Fortitude cover

Fortitude

Gojira · 2021

51 min · 11 tracks · progressive metal

A powerful blend of progressive metal and groove-driven rhythms, layered with environmental themes and intricate musicianship.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Born for One Thing Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Amazonia — This track presents a compelling narrative about deforestation in the Amazon, combining aggressive riffs with melodic interludes that reflect the beauty of nature. Its socio-political theme embodies the album’s overarching message of environmental awareness.
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    Hold On — With its introspective lyrics and dynamic shifts from soft melodies to heavy instrumentation, this track explores themes of resilience and hope amidst struggle. It resonates deeply with listeners navigating personal challenges.
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    The Chant — This song features a unique rhythmic structure that incorporates tribal elements, creating an immersive experience that reflects Gojira's connection to nature. Its hypnotic chants capture the essence of unity and strength.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

77 /100
Summit
Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

Fortitude combines intricate musicianship with thematic depth, making it a standout in progressive metal.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a fast-paced rhythm and aggressive guitar riffs, setting a high energy level that persists through the first half of the album.
  • The album includes moments of atmospheric interlude, such as 'The Chant', which contrasts with the heavier tracks and provides a breather for the listener.
  • The final track, 'Grind', concludes with an extended instrumental section that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of tension.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing with immersive peaks
  • uplifting moments that challenge listeners
  • for focused listening sessions
  • introspective journeys through sound

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Themes
deforestation in the Amazon· tribal rhythms of nature· resilience amidst struggle
Career context
By the time Gojira released Fortitude in 2021, they were already established as a leading force in heavy music, following their breakthrough album Magma in 2016. This album arrived as their first release after a five-year gap, showcasing their evolution while maintaining their signature intensity and ecological consciousness.
Stylistic neighbors
Mastodon· Meshuggah· Opeth

Tracklist

  • 1 Born for One Thing Start here 4:20
  • 2 Amazonia 5:00
  • 3 Another World 4:20
  • 4 Hold On 5:30
  • 5 New Found 6:36
  • 6 Fortitude 2:07
  • 7 The Chant 5:12
  • 8 Sphinx 4:00
  • 9 Into the Storm 5:02
  • 10 The Trails 4:07
  • 11 Grind 5:34

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata