“A testament to what extreme bands can achieve when they grind hard and write innovative but relatable songs.” Why Gojira at the Olympics was the most important moment for metal this century

Gojira in 2023, next to the Olympic logo on the Eiffel Tower in 2024.

It’s hard to believe in this era of climate catastrophes, AI running amok and people becoming millionaires by merely saying “hawk tuah”, but sometimes good things happen without a catch. Last Friday (July 26) was one such instance.

During the opening ceremony for the Olympic Games in Paris, native extreme metal mavens Gojira played a ferocious take on revolutionary song Ah! Ça Ira. The performance was endowed with vocals from opera singer Marina Viotti, blasts of pyro and blood-red streamers, and dozens of beheaded aristocrats. It dazzled the millions of people watching around the world and rightfully so. It was fucking awesome!