Déjà vu : Première partie

Déjà vu : Première partie represents a pivotal moment for Novelists, further refining the 'high-fashion' metalcore aesthetic they helped pioneer. Released in 2022, the album showcases the band's transition into a more experimental, electronic-tinged sound while maintaining the signature lead guitar work of Florestan Durand. The record is structured with several short instrumental interludes ('Mae', 'Colas', 'Erre', 'Bias') that act as sonic palate cleansers, emphasizing the album's cinematic ambitions. Critically, it was noted for its departure from standard metalcore tropes, opting instead for a 'progressive-pop-metal' hybrid that prioritizes atmosphere and melody. This release solidified their position in the French metal scene as innovators of a polished, technical, yet accessible sound. It is often cited for its exceptional production quality, which avoids the 'wall of noise' trap in favor of distinct, crystalline separation of instruments.