of Dying", "Oroborus", "Vacuity", "Toxic Garbage Island"
L'Enfant Sauvage	2012	Roadrunner	The first major release. Emotional depth and the beauty of melodies stand out. It depicts the conflict between society and the wild. Key Tracks: "L'Enfant Sauvage", "The Gift of Guilt", "Explosia", "The Axe"
Magma	2016	Roadrunner	An introspective work produced following their mother's death. The songs became compact, and clean vocals increased. Grammy-nominated. Key Tracks: "Stranded", "Silvera", "The Shooting Star", "Only Pain"
Fortitude	2021	Roadrunner	A work calling for action and solidarity. It features positive energy and anthem-like songs. Key Tracks: "Amazonia", "Born For One Thing", "The Chant", "Another World"

Live Albums / Videos

Title	Format / Year	Content
The Link Alive	CD/DVD 2004	Captures the live show in Bordeaux from "The Link" tour. A valuable recording documenting their raw early performance.
The Flesh Alive	CD/DVD/Blu-ray 2012	Documentary and live footage (such as Garorock Festival) from "The Way of All Flesh" tour. Offers a glimpse into the band's daily life.
Les Enfants Sauvages	CD/DVD/Photo Book 2014	Captures the live show at Brixton Academy in London. Released as a package accompanied by a luxurious photo book.

Demos, EPs, Singles, Others

Demos under the name Godzilla:

• Victim (1996): Recorded when Mario was 15.
• Possessed (1997): A demo with a dark and evil atmosphere.
• Saturate (1999): A work serving as a bridge to "Terra Incognita".
• Wisdom Comes (2000): A demo demonstrating technical evolution.

Other EPs:

• Maciste All'Inferno (2003): An instrumental work (EP) composed and performed as an accompaniment for the silent film "Maciste all'inferno" for an event held in Bordeaux.
• End of Time (2012): An EP containing remastered tracks from the Possessed demo (released on 7-inch vinyl, etc.).

Main Singles:

• "Love" (2001)
• "To Sirius" (2006)
• "Vacuity" (2008)
• "L'Enfant Sauvage" (2012)
• "Stranded", "Silvera" (2016)
• "Another World" (2020)
• "Born For One Thing", "Amazonia" (2021)
• "Our Time Is Now" (2022): Released as part of the soundtrack for the NHL game "NHL 23."
• "Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça Ira!)" (2024): feat. Marina Viotti & Victor Le Masne (Paris Olympic opening ceremony song).

The Phantom Work: Sea Shepherd EP

• Of Blood And Salt (feat. Devin Townsend & Fredrik Thordendal): The only track released in 2011.
• Unreleased tracks were lost due to a hard drive crash. The release of the full version remains undecided, but Joe continues to hold a strong desire for its completion.

12. Guidelines for the Future of Heavy Metal

Starting from the French countryside, Gojira climbed to the pinnacle of the global heavy metal scene through their rare technical skills and unwavering convictions. Gojira's trajectory is not merely a success story of a band, but a journey demonstrating that the heavy metal genre can evolve from the "venting of anger" into the "awakening of consciousness."

Gojira's music confronts audiences with universal themes such as the sense of crisis regarding the global environment and inner human conflicts. Their evolution from raw early death metal to progressive, atmospheric soundscapes, along with their historic performance at the Paris Olympics and their Grammy Award win, signifies that Gojira has transcended the framework of a mere band to become an essential communicator in modern culture. The "monster-like" roar unleashed by Gojira will continue to resound worldwide, not for destruction, but for rebirth and harmony.