Fortitude
by Gojira
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. Consequence
    Apr 29, 2021
    91
    Gojira have delivered a brisk, eminently listenable record that expands on their melodic sensibilities without abandoning their experimental tendencies, environmentalist policies, and emotional potency.
  2. The Wire
    Sep 1, 2021
    80
    Gojira once again let loose their own brand of fury on the world. Fortitude is a tightly executed example of the way their songs are propelled as anthems – emblazoned metallic sound banners flapping loudly in the gale they have summoned up. [Sep 2021, p.62]
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  3. AllMusic
    May 11, 2021
    80
    Fortitude is a fitting, welcome follow-up, and a brave new chapter in Gojira's continuing musical evolution as they weave old sounds with new ones in creating a sonic tapestry that showcases startling imagination, thought-provoking musical and human intelligence, complex emotions, and immense physical power.
  5. Clash Music
    Apr 28, 2021
    80
    Though it might overreach itself from time to time, this is a record with real purpose and drive to it.
  6. Exclaim
    Apr 28, 2021
    80
    Fortitude is an album that takes a few listens to fully wrap one's head around, and there's no denying just how much there is to be heard in these 11 versatile tracks. If there was any doubt still about Gojira's potential, Fortitude proves unequivocally that the band are MVPs of modern metal.
  7. Kerrang!
    Apr 28, 2021
    80
    This is an important album, not only because it extends Gojira’s palette and cements their place as one of metal’s most skilled and uncompromising bands. They’re also one of the most inspiring as they call for strength, for action and above all for fortitude.
  8. PopMatters
    May 25, 2021
    70
    Unfortunately, 20 years of the same thematic thrust—coupled with the new material’s proximity to generic heavy rock—blunt the new material's impact just as the stage is set for Gojira to shine.
  9. Sputnikmusic
    May 5, 2021
    70
    Fortitude may not have the charisma and power of previous releases, nor does it have the ability to take us to Sirius, yet its joyful, all-encompassing spirit unveils a new creative cycle that deserves our full attention.

Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Most Discussed Album of 2021

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 79 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 68 out of 79
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 79
  3. Negative: 8 out of 79
  1. Matteusz
    May 17, 2021
    0
    the chant is so bad **** **** **** **************** ******************** ******************** ******************** ********************the chant is so bad **** **** **** **************** ******************** ******************** ******************** ******************** ******************** ******************** ******************** ******************** ******************** ****… Full Review »
  2. Mrsicknoodle
    May 9, 2021
    3
    Massively disappointing. I wanted to like this I really did. First two songs are pretty great. But then ballads start and basically neverMassively disappointing. I wanted to like this I really did. First two songs are pretty great. But then ballads start and basically never stop. "Chant" could almost be a Tom Petty song. I don't think there's a single song that doesnt somewhere include a melodic verse or chorus. I generally love this band and appreciate that they have a softer and atmospheric side. Unfortunately they have pushed that to the front to the detriment of everything else. It's not an inherently bad thing to make a softer album but they're basically writing alternative rock at this point. It's not atmospheric in an engaging way, its atmospheric in a put you to sleep way. Its reparative as hell in a lot of parts. If it was more experimental the atmospheric aspect might work, but unfortunately its atmospheric in a very generic almost psuedo new wave way, and I actually like that genre. However the issue is that I like my new wave to be new wave and my metal to be metal. A dash of influence from a disparate genre is often a wonderfully thing but on this I feel like they're almost a different band. There is an occasionally groovy riff and interesting rhythm, but half the time when the heavy parts kick in even they sound somewhat recycled from past albums. I do enjoy some of textures on the background, there are the usually odd bone sounding percussion noises and even a jaw harp on Amazonia, which is a great song. Ultimately I feel a lot like I did when Queens of Stone age released "...like clock work" and "Villains" several years ago. And Mastodon's last release as well. Those albums were very watered down and poppy relatively to the rest of their material, I feel the same way about this album.  Huge let down. I think that if these bands released these kinds of albums at the start of their careers literally no one would give a **** At most they might get okay reviews, people would say they're decent but boring. To me this album is part of a long running trend of high profile bands progressively watering down their music in a way that's appealing to...I'm not really sure? I think people just dont want admit something they love has become bland. I suppose it's good if you enjoy this, but I honestly would not be surprised if there was a guest appearance of Bono on their next record. This is not a bad album on a musical level. They're all very talented musicians. Hell, If they released this as a side project under another name and just made it a straight up alternative rock album it would be fine. But as it stands it doesn't seem to be able to commit to any one style. It's not complicated enough to be progressive metal anymore, it's not heavy enough to be death metal, it's not catchy enough to be alternative rock, and it's not atmospheric enough to be post rock, new wave or shoe gaze. It's just boring and somewhat pretentious. ,… Full Review »
  3. Loyck
    May 2, 2021
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. This is not what I expect from gojira, most of the songs are linear and without any surprise, not only low technically but on writing too, boring verse chorus verse etc, sadly the strong ones are the heaviest.… Full Review »
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