The Journeys of the Soul) is the third studio album by French blackgaze band Alcest, released on January 6, 2012, by Prophecy Productions.

He also notes that the aggressive elements are employed in a "celebratory manner", and that with the use of harsh, screamed vocals, "the melodic beauty of the guitars seems to open up that expression, ensuring balance.

[10] The band toured across Europe for much of early 2012 in support of the album, and in September 2012 they played in Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo in Japan for the first time.

critic Natalie Zina Walschots wrote a positive review of the album, concluding that "The music contains all of the trembling beauty fans have come to expect from Alcest, combined with a sense of vitality and wanderlust.

They noted that where the previous album was very melancholic, Les Voyages... is characterised "by a strong forward movement and breathless, buoying optimism".

And that's fine: assessment and integration and perfecting previous ideas are important aspects of any serious attempt at making art and creating a forward motion trajectory."

He praised the improved production quality, and that "its ability to create emotions that approach bliss in now part of its sonic architecture".

[4] Pitchfork contributor Brandon Stosuy wrote a more lukewarm review, writing that "There's no denying the beauty, but it feels weirdly muted-- or perhaps just unsurprising."

Stosuy nonetheless praised the album as "the most accomplished Alcest offering yet", noting the transition between "Beings of Light" and "Faiseurs de mondes" as the standout moment.

Needless to say, the sound of Alcest is one that represents a wholly unique mixture of metal and shoegaze, and Les Voyages de l'âme is a masterful demonstration of that sonic equation.

"[19] All lyrics are written by Neige except "Nous sommes l'émeraude" by Charles van Lerberghe; all music is composed by NeigeCredits adapted from AllMusic.