Once started as a Black Metal project, ALCEST has changed its musical direction fundamentally and quite fast towards a Shoegaze-tinged Post Rock style. Although not really unexpected, the band’s fourth effort, Shelter, surprises due to its musical consequence. While Black Metal reminiscences were echoing on all previous records, Shelter now strips away the last vestiges of them. 
It does not wonder that ALCEST went to Iceland to record this wonderful piece of music under the patronage of Sigur Rós mainman Birgir Jón Birgisson (can’t imagine a more beautiful place for this), including the duties of the Amiina string quartet (known for their live performances with Sigur Rós) and guest vocals by Shoegaze icon Neil Halstead (Slowdive) and Billie Lindahl (Promise And The Monster).
And that’s exactly how Shelter sounds: as an enchantingly mesmerizing blend of Cocteau Twins and Slowdive, with a dash of Jesus & Mary Chain, added by those wonderful ambient tremolo picking guitar melodies (only rocking out a bit heavier in Voix Sereines) and the ethereal atmosphere of a Sigur Rós album.
Shelter sounds best when ALCEST get into those epic, hauntingly beautiful and dreamy Post Rock soundcsapes. I so want to be enveloped in them, to melt into them, while comforting shivers run up and down the spine. Best song to experience that feeling is L'Eveil Des Muses.
A rather weak point is the singing by Neige, which isn’t charismatic and expressive enough and often adds a blurred and unbalanced aspect to Shelter. Too pretty, lacks teeth. Also the guest vocals by Neil Halstead in Away do not convince, neither does the song itself.
It seems ALCESTs long musical journey came to an end and they have found shelter for their musical vision. But if they really can set a course and stand ground without their trademark - the quite unique Black Metal note - time will tell. Shelter for sure has its great moments, but it (still) does not convince in the whole.