Editing Gojira (band) (section)

==History==
===Background and formation (1993–1996)===
At the age of seventeen, while in high school, vocalist and guitarist [[Joe Duplantier]] formed his first band called Eclipse after discovering [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] three years earlier. His brother, [[Mario Duplantier|Mario]], started a band at the age of twelve and had already demonstrated his capabilities as a drummer. Over time, the two brothers embarked on [[jam session]]s after school.<ref name="Grow2012-09-02">{{cite news|last=Grow|first=Kory|date=2 September 2012|title=Gojira's Joe Duplantier: My Life Story|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/gojiras-joe-duplantier-my-life-story|url-status=live|work=[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver Magazine]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808034211/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/gojiras-joe-duplantier-my-life-story|archive-date=8 August 2020|access-date=9 January 2022}}</ref>

Joe and Mario Duplantier, aged nineteen and fourteen respectively in 1996, decided to start a [[technical death metal]] band emphasizing melodies<ref name="Eternels2008">{{cite news|author=Gazus|date=12 October 2008|title=Entretien avec Joseph et Mario Duplantier|trans-title=Interview with Joseph and Mario Duplantier|url=http://www.leseternels.net/interviews.aspx?id=224|url-status=live|language=fr|work=Les Eternels|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201224201922/http://www.leseternels.net/interviews.aspx?id=224|archive-date=24 December 2020|access-date=9 January 2022}}</ref> and recruited nineteen-year-old guitarist [[Christian Andreu]]. According to Mario, Andreu was "a passionate [fan], like we, of [[Metallica]]".<ref name="Soenen2016-06-24">{{cite news|last=Soenen|first=Marie-Hélène|date=24 June 2016|title=Gojira, du zen dans le metal|trans-title=Gojira, Zen in the metal|url=https://www.telerama.fr/musique/gojira-du-zen-dans-le-metal,144063.php|url-status=live|language=fr|work=[[Télérama]]|location=Paris|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201212141419/https://www.telerama.fr/musique/gojira-du-zen-dans-le-metal,144063.php|archive-date=12 December 2020|access-date=11 November 2021}}</ref> They began practicing with guitars and drums in the Duplantiers' garage (where the group had set up a studio) in their hometown of [[Ondres]] in southern [[Landes (department)|Landes]], on the outskirts of [[Bayonne]].<ref name="Marraud2019-06-20">{{cite news|last=Marraud|first=Sébastien|date=20 June 2019|title=Hellfest 2019: Gojira (enfin) prophète en son pays|trans-title=Hellfest 2019: Gojira (finally) prophet in its country|url=https://www.sudouest.fr/landes/ondres/hellfest-2019-gojira-enfin-prophete-en-son-pays-2572804.php|url-status=live|language=fr|work=[[Sud Ouest (newspaper)|Sud Ouest]]|location=[[Bordeaux]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201219160408/https://www.sudouest.fr/2019/06/19/hellfest-2019-gojira-enfin-prophete-en-son-pays-6231993-4691.php|archive-date=19 December 2020|access-date=30 October 2021}}</ref> The band soon recruited bassist Alexandre Cornillon, a friend of Andreu from [[Soorts-Hossegor|Hossegor]].<ref name="Eternels2008"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.compagniedumielnoir.com/l-equipe|title= Alexandre Cornillon: Auteur, metteur en scène|trans-title=Alexandre Cornillon: Author, theater director|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=n.d.|website=Compagnie du Miel Noir|place=[[Soorts-Hossegor|Soorts-Hossegor, Landes]]|language=fr|access-date=20 April 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210420144608/https://www.compagniedumielnoir.com/l-equipe|archive-date=20 April 2021}}</ref> Joe Duplantier said, "We wanted to go fast and strong. We had no plan, no pressure&nbsp;... We didn't even have a [band] name".<ref name="Arnold2017-07-07">{{cite news|last=Arnold|first=Laurent|date=7 July 2017|title=Gojira: 'La scène est notre maison'|trans-title=Gojira: 'The stage is our home'|url=https://www.estrepublicain.fr/edition-belfort-hericourt-montbeliard/2017/07/07/eurockeennes|url-status=live|language=fr|work=[[L'Est Républicain]]|place=[[Belfort]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201220115530/https://www.estrepublicain.fr/edition-belfort-hericourt-montbeliard/2017/07/07/eurockeennes|archive-date=20 December 2020|access-date=12 November 2021}}</ref>

===Early years and ''Terra Incognita'' (1996–2002)===
{{Listen|type=music|filename=Gojira (Godzilla - pre-Gojira) - Bleeding.ogg|title="Bleeding"|description=A sample of "Bleeding" from the 1997 demo album, ''[[Gojira discography#Demo albums|Possessed]]''}}
In 1996, the band settled on the name Godzilla.<ref name="Nicoleau2019">{{cite news |last1=Nicoleau |first1=Jean–Philippe |last2=Guerin |first2=Benoit |date=21 June 2019 |title=Les Français de Gojira au firmament du metal |trans-title=The French of Gojira in the firmament of metal |url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/festivals/les-francais-de-gojira-au-firmament-du-metal-6408672 |url-status=live |language=fr |work=[[Ouest-France]] |place=[[Clisson]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210123165657/https://www.ouest-france.fr/festivals/les-francais-de-gojira-au-firmament-du-metal-6408672 |archive-date=23 January 2021 |access-date=13 November 2021}}</ref> The idea sprang from the original 1954 ''[[kaiju]]'' film ''[[Godzilla (1954 film)|Godzilla]]'' and "the myth of the big furious atomic lizard&nbsp;... It was, in our heads, a symbol of devastating power".<ref name="VS-Webzine2001">{{cite news|author=Greg|date=2001|title=VS Greg interview Gojira|url=http://www.vs-webzine.com/Interview_gojira.htm|url-status=live|website=VS-Webzine|language=fr|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201220110132/http://www.vs-webzine.com/Interview_gojira.htm|archive-date=20 December 2020|access-date=20 December 2020}}</ref> The band first performed in Bayonne [[Bar (establishment)|bar]]s<ref name="Marraud2019-06-20"/> (four months after its formation), selling cassettes at shows and to their friends.<ref name="Grow2012-09-02"/> Playing straight-ahead [[death metal]] with elements of [[thrash metal]],<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Gojira, 20 ans de metal...|trans-title=Gojira, 20 years of metal...|url=https://www.ladepeche.fr/article/2017/02/11/2515589-gojira-20-ans-metal-enfin-nomination-grammy-awards.html|url-status=live|work=[[La Dépêche du Midi]]|date=11 February 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210421174311/https://www.ladepeche.fr/article/2017/02/11/2515589-gojira-20-ans-metal-enfin-nomination-grammy-awards.html|archive-date=21 April 2021|access-date=18 August 2021|trans-quote=We began playing pretty intense thrash and death metal ...}}</ref> Godzilla self-released a pair of demo albums (''[[Victim (album)|Victim]]'' in 1996 and ''[[Possessed (Gojira album)|Possessed]]'' in 1997),<ref name="Humanite2017-09-04">{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Grande scène. Gojira, les rois du metal aimantent encore|trans-title=Large scene. Gojira, the kings of metal still magnetize|url=https://www.humanite.fr/grande-scene-gojira-les-rois-du-metal-aimantent-encore-641392|url-status=live|language=fr|work=[[L'Humanité]]|location=Paris|date=4 September 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201219143421/https://www.humanite.fr/grande-scene-gojira-les-rois-du-metal-aimantent-encore-641392|archive-date=19 December 2020|access-date=30 October 2021}}</ref> and toured [[South West France (wine region)|southwest France]].<ref name="WFenec-Bio">{{cite web|url=https://www.w-fenec.org/metal/gojira.html|title=Biographie: Godzilla|trans-title=Biography: Godzilla|last=Bally|first=Oli|date=November 2012|website=W-Fenec|language=fr|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201220105601/https://www.w-fenec.org/metal/gojira.html|archive-date=20 December 2020|access-date=19 December 2020|url-status=live|quote=Note: Oli Bally is a teacher who created W-Fenec in 1998}}</ref>

[[File:Gojira logo.svg|thumb|left|upright=0.75|Gojira's logo first appeared in 2001 on the album ''[[Terra Incognita (Gojira album)|Terra Incognita]]''|alt=The band's logo, written in bold in black and white]] 
Cornillon left the band in 1998 and was replaced by [[Jean-Michel Labadie]],<ref name="HF2020-12-26">{{cite magazine|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Gojira: Tout Savoir sur le Groupe|trans-title=Gojira: Know Everything About the Group {{!}} 1996−present|url=https://hardforce.com/artist/9963/gojira|url-status=live|language=fr|magazine=Hard Force Magazine|location=Paris|date=n.d.|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201226115257/https://hardforce.com/artist/9963/gojira|archive-date=26 December 2020|access-date=1 March 2021|oclc=32640105}}</ref> a "young bass player very active on the [[French Basque Country|Basque]] scene", according to author Marie-Hélène Soenen.<ref name="Soenen2016-06-24"/> Godzilla won the ''tremplin Ultrasons'' (Ultrasound Springboard, a regional festival for emerging artists) in early 1999.<ref name="US2003-02-28">{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Il n'en restera qu'un...|trans-title=Only one will remain...|url=https://www.ladepeche.fr/article/2003/02/28/144074-il-n-en-restera-qu-un.html|url-status=live|language=fr|work=[[La Dépêche du Midi|La Dépêche]]|date=28 February 2003|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210407200818/https://www.ladepeche.fr/article/2003/02/28/144074-il-n-en-restera-qu-un.html|archive-date=7 April 2021|access-date=7 April 2021}}</ref> The band toured regularly, serving as the opening act for [[Cannibal Corpse]], [[Edge of Sanity]], and [[Impaled Nazarene]].<ref name="Humanite2017-09-04"/> In September 1999, the band supported [[Immortal (band)|Immortal]] during a ten-date tour in France that ended in [[Lille]].{{sfn|Badin|2008|p=28}} While touring with Immortal, Godzilla received national exposure, developing a reputation on the French metal scene for their "incendiary riffs".<ref name="Soenen2016-06-24"/> The band recorded ''[[Saturate (Gojira album)|Saturate]]'', their third demo album, which was released in the Fall of 1999.<ref name="Balaš2017-08-15">{{cite magazine|last=Balaš|first=Jadranka|date=15 August 2017|title=Gojira: From an Underground Beast to the Very Top of the Metal World|url=https://www.hardwiredmagazine.com/gojira-from-the-beast-from-the-underground-to-the-very-top-of-the-metal-world/?lang=en|url-status=live|language=en|magazine=Hardwired Magazine|location=[[Serbia]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201219163025/https://www.hardwiredmagazine.com/gojira-from-the-beast-from-the-underground-to-the-very-top-of-the-metal-world/?lang=en|archive-date=19 December 2020|access-date=19 December 2020}}</ref><ref name="WFenec-Bio"/>

The band released ''[[Wisdom Comes]]'', their fourth demo album, in 2000.<ref name="Balaš2017-08-15"/><ref name="Proximus2019">{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Gojira: l'enfant sauvage né dans le magma|trans-title=Gojira: the wild child born in the magma|url=https://www.proximus.be/pickx/fr/1941594/gojira-lenfant-sauvage-ne-dans-le-magma|url-status=live|work=[[Proximus]]|location=[[Brussels]]|date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191127083010/https://www.proximus.be/pickx/fr/1941594/gojira-lenfant-sauvage-ne-dans-le-magma|archive-date=27 November 2019|access-date=18 August 2021}}</ref> Godzilla then began writing what they intended as their first full-length album, a project planned since 1996. According to Joe Duplantier, [[Mike Oldfield]] inspired his songwriting.<ref name="Daly2016-11-11">{{cite news|last=Daly|first=Joe|date=11 November 2016|title=Every Gojira album in their own words|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/every-gojira-album-in-their-own-words|work=[[Metal Hammer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200508200312/https://www.loudersound.com/features/every-gojira-album-in-their-own-words|archive-date=8 May 2020|access-date=26 December 2020}}</ref>

In 2001, Godzilla was legally compelled to change its name.{{sfn|Sayce|2013|p=22}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://musee.sacem.fr/index.php/Detail/entities/7911 |title=Gojira (groupe) 1996 |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=n.d. |website=[[Société des auteurs, compositeurs et éditeurs de musique]] |access-date=18 August 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622153202/https://musee.sacem.fr/index.php/Detail/entities/7911 |location=Paris |language=fr |type=[[Fonds]] |archive-date=22 June 2021}}</ref> They became "Gojira" {{Nihongo|2=ゴジラ|3=}}, the ''[[rōmaji]]'' spelling for the original Japanese name for Godzilla.<ref name="Grow2012-09-02"/> Inspired by the production quality of an album by Watcha, a [[Paris]]ian metal band, Gojira moved to the same [[Brussels]] studio to record their debut album, ''[[Terra Incognita (Gojira album)|Terra Incognita]]''. Before entering the recording studio, they asked friends and family for donations. Although Joe Duplantier said that Gojira took a long time to write the album, it was recorded in ten days.<ref name="Arnold2017-07-07"/>

[[File:Gojira live on October 4, 2002.jpg|thumb|alt=Gojira onstage, seen from the audience|Gojira performing in [[Niort]], France, during the October 2002 Terra Incognita Tour]]
After finishing recording and [[Audio mixing (recorded music)|mixing]] by Stephan Kraemer at Impuls Studios, Gojira had no label, record company, or management.<ref name="WFenec2002-04">{{cite news|last=Bally|first=Oli|date=April 2002|title=Gojira - Interview à Calais (avril 2002)|trans-title=Interview in Calais (April 2002)|url=https://www.w-fenec.org/metal/gojira,897,interview-a-calais-avril-2002.html|url-status=live|website=W-Fenec|language=fr|access-date=30 October 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201219230657/https://www.w-fenec.org/metal/gojira,897,interview-a-calais-avril-2002.html|archive-date=19 December 2020}}</ref> Joe Duplantier said that after the tour with Immortal, Gojira became "a real war machine". However, Soenen wrote that record labels called them "too ambitious" for their style of music. Labels advised them to abandon death metal and sing in French; "The door was clearly closed", said Joe Duplantier.<ref name="Soenen2016-06-24"/> The band realized that their way out was to consider an independent infrastructure; they established Gabriel Editions (their own label) as a [[Société à responsabilité limitée|limited-liability company]].{{sfn|Portnoi|2003|p=50}} Andreu said that they could now "manage the band's activities, financing everything ourselves".<ref name="Soenen2016-06-24"/>

Gojira released their debut studio album, ''Terra Incognita'', on Gabriel Editions in March 2001.<ref name="WFenec2002-04"/> The album "made significant waves", according to John D. Buchanan of [[AllMusic]].<ref name="AllMusic-bio"/> Do-it-yourselfers,<ref name="Soenen2016-06-24"/> the band had a shipment of 1,500 albums delivered to the Duplantiers' parents' kitchen and persuaded a small store in Bayonne to sell them.<ref name="Arnold2017-07-07"/> Gojira then signed a contract with Sphere Management,<ref name="WFenec2002-04"/> and Richard Gamba became their manager. The band went on a nationwide tour to promote ''Terra Incognita'', sharing the stage with French death&ndash;thrash metal [[Crossover thrash|crossover]] acts such as [[Scarve]],<ref name="VS-Webzine2001"/> Hertz and Silence,<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Gojira, Hertz and Silence, Kevorkia: Lame de metal|trans-title=Gojira, Hertz and Silence, Kevorkia: Metal blade|url=https://www.letelegramme.fr/ar/viewarticle1024.php?aaaammjj=20011024&article=3428292&type=ar|url-status=live|language=fr|work=[[Le Télégramme]]|date=24 October 2001|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201226121415/https://www.letelegramme.fr/ar/viewarticle1024.php?aaaammjj=20011024&article=3428292&type=ar|archive-date=26 December 2020|access-date=26 December 2020}}</ref> Nihil, and No Flag.<ref name="WFenec2002-04"/> Gojira later signed with the independent Boycott Records&ndash;Next Music for national distribution.<ref name="VS-Webzine2001"/>{{sfn|Portnoi|2003|p=50}}

The band acquired what became Le Studio des Milans ([[Red kite|Red Kite]]s' Studio), a recording studio and rehearsal space in the [[Landes forest]], in November 2002.{{sfn|Kelham|2009|p=46}}{{sfn|Portnoi|2003|p=50}} The studio was originally a derelict barn, which Gojira rebuilt<ref name="Wood2008-12-01">{{cite news|last=Wood|first=Mikael|date=1 December 2008|title=Gojira: The Heaviest Matter of the Universe|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/gojira-heaviest-matter-universe|url-status=live|work=[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231181127/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/gojira-heaviest-matter-universe|archive-date=31 December 2020|access-date=31 December 2020}}</ref> over a two-year period between tours and recording.{{sfn|Kelham|2009|p=47}} On their investment, Joe Duplantier said that "The budget is important for this [second] record, but for the next one, it will be minimal", and further noted that they could "henceforth produce" their music "from A to Z".{{sfn|Portnoi|2003|p=50}}

===''The Link'' and ''From Mars to Sirius'' (2003–2007)===
{{Listen|type=music|filename=Gojira - Remembrance.ogg|title="Remembrance"|description=Sample of "Remembrance" from ''[[The Link (album)|The Link]]'' (2003)}}
Writing ''[[The Link (album)|The Link]]'', Gojira's second studio album, took a year.<ref name="Daly2016-11-11"/> Mario Duplantier said about his approach to the album that "it was a period during which I wanted to play fast: I was starting to master the [[Blast beat|grind parts]] and the [[Bass drum#Kit drumming|double bass pedal]] properly".{{sfn|Doucet|2005|p=34}} Newly purchased [[Recording studio#Design and equipment|equipment]] had not been delivered to Le Studio des Milans, and the scheduled recording start date for the album had passed; it was hastily{{sfn|Doucet|2005|p=34}} self-produced and recorded with Laurentx Etchemendy, the band's live engineer.<ref name="Daly2016-11-11"/><ref name="WFenec-Bio"/> The songs were conceived without [[Delay (audio effect)|delay]] on the vocals or [[Reverberation|reverb]]; Joe Duplantier called it "all very raw and very honest".<ref name="Daly2016-11-11"/> In April 2003, Gojira released ''The Link''; 2,500 copies were shipped to French stores{{sfn|Doucet|2005|p=34}} with the same self-distribution as ''Terra Incognita''.<ref name="LT2006-02-27">{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Gojira: le métal n'a pas de prix (Jean-Michel Labadie interview)|trans-title=Gojira: metal is priceless|url=https://www.letelegramme.fr/ar/viewarticle1024.php?aaaammjj=20060227&article=11622468&type=ar|url-status=live|language=fr|work=[[Le Télégramme]]|location=[[Brittany]]|date=27 February 2006|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201227145519/https://www.letelegramme.fr/ar/viewarticle1024.php?aaaammjj=20060227&article=11622468&type=ar|archive-date=27 December 2020|access-date=27 December 2020}}</ref> ''The Link'' was well received.{{sfn|Doucet|2005|p=32}} In June, Gojira played at the Furyfest (an earlier version of [[Hellfest (French music festival)|Hellfest Summer Open Air]]) as part of a lineup of [[Hardcore punk|hardcore]] bands.<ref>{{cite news|last=Deplasse|first=Hervé|date=15 June 2012|title=Highway to Hellfest: rencontre avec le créateur du festival|trans-title=Highway to Hellfest: meeting with the creator of the festival|url=https://www.lesinrocks.com/2012/06/15/musique/musique/highway-hellfest/|url-status=live|language=fr|work=[[Les Inrockuptibles]]|location=Paris|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201225171730/https://www.lesinrocks.com/2012/06/15/musique/musique/highway-hellfest/|archive-date=25 December 2020|access-date=25 December 2020}}</ref> Renowned for their live performances, Gojira was developing a fan base through a 40-concert nationwide tour.{{sfn|Badin|2008|p=29}} The band also performed beyond [[metropolitan France]], including Belgium, [[Switzerland]], and [[Bilbao]].{{sfn|Laffilé|2006|p=41}}

In March 2004, the band played with [[Loudblast]], No Return, Scarve, [[the Old Dead Tree]] and Garwall at La Locomotive in [[Montmartre]].<ref>{{cite news |author= Stéphane |date=2004 |title=VsGreg interview Stéphane de Loudblast |url=http://www.vs-webzine.com/Interview_louds.htm |url-status=live |website=VS-Webzine |language=fr |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211119140615/http://www.vs-webzine.com/Interview_louds.htm |archive-date=19 November 2021 |access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref> A reviewer described this Gojira concert as "timed, with millimeter precision, of a phenomenal power&nbsp;... With a gigantic sound!&nbsp;... the Landais cataclysm has just struck at La Locomotive".<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Les 10 ans du VS Fest 1|trans-title=The 10 years of VS Fest 1|url=http://www.metal-impact.com/index.php?name=LiveReports&req=showcontent&id=49|url-status=live|language=fr|work=Metal Impact|date=29 March 2004|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201220152034/http://www.metal-impact.com/index.php?name=LiveReports&req=showcontent&id=49|archive-date=20 December 2020|access-date=20 December 2020}}</ref> Gojira continued to promote the album and toured with the Swiss [[grindcore]] band Nostromo.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bally|first=Oli|date=April 2004|title=Interview de Nostromo (avril 2004)|trans-title=Interview with Nostromo (April 2004)|url=https://www.w-fenec.org/metal/nostromo,733,interview-de-nostromo-avril-2004.html|url-status=live|work=W-Fenec|language=fr|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201220140715/https://www.w-fenec.org/metal/nostromo,733,interview-de-nostromo-avril-2004.html|archive-date=20 December 2020|access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref> Joe Duplantier (alongside singers of Loudblast and Scarve) appeared on the 2004 April issue of ''[[Rock Hard (magazine)|Rock Hard]]'', which marked Gojira's first-ever magazine cover.{{sfn|Benji|2006|p=23}} The band released ''[[The Link Alive]]'', a concert [[DVD]] from ''The Link'' tour, in April 2004.<ref name="AllMusic-bio"/> The DVD was filmed by a team of seventeen cameramen during a sold-out 2003 show for an audience of 800 in [[Bordeaux]].<ref name="Xtazine2004">{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Gojira: Interview|url=http://xtasymusic.free.fr/Xtasy%20pages/interviews/gojira_itw.htm|url-status=live|language=fr|work=Xtazine|place=[[Orléans]]|date=19 March 2004|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201225003946/http://xtasymusic.free.fr/Xtasy%20pages/interviews/gojira_itw.htm|archive-date=25 December 2020|access-date=25 December 2020}}</ref> ''The Link Alive'', self-produced and self-distributed, was marketed without a major distributor<ref>{{cite news|author=Pierre–Antoine|date=4 April 2004|title=Gojira: Entretien avec Joe Duplantier|trans-title=Gojira: Interview with Joe Duplantier|url=http://www.noise-web.com/interviews/2004/0404_gojira.htm|url-status=live|language=fr|work=Noiseweb|place=La Locomotive (concert venue)|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201220155456/http://www.noise-web.com/interviews/2004/0404_gojira.htm|archive-date=20 December 2020|access-date=23 February 2021|trans-quote="You are going to release a DVD soon but that you will distribute yourself..."}}</ref> and was followed by a 500-copy album version.<ref name="AllMusic-bio"/> In late May 2004, the organizers of the concert venue Le Florida in [[Agen]] invited Gojira and [[Yat-Kha]] for a three-show one-night stand of metal and [[Folk music|ethno-rock]] music. Both bands played separately (Gojira toning down their performance) before playing together.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Rencontre rock|trans-title=Rock encounter|url=https://www.ladepeche.fr/article/2004/05/28/118302-rencontre-rock.html|language=fr|url-status=live|work=[[La Dépêche du Midi]]|date=28 May 2004|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210718154432/https://www.ladepeche.fr/article/2004/05/28/118302-rencontre-rock.html|archive-date=18 July 2021|access-date=16 October 2022}}</ref> In July 2004, ''Terra Incognita'' and ''The Link'' had sold 7,000 and 8,000 copies respectively.<ref name="Lecaudey2004">{{cite news|last=Lecaudey|first=Martine|date=16 July 2004|title=Rock tellurique avec les Landais de Gojira|trans-title=Telluric rock with the Landais of Gojira|url=https://www.ladepeche.fr/article/2004/07/16/259032-rock-tellurique-avec-les-landais-de-gojira.html|url-status=live|language=fr|work=La Dépêche du Midi|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210303180910/https://www.ladepeche.fr/article/2004/07/16/259032-rock-tellurique-avec-les-landais-de-gojira.html|archive-date=3 March 2021|access-date=3 March 2021}}</ref> ''The Link'' era ended after a successful tour of almost two years, with significant financial difficulties.{{sfn|Laffilé|2006|p=42}} Gojira signed with the Mon Slip label (which gave them a higher financial advance),{{sfn|Doucet|2005|p=32}} followed by a contract with French-based [[Listenable Records]] in December 2004.<ref name="BW-Listenable2004">{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Listenable Records Sign Gojira|url=https://bravewords.com/news/listenable-records-sign-gojira|url-status=live|work=[[Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles]]|date=6 December 2004|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201227142343/https://bravewords.com/news/listenable-records-sign-gojira|archive-date=27 December 2020|access-date=27 December 2020}}</ref>

[[File:Gojira live 15 October 2005.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Gojira onstage, again from the audience|Gojira in [[Nantes]] during the October 2005 Sirius Tour]]
The band entered Le Studio des Milans to compose their third album, ''[[From Mars to Sirius]]'', focusing on an "irreproachable sound".{{sfn|Doucet|2005|p=32}} "Gojira wants to control all stages of creation, from composition to mixing", said Labadie.<ref name="LT2006-02-27"/> For the album's themes, Joe Duplantier was influenced by the possibility of other worlds and [[Multiverse|dimensions]]. He devoted his time to reading ''[[The Celestine Prophecy]]'' and books by [[Baird T. Spalding]] and other spiritual seekers.<ref name="Daly2016-11-11"/> Writing the album took seven months,{{sfn|Doucet|2005|p=32}} reinforced by Labadie and Andreu.{{sfn|Doucet|2005|p=34}} The band performed "Backbone" and "The Heaviest Matter of the Universe" from their forthcoming album at the twenty-ninth [[Printemps de Bourges]] in April 2005.{{sfn|Badin|2005|p=23}}<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Le Printemps de Bourges présente sa 29e édition|trans-title=Printemps de Bourges presents its 29th edition|url=https://www.nouvelobs.com/culture/20050222.OBS9421/le-printemps-de-bourges-presente-sa-29e-edition.html|url-status=live|language=fr|work=[[L'Obs]]|date=24 February 2005|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201226190810/https://www.nouvelobs.com/culture/20050222.OBS9421/le-printemps-de-bourges-presente-sa-29e-edition.html|archive-date=26 December 2020|access-date=26 December 2020}}</ref> Gojira released ''From Mars to Sirius'', their self-produced album, in September of that year; it received positive reviews from French music critics. Pascal Bagot of [[Radio France Internationale|RFI]] wrote that "the public and critical acclaim is phenomenal".<ref name="Bagot2006-02-17">{{cite news|last=Bagot|first=Pascal|date=17 February 2006|title=Le métal à la française|trans-title=Metal in a French way|url=https://musique.rfi.fr/musique/20060217-le-metal-francaise|url-status=live|language=fr|work=[[Radio France Internationale]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210302230816/https://musique.rfi.fr/musique/20060217-le-metal-francaise|archive-date=2 March 2021|access-date=17 October 2021}}</ref> Fifteen thousand albums were shipped to French stores.{{sfn|Doucet|2005|p=34}} Entering the [[Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique|Top Albums]] chart in France at No.&nbsp;44, it remained on the chart for three weeks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Gojira&titel=From+Mars+To+Sirius&cat=a|title=Gojira − From Mars to Sirius|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=n.d.|publisher=lescharts.com|language=fr|access-date=6 November 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211106172226/https://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Gojira&titel=From+Mars+To+Sirius&cat=a|archive-date=6 November 2021}}</ref> After the album's release, Gojira toured France, Belgium, and the [[Netherlands]].<ref name="LT2006-02-27"/> That year, Listenable Records re-released ''The Link''.<ref name="BW-Listenable2004"/>

In 2006, the "surging wave Gojira" inspired [[London]] journalist Lucy Williams of ''[[Kerrang!]]'' to write a laudatory article about the album.<ref name="Soenen2016-06-24"/>{{sfn|Benji|2006|p=23}} The band played a February concert at the [[Élysée Montmartre]] in Paris, where a number of journalists had gathered.<ref name="Soenen2016-06-24"/> By the end of the month, ''The Link Alive'' DVD had sold over 5,000 copies and ''From Mars to Sirius'' had sold 12,000 to 13,000 copies. According to Labadie, they earned their living primarily by touring. At that time, they worked jointly with Listenable Records, intending to promote their music overseas; "Gojira wants to work with people whose approach is sincere", said Labadie.<ref name="LT2006-02-27"/> In May, after 300 concerts in France and the surrounding region, the band signed a contract with American label [[Prosthetic Records]] (an "exclusive licensing agreement" with Listenable Records) to give them exposure in [[North America]].<ref name="Prosthetic2006-05-05">{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=France's Gojira Sign North American Deal With Prosthetic Records|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/france-s-gojira-sign-north-american-deal-with-prosthetic-records/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=5 May 2006|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201227153609/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/france-s-gojira-sign-north-american-deal-with-prosthetic-records/|archive-date=27 December 2020|access-date=27 December 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Gojira performed in [[Brighton]] (their first [[UK]] show) on 19 May,<ref name="Brannigan2016-05-22">{{cite news|last=Brannigan|first=Paul|date=22 May 2016|title='We can change the world' An audience with Gojira - metal's most important band|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/we-can-change-the-world-an-audience-with-gojira-metal-s-most-important-band|url-status=live|work=[[Metal Hammer]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210129223556/https://www.loudersound.com/features/we-can-change-the-world-an-audience-with-gojira-metal-s-most-important-band|archive-date=29 January 2021|access-date=5 November 2021}}</ref> forging links with England's media community after a party organized by ''Kerrang!''<ref name="Soenen2016-06-24"/>

[[File:Gojira Roskilde Festival 2007.jpg|thumb|alt=Close-up of Mario on drums and Joe Duplantier on guitar|Mario ''(left)'' and Joe Duplantier during a 2007 Gojira concert at Denmark's [[Roskilde Festival]]]]
After Williams' article in ''Kerrang!'' and increased exposure in the British metal press, Gojira was asked to replace [[Mastodon (band)|Mastodon]] at England's [[Download Festival#2006|2006 Download Festival]]; according to Joe Duplantier, "It was a decisive concert".<ref name="Soenen2016-06-24"/> In June, they performed on the main stage at the Hellfest Summer Open Air in [[Clisson]],<ref>{{cite magazine|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=The Hellfest Summer Open Air 2006|url=https://hardforce.com/concert/15145/the-hellfest-summer-open-air-2006-2006-06-25|url-status=live|language=fr|magazine=Hard Force Magazine|location=Paris|date=2006|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201227123935/https://hardforce.com/concert/15145/the-hellfest-summer-open-air-2006-2006-06-25|archive-date=27 December 2020|access-date=27 December 2020|oclc=32640105}}</ref> and a series of summer festivals in [[Germany]], [[England]] and the [[Scandinavia]]n countries.<ref name="LT2006-02-27"/> Prosthetic Records released ''From Mars to Sirius'' in the US on 22 August 2006,<ref name="Prosthetic2006-05-05"/> which led to a sudden pre-order of 5,000 copies on the label's website,{{sfn|Benji|2006|p=25}} followed by an upload of a cover version of Metallica's "Escape".<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Gojira's Cover Of Metallica's 'Escape' Posted Online|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-s-cover-of-metallica-s-escape-posted-online/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=8 September 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328231248/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-s-cover-of-metallica-s-escape-posted-online/|archive-date=28 March 2019|access-date=31 December 2020}}</ref> AllMusic writer Eduardo Rivadavia highlighted the album's songwriting, describing the "fluidity with which utmost heaviness and delicate melodies were made to coexist" in songs such as "Flying Whales", "World to Come", and "Where Dragons Dwell".<ref name="AllMusic-fmts">{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/mw0000575883 |title=Gojira: From Mars to Sirius |website=AllMusic |last1=Rivadavia |first1=Eduardo |access-date=31 October 2021 |archive-date=31 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031232021/https://www.allmusic.com/album/mw0000575883 |url-status=live }}</ref> In September (a year after its release), the album had sold over 20,000 copies in France and as many abroad.{{sfn|Benji|2006|p=23}} In early October, Gojira and [[Hatesphere]] began a co-headlining tour of the UK.{{sfn|Benji|2006|p=25}} In November, the band performed at the European [[The Unholy Alliance Tour|Unholy Alliance Tour]], headlined by [[Slayer]] at Paris' [[Accor Arena]].<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Slayer, In Flames, Children of Bodom: More European 'Unholy Alliance' Details Surface|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-in-flames-children-of-bodom-more-european-unholy-alliance-details-surface/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=3 June 2006|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150512002005/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-in-flames-children-of-bodom-more-european-unholy-alliance-details-surface/|archive-date=12 May 2015|access-date=28 December 2020}}</ref> The band was included in [[Children of Bodom]]'s US tour in late 2006, joining [[Amon Amarth]] and [[Sanctity (band)|Sanctity]] as opening acts.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Children of Bodom, Amon Amarth: More North American Tour Dates Announced|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=58730|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=19 September 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426050329/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=58730|archive-date=26 April 2011|access-date=28 December 2020}}</ref> Brandon Geist of ''[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]]'' wrote that since the release of ''From Mars to Sirius'', "they have risen from virtual unknowns outside of their homeland to the single-most-buzzed-about metal band on the planet".<ref>{{cite news|last=Geist|first=Brandon|date=1 March 2007|title=Coming to America: Gojira on First U.S. Tour, Flying Whales, Dressing-Room Fires|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/coming-america-gojira-first-us-tour-flying-whales-dressing-room-fires|url-status=live|work=[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210101002317/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/coming-america-gojira-first-us-tour-flying-whales-dressing-room-fires|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref>

In March 2007, Listenable Records (Prosthetic Records in the US), reissued ''The Link'' with remastered audio and new booklet artwork in North America. The following month, the label released ''The Link Alive'' DVD in the US.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Live Video Clips From Current North American Tour Available|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-live-video-clips-from-current-north-american-tour-available/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=4 March 2007|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201227134641/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-live-video-clips-from-current-north-american-tour-available/|archive-date=27 December 2020|access-date=27 December 2020}}</ref> Gojira later supported [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]] on their American tour with [[Trivium (band)|Trivium]] and [[Machine Head (band)|Machine Head]].<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Lamb of God, Machine Head, Trivium, Gojira: North American Tour Dates Announced|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/lamb-of-god-machine-head-trivium-gojira-north-american-tour-dates-announced/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=11 December 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426050350/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=63629|archive-date=26 April 2011|access-date=29 December 2020}}</ref> The band made a cameo appearance in Machine Head's "[[Aesthetics of Hate]]" music video,<ref>{{cite AV media|people=Sloat, Mike (director)|date=5 May 2007|title=Machine Head – Aesthetics Of Hate [Official Video]|medium=Music video|language=en|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWks-8C9RMs |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/NWks-8C9RMs| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|access-date=9 February 2021|location=United States|publisher=(on behalf of [[Roadrunner Records]]); Aresa; Fintage Publishing BV; LatinAutorPerf|via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> which was broadcast on 5 May on [[MTV2]]'s ''[[Headbangers Ball]]''.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Machine Head - 'Aesthetics Of Hate' Video To Air On Headbanger's Ball This Weekend|url=https://bravewords.com/news/machine-head-aesthetics-of-hate-video-to-air-on-headbangers-ball-this-weekend|url-status=live|work=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|date=3 May 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125221804/https://bravewords.com/news/machine-head-aesthetics-of-hate-video-to-air-on-headbangers-ball-this-weekend|archive-date=25 January 2021|access-date=25 January 2021}}</ref> The band supported Trivium on the UK dates of their European tour with Sanctity and [[Annihilator (band)|Annihilator]],<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Gojira And Sanctity Added To Trivium's European Tour|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-and-sanctity-added-to-trivium-s-european-tour/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=5 February 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426050405/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=66553|archive-date=26 April 2011|access-date=29 December 2020}}</ref> and made a number of festival appearances.<ref name="AllMusic-bio"/> In October, Listenable Records re-released Gojira's 1997 demo album ''[[Possessed (Gojira album)|Possessed]]'' as a limited-edition [[Compact disc|CD]].<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title='Xfm Sessions' Recording Posted Online|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-xfm-sessions-recording-posted-online/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=15 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071016133124/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/Blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=82840|archive-date=16 October 2007|access-date=29 December 2020}}</ref> Gojira participated in the late-2007 Radio Rebellion Tour, featuring co-headliners [[Behemoth (band)|Behemoth]], [[Job for a Cowboy]], and [[Beneath the Massacre]].<ref name="RRT2007-11-25">{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=New Performance Footage Posted Online|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-new-performance-footage-posted-online/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=25 November 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423132837/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=85523|archive-date=23 April 2008|access-date=29 December 2020}}</ref> Near the end of their over-220-concert tour to promote ''From Mars to Sirius'',<ref name="TWOAF2008-02-05">{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Gojira In Writing Mode|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-in-writing-mode-video-available/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=5 February 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814015742/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-in-writing-mode-video-available/|archive-date=14 August 2020|access-date=31 December 2020}}</ref> Gojira began working on their follow-up album.<ref name="RRT2007-11-25"/>

===''The Way of All Flesh'' (2008–2011)===
Returning to Le Studio des Milans to write their fourth studio album, ''[[The Way of All Flesh (album)|The Way of All Flesh]]'', Gojira had developed their desired sound by touring. Joe Duplantier said that the album would be "more intense, more brutal, and more melodic" than its predecessor.<ref name="Cracknell2008-06-12">{{cite news|last=Cracknell|first=Nick|date=12 June 2008|title=Gojira's Studio Deja Vu|url=https://www.musicradar.com/totalguitar/gojiras-studio-deja-vu-248011|url-status=live|work=[[MusicRadar]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901183246/https://www.musicradar.com/totalguitar/gojiras-studio-deja-vu-248011|archive-date=1 September 2020|access-date=1 November 2021}}</ref> The album took four months to write, with its songwriting finished in late March 2008.<ref name="Noiseweb2008">{{cite news|last=Paufert|first=Geoffrey|date=October 2008|title=Gojira: The Way of All Flesh (Interview with Mario Duplantier)|url=http://www.noise-web.com/interviews/2008/1008_gojira.htm|url-status=live|language=fr|work=Metal Obs' Magazine|location=[[Niort]]|publisher=H.I.M. Media|issue=23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231230945/http://www.noise-web.com/interviews/2008/1008_gojira.htm|archive-date=31 December 2020|access-date=1 January 2021|via=Noiseweb|trans-quote="We locked ourselves in our rehearsal room for 4 months, from November 20th to March 20th roughly, with small cuts when Joe worked with [[Cavalera Conspiracy]]".}}</ref> The album was recorded from April to June,<ref name="TWOAF2008-02-05"/> and the drums were initially recorded by [[Logan Mader]] with Joe and Mario Duplantier in [[Los Angeles]] before they returned to Le Studio des Milans to continue working with Laurentx Etchemendy.<ref name="TWOAF2008-06-05">{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=New Album Title, Release Date Announced|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-new-album-title-release-date-announced/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=5 June 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607225225/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=98427|archive-date=7 June 2008|access-date=1 November 2021}}</ref> Mader mixed the album in Los Angeles over a two-week period.<ref name="Cracknell2008-06-12"/> [[Randy Blythe]] of the American band Lamb of God, an active supporter of Gojira in the US, co-wrote and appeared on "Adoration for None".<!-- check the album talk page before editing it to All the Tears --><ref>{{cite news|last=Bowar|first=Chad|date=29 September 2015|title=Lamb of God's Randy Blythe Joins Gojira Onstage for 'Backbone'|url=https://loudwire.com/lamb-of-god-randy-blythe-joins-gojira-backbone-live/|url-status=live|work=[[Loudwire]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210101003328/https://loudwire.com/lamb-of-god-randy-blythe-joins-gojira-backbone-live/|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=1 November 2021}}</ref> In August, two months before the album was released, Gojira performed "Vacuity" live for the first time at the Rock en France Festival in [[Arras]] as the opening act for Metallica.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Gojira: Performance Footage Of New Song Available|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-performance-footage-of-new-song-available/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=16 August 2008|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201231235940/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-performance-footage-of-new-song-available/|archive-date=31 December 2020|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref>

[[File:Gojira live - Nachtleben, Ffm - 2009 - JD - 7.JPG|thumb|alt=Close-up side view of Joe Duplantier onstage, with Christian Andreu partly hidden in the background|Andreu ''(left)'' and Joe Duplantier in 2009]]
''The Way of All Flesh'' was released on 13 October 2008 in Europe on Listenable Records and the following day in North America on Prosthetic Records.<ref name="TWOAF2008-06-05"/> The album debuted at No.&nbsp;138 on the US ''Billboard'' 200 chart, selling 4,200 copies in its first week of release.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Gojira's 'The Way Of All Flesh' Lands On Billboard Chart|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-north-american-tour-dates-announced/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=22 October 2008|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170103205915/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-s-the-way-of-all-flesh-lands-on-billboard-chart/|archive-date=3 January 2017|access-date=29 December 2020}}</ref> It reached No.&nbsp;28 on France's Top Albums chart, and No.&nbsp;25 on the [[The Official Finnish Charts#Charts|Official Finnish Albums Chart]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://finnishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Gojira&titel=The+Way+Of+All+Flesh&cat=a|title=Gojira − The Way of Al Flesh (album)|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=2008|publisher=finnishcharts.com|language=en|access-date=1 January 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210101152312/https://finnishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Gojira&titel=The+Way+Of+All+Flesh&cat=a|archive-date=1 January 2021}}</ref> The album topped the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Top Heatseekers|Heatseekers Albums]] chart for one week, remaining on the chart for four weeks.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/gojira/chart-history/tln/ |title=Chart History {{!}} Gojira {{!}} Heatseekers Albums |date=n.d. |magazine=Billboard |access-date=21 November 2021 |archive-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121195501/https://www.billboard.com/artist/gojira/chart-history/tln/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It reached No.&nbsp;21 on the ''Billboard'' [[Independent Albums]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/gojira/chart-history/ind/ |title=Chart History {{!}} Gojira {{!}} Independent Albums |date=n.d. |magazine=Billboard |access-date=21 November 2021}}</ref> Rivadavia wrote that the album provided "imaginative progressive headbangers&nbsp;... that were rife with technical fireworks and songwriting variety" and "a few failed experiments".<ref>{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=mw0000797980|pure_url=yes}}|title=Gojira {{!}} The Way of All Flesh|website=AllMusic|last1=Rivadavia|first1=Eduardo|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref> Gojira supported [[In Flames]]'s European tour in October,<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Gojira To Tour Europe With In Flames In October|url=https://bravewords.com/news/gojira-to-tour-europe-with-in-flames-in-october|work=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|date=29 April 2008|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210101234252/https://bravewords.com/news/gojira-to-tour-europe-with-in-flames-in-october|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=2 January 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> touring North America in November and December.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=In Flames, All That Remains, Gojira, 36 Crazyfists: Fall 2008 Tour Dates Announced|url=https://metalinjection.net/news/in-flames-all-that-remains-gojira-36-crazyfists-fall-2008-tour-dates-announced|url-status=live|work=Metal Injection|date=21 August 2008|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210101183031/https://metalinjection.net/news/in-flames-all-that-remains-gojira-36-crazyfists-fall-2008-tour-dates-announced|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref> ''The Way of All Flesh'' ranked fifth on ''[[Metal Hammer]]''{{'}}s list of the top 50 albums of 2008,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/features/metal-hammer-critics%E2%80%99-top-50-albums-2008-6-4/ |title=Metal Hammer Critics' Top 50 Albums 2008: 6-4 |access-date=1 November 2021 |archive-date=25 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225064044/http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/features/metal-hammer-critics%E2%80%99-top-50-albums-2008-6-4/ |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> and ''[[LA Weekly]]'' listed it as one of the year's top 10 metal albums.<ref>{{cite news|last=Freeman|first=Phil|date=22 December 2008|title=Top 10 Metal Albums of 2008|url=http://www.laweekly.com/top-10-metal-albums-of-2008/|url-status=live|work=[[LA Weekly]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210101144337/http://www.laweekly.com/top-10-metal-albums-of-2008/|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref>

In late January 2009, Gojira began a headlining tour of France, the UK, and [[Ireland]] to promote the album.<ref>''The Way of All Flesh'' tour began in January 2009:
* {{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Trepalium To Support Gojira On French Tour|url=https://bravewords.com/news/trepalium-to-support-gojira-on-french-tour|url-status=live|work=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|date=8 January 2009|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210101193718/https://bravewords.com/news/trepalium-to-support-gojira-on-french-tour|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=6 November 2021}}
* {{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Pilgrimz To Support Gojira In UK, Ireland|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/pilgrimz-to-support-gojira-in-u-k-ireland/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=30 January 2009|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210101200337/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/pilgrimz-to-support-gojira-in-u-k-ireland/|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=6 November 2021}}</ref> On 17 March, the band's first North American headlining tour was announced; their opening bands were [[The Chariot (band)|the Chariot]] and [[Car Bomb (band)|Car Bomb]].<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=North American Tour Dates Announced|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-north-american-tour-dates-announced/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=17 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090319063128/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.Net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=116355|archive-date=19 March 2009|access-date=29 December 2020}}</ref> In June, Gojira followed [[Soulfly]] on the main stage at the Hellfest Summer Open Air and performed to more than 20,000 people.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Meurot |first=Julien |date=August 2009 |title=Hellfest Open Air |url=http://www.metalobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/MO32.pdf |language=fr |magazine=Metal Obs' Magazine |location=[[Niort]] |publisher=H.I.M. Media |issue=32 |page=12 |access-date=1 November 2021 |archive-date=1 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101184348/http://www.metalobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/MO32.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> They appeared for the fourth time at [[Belgium]]'s July [[Dour Festival]]<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Gojira: Dour Festival|url=https://www.dourfestival.eu/fr/artist/detail/Gojira/|url-status=live|language=fr|website=Dour Festival|date=n.d.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704162418/https://www.dourfestival.eu/fr/artist/detail/Gojira/|archive-date=4 July 2019|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref> and [[Eurockéennes|Les Eurockéennes de Belfort]].<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Les Eurockéennes 2009|url=https://www.lesinrocks.com/2009/04/20/musique/musique/les-eurockeennes-2009-le-programme/|url-status=live|language=fr|work=[[Les Inrockuptibles]]|location=Paris|date=20 April 2009|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210101211335/https://www.lesinrocks.com/2009/04/20/musique/musique/les-eurockeennes-2009-le-programme/|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref> ''Terra Incognita'' was re-released with bonus tracks on 24 August in Europe and on 15 October in North America.<ref name="Garorock2009-10-01">{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Pro-Shot Footage From France's Garorock Festival Available|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-pro-shot-footage-from-france-s-garorock-festival-available/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=1 October 2009|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210102153546/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-pro-shot-footage-from-france-s-garorock-festival-available/|archive-date=2 January 2021|access-date=2 January 2021}}</ref> Gojira accompanied Metallica on their tour of the US and Canada from 14 September to 12 October, performing before Lamb of God.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Metallica announce awesome openers for Fall 2009 Tour|url=https://metalinjection.net/tour-dates/metallica-announce-awesome-openers-fall-2009-tour|url-status=live|work=Metal Injection|date=9 July 2009|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210101220334/https://metalinjection.net/tour-dates/metallica-announce-awesome-openers-fall-2009-tour|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref> Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe began to join Gojira on "Backbone" at concerts when the bands appeared together.<ref>Randy Blythe performed "Backbone" at concerts with Gojira:
* {{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Gojira...|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-frontman-says-band-will-take-six-month-break-in/|url-status=live|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=15 August 2009|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210101233255/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-frontman-says-band-will-take-six-month-break-in/|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=15 August 2021}}
* {{cite news|last=Bowar|first=Chad|date=29 September 2015|title=Lamb of God's Randy Blythe Joins Gojira Onstage for 'Backbone'|url=https://loudwire.com/lamb-of-god-randy-blythe-joins-gojira-backbone-live/|url-status=live|work=[[Loudwire]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210101003328/https://loudwire.com/lamb-of-god-randy-blythe-joins-gojira-backbone-live/|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=1 January 2021}}
* {{cite news|last=Kennelty|first=Greg|date=29 September 2015|title=Gojira Joined by Lamb of God's Randy Blythe On Stage For 'Backbone'|url=https://metalinjection.net/av/gojira-joined-by-lamb-of-gods-randy-blythe-on-stage-for-backbone|url-status=live|work=Metal Injection|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210102143700/https://metalinjection.net/av/gojira-joined-by-lamb-of-gods-randy-blythe-on-stage-for-backbone|archive-date=2 January 2021|access-date=2 January 2021}}</ref> The tour included headline dates on off days, supported by [[Burst (band)|Burst]] and [[Zoroaster (band)|Zoroaster]].<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Gojira Announces Headlining Shows On Metallica Tour 'Off' Days|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-announces-headlining-shows-on-metallica-tour-off-days/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=19 March 2009|archive-url=https://archive.today/20161022164742/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-announces-headlining-shows-on-metallica-tour-off-days/|archive-date=22 October 2016|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref> As their popularity spread to America's metal scene, a [[Blabbermouth.net]] poster said that the band "has become one of metal's most acclaimed and admired acts".<ref name="Garorock2009-10-01"/> Gojira returned to France after the US tour for a few concerts and began a planned six-month hiatus; Joe Duplantier cited "just five days' break" since 2004.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Gojira Frontman Says Band Will Take Six-Month Break In 2010|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-frontman-says-band-will-take-six-month-break-in/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=15 August 2009|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210101233255/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-frontman-says-band-will-take-six-month-break-in/|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=29 December 2020}}</ref>

[[File:Gojira BergenCalling2011 ChristianMisje-5171.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Close-up of Christian Andreu, long hair flying, playing a guitar with a cutaway bottom|Andreu at the [[Bergen]] Calling Festival in [[Norway]], 2011]]
The band's break ended earlier than expected after Gojira was announced as the opening act of Metallica's European and [[Russia]]n tour in April 2010.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Gojira: European Live Dates Supporting Metallica Confirmed|url=https://bravewords.com/news/gojira-european-live-dates-supporting-metallica-confirmed|url-status=live|work=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|date=7 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102181935/https://bravewords.com/news/gojira-european-live-dates-supporting-metallica-confirmed|archive-date=2 January 2021|access-date=20 April 2022}}</ref> In July of that year, they were included in the lineup of the rock-oriented [[Vieilles Charrues Festival]] in [[Brittany]].<ref name="Charrues2010-07-16">{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Gojira. 'Beaucoup vont partir en courant!'|trans-title=Gojira. 'Many will run away!'|url=https://www.letelegramme.fr/ig/loisirs/ete/vieilles-charrues-2010/samedi/gojira-beaucoup-vont-partir-en-courant-16-07-2010-992058.php|url-status=live|language=fr|work=Le Télégramme|place=Brittany|date=16 July 2010|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210321131348/https://www.letelegramme.fr/ig/loisirs/ete/vieilles-charrues-2010/samedi/gojira-beaucoup-vont-partir-en-courant-16-07-2010-992058.php|archive-date=21 March 2021|access-date=21 March 2021}}</ref>{{refn|group=nb|Before the concert, ''[[Le Télégramme]]'' warned festival attendees that "Gojira could blow up the sound barrier tonight".<ref name="Charrues2010-07-16"/>}} Playing for an audience largely unaccustomed to metal music, Gojira's "delicate mission" was to close Saturday evening on the Glenmor stage. Described in an article in ''[[Le Télégramme]]'' as "more powerful" than [[Motörhead]]'s concert in 2008 on the same stage, the show began with "Lizard Skin" to an estimated crowd of 40,000 to 50,000; twenty minutes later, between 4,000 and 5,000 people remained. According to ''Le Télégramme'', "The show had a rare sonic power&nbsp;... so brutal that the band lost 90 percent of its attendance along the way". Undaunted, they continued to perform "as if their lives depended on it" with a drum solo of "breathtaking mastery". Since the Gojira show, metal has been slowly excluded from the Vieilles Charrues Festival.<ref name="Charrues2020-07-25">{{cite news|last=L'Hours|first=Dimitri|date=25 July 2020|title=Souvenirs en live: Quand le monstre Gojira fait fuir le public des Charrues|trans-title=Live memories: When the monster Gojira made audiences run away from the Charrues|url=https://www.letelegramme.fr/dossiers/souvenirs-en-live/souvenirs-en-live-quand-le-monstre-gojira-fait-fuir-le-public-des-charrues-25-07-2020-12586208.php|url-status=live|language=fr|work=Le Télégramme|place=[[Brittany]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219155217/https://www.letelegramme.fr/dossiers/souvenirs-en-live/souvenirs-en-live-quand-le-monstre-gojira-fait-fuir-le-public-des-charrues-25-07-2020-12586208.php|archive-date=19 December 2020|access-date=2 January 2021|url-access=subscription}}</ref> In August, they headlined the Rock Altitude Festival in Switzerland.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Kruger: Live Video of 'Muscle' Featuring Gojira's Joe Duplantier Available|url=https://bravewords.com/news/gojira-confirmed-for-germanys-wacken-open-air-2010|url-status=live|work=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|date=15 October 2010|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210102184011/https://bravewords.com/news/kruger-live-video-of-muscle-featuring-gojiras-joe-duplantier-available|archive-date=2 January 2021|access-date=2 January 2021}}</ref> The band continued to promote ''The Way of All Flesh'' into 2010, including the European [[Wacken Open Air]],<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Gojira Confirmed For Germany's Wacken Open Air 2010|url=https://bravewords.com/news/gojira-confirmed-for-germanys-wacken-open-air-2010|url-status=live|work=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|date=18 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125204358/https://bravewords.com/news/gojira-confirmed-for-germanys-wacken-open-air-2010|archive-date=25 January 2021|access-date=25 January 2021}}</ref> [[Bloodstock Open Air]],<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Gojira Confirmed For UK's Bloodstock Festival|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-confirmed-for-u-k-s-bloodstock-festival/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=12 January 2010|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210102205516/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-confirmed-for-u-k-s-bloodstock-festival/|archive-date=2 January 2021|access-date=2 January 2021}}</ref> and [[Brutal Assault]] festivals.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Gojira, Catamenia, Monstrosity Confirmed For Czech Republic's Brutal Assault|url=https://bravewords.com/news/gojira-catamenia-monstrosity-confirmed-for-czech-republics-brutal-assault-festival-2010|url-status=live|work=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|date=26 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125205356/https://bravewords.com/news/gojira-catamenia-monstrosity-confirmed-for-czech-republics-brutal-assault-festival-2010|archive-date=25 January 2021|access-date=2 January 2021}}</ref>

Gojira had made substantial progress on their fifth album by March 2011, saying that they had written almost half of it; according to Joe Duplantier "These songs are original and a good reflection of what we are today".<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Gojira Working On Material For New Album|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-working-on-material-for-new-album/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=15 March 2011|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170101003935/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-working-on-material-for-new-album/|archive-date=1 January 2017|access-date=31 October 2021}}</ref> The band was relatively quiet during the year, focusing on new material and playing a handful of concerts in June and July, including at the [[Sonisphere Festival]] in [[Greece]] and France.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=30 June 2011 |title=Gojira: Quality Footage From Greece's Sonisphere Festival |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-quality-footage-from-greece-s-sonisphere-festival/ |url-status=live |work=Blabbermouth.net |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211101190145/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-quality-footage-from-greece-s-sonisphere-festival/ |archive-date=1 November 2021 |access-date=1 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Messieurs 100.000 watts|trans-title=Gentlemen 100,000 watts|url=https://www.estrepublicain.fr/actualite/2011/07/06/messieurs-100-000-watts|url-status=live|language=fr|work=[[L'Est Républicain]]|date=5 May 2011|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210102234411/https://www.estrepublicain.fr/actualite/2011/07/06/messieurs-100-000-watts|archive-date=2 January 2021|access-date=1 November 2021}}</ref> The band became [[Free agent (business)|free agents]] during the summer of 2011, after their contract with Prosthetic Records expired.<ref>{{cite news |last=Neilstein |first=Vince |date=27 July 2011 |title=Poll: With Which Record Label Will Gojira End Up? |url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2011/07/27/poll-with-which-record-label-will-gojira-end-up/ |url-status=live |work=[[MetalSucks]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318172803/https://www.metalsucks.net/2011/07/27/poll-with-which-record-label-will-gojira-end-up/ |archive-date=18 March 2016 |access-date=1 November 2021}}</ref> Admired by [[Monte Conner]], Gojira was acquired by [[Roadrunner Records]] on 9 November 2011.<ref name="Pasbani2011-11-09">{{cite news|last=Pasbani|first=Robert|date=9 November 2011|title=Gojira Officially Sign With Roadrunner Records|url=https://metalinjection.net/news/gojira-officially-sign-with-roadrunner-records|url-status=live|work=Metal Injection|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210103002829/https://metalinjection.net/news/gojira-officially-sign-with-roadrunner-records|archive-date=3 January 2021|access-date=3 January 2021}}</ref>{{refn|group=nb|After a "fiercely" competitive bidding war between record labels.{{sfn|Sayce|2013|p=23}}}} With their new recording contract, the band entered Spin Studios in [[New York City]] in November to record their next album.<ref>{{cite news|last=Pasbani|first=Robert|date=7 November 2011|title=Gojira Officially Recording New Album...|url=https://metalinjection.net/upcoming-releases/gojira-officially-recording-new-album-signed-with-roadrunner-records|url-status=live|work=Metal Injection|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210108204924/https://metalinjection.net/upcoming-releases/gojira-officially-recording-new-album-signed-with-roadrunner-records|archive-date=8 January 2021|access-date=1 November 2021}}</ref>

===''L'Enfant Sauvage'' (2012–2015)===
Gojira's fifth album, ''[[L'Enfant Sauvage (album)|L'Enfant Sauvage]]'', was co-produced by Josh Wilbur and Joe Duplantier.<ref name="Daly2016-11-11"/> The band juxtaposed their death-metal roots with more ambient and sophisticated elements on the album<ref name="Hill2020-06-03">{{cite news|last=Hill|first=Stephen|date=3 June 2020|title=Every Gojira album ranked from worst to best|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/every-gojira-album-ranked-from-worst-to-best|url-status=live|department=Features|work=Metal Hammer|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210108215625/https://www.loudersound.com/features/every-gojira-album-ranked-from-worst-to-best|archive-date=8 January 2021|access-date=8 January 2021}}</ref> to find "the ultimate sound" on which they had been working since their beginning.<ref name="Daly2016-11-11"/> In 2012, K2 Agency founder John Jackson agreed to produce Gojira concerts abroad.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gottfried |first=Gideon |date=15 September 2017 |title=K2 Acquires Factory Music Management |url=https://www.pollstar.com/News/k2-acquires-factory-music-management-133075 |url-status=live |work=[[Pollstar]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102212537/https://www.pollstar.com/News/k2-acquires-factory-music-management-133075 |archive-date=2 November 2021 |access-date=9 January 2022}}</ref><ref name="BureauGuillo20170212">{{cite news|last1=((Bureau))|first1=Eric|last2=Guillo|first2=Jean-Nicholas|date=27 April 2020|orig-date=First published 12 February 2017|title=Le métal de Gojira fait trembler l'Amérique|trans-title=Gojira's metal shakes America|url=https://www.leparisien.fr/culture-loisirs/musique/video-le-metal-de-gojira-fait-trembler-l-amerique-12-02-2017-6673989.php|url-status=live|language=fr|work=Le Parisien|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210116181137/https://www.leparisien.fr/culture-loisirs/musique/video-le-metal-de-gojira-fait-trembler-l-amerique-12-02-2017-6673989.php|archive-date=16 January 2021|access-date=9 January 2022}}</ref>

[[File:Mario Duplantier Gojira 2012.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Mario Duplantier playing drums in black gloves|Mario Duplantier performing in [[Brittany]], France, in 2012]]
In March 2012, [[Devin Townsend]] and [[Meshuggah]]'s [[Fredrik Thordendal]] joined Gojira for the collaboration track "Of Blood And Salt" (intended to appear on the unreleased Sea Shepherd EP) at the [[Soundwave (Australian music festival)#2012|Soundwave Festival]] in [[Australia]].<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Devin Townsend, Meshuggah's Fredrick Thordendal Perform With Gojira In Perth (Video)|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/devin-townsend-meshuggah-s-fredrik-thordendal-perform-with-gojira-in-perth-video/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=7 March 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141122171753/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/devin-townsend-meshuggah-s-fredrik-thordendal-perform-with-gojira-in-perth-video/|archive-date=22 November 2014|access-date=2 January 2021}}</ref> With [[Volcom Entertainment]], a limited-edition [[Single (music)#Types of physical singles|7" single]] containing "Bleeding" and "End Of Time"&mdash;originally on Godzilla's 1997 ''Possessed'' demo&mdash;was released in [[Twelve-inch single|12" vinyl]] packaging in North America and Europe.<ref>{{cite news |last=Neilstein |first=Vince |date=8 March 2012 |title=New Old Gojira Album |url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2012/03/08/new-old-gojira-album/ |url-status=live |work=MetalSucks |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120605045025/https://www.metalsucks.net/2012/03/08/new-old-gojira-album/ |archive-date=5 June 2012 |access-date=3 November 2021}}</ref>{{refn|group=nb|Volcom Entertainment had originally organized two exhibitions of Mario Duplantier's art in France.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Gojira: 1997 Demo Tracks To Be Released On Vinyl|url=https://archive.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-1997-demo-tracks-to-be-released-on-vinyl/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=9 March 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210103182355/https://archive.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-1997-demo-tracks-to-be-released-on-vinyl/|archive-date=3 January 2021|access-date=3 November 2021}}</ref>}} Following an Australian tour with Mastodon and [[Kvelertak]],<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Darke|first=Brayden|date=9 December 2011|title=Mastodon Gojira Kvelertak Australian Tour 2012 – Soundwave Sidewaves|url=https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/mastodon-gojira-kvelertak-australian-tour-2012-soundwave-sidewaves/|url-status=live|magazine=[[Music Feeds]]|location=Australia|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210116160150/https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/mastodon-gojira-kvelertak-australian-tour-2012-soundwave-sidewaves/|archive-date=16 January 2021|access-date=16 January 2021}}</ref> Gojira began a national tour supporting the album.<ref name="Guerin2012-05-02">{{cite news|last=Guerin|first=Benoit|date=2 May 2012|title=Gojira, un enfant sauvage au Stade de France (Interview)|trans-title=Gojira, a wild child at the Stade de France|url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/culture/musiques/gojira-un-enfant-sauvage-au-stade-de-france-466162|url-status=live|language=fr|work=[[Ouest-France]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210110162013/https://www.ouest-france.fr/culture/musiques/gojira-un-enfant-sauvage-au-stade-de-france-466162|archive-date=10 January 2021|access-date=3 November 2021}}</ref> After many tours with Metallica, the band was invited to open a series of concerts on the [[2012 European Black Album Tour|European Black Album Tour]]<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Metallica Kick Off European Summer Vacation In Prague|url=https://bravewords.com/news/metallica-kick-off-european-summer-vacation-in-prague-setlist-revealed|url-status=live|work=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|date=7 May 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210117125817/https://bravewords.com/news/metallica-kick-off-european-summer-vacation-in-prague-setlist-revealed|archive-date=17 January 2021|access-date=17 January 2021}}</ref> (including the [[Stade de France]], the country's largest stadium, on 12 May 2012).<ref name="BureauGuillo20170212"/> Gojira's performance was measured at 120 [[decibel]]s in the backstage corridors,<ref>{{cite news|last=((Bureau))|first=Eric|date=12 May 2012|title=Metallica embrase le Stade de France|trans-title=Metallica sets the Stade de France ablaze|url=https://www.leparisien.fr/culture-loisirs/en-images-metallica-enflamme-le-stade-de-france-12-05-2012-1997194.php|url-status=live|language=fr|work=Le Parisien|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210116204511/https://www.leparisien.fr/culture-loisirs/en-images-metallica-enflamme-le-stade-de-france-12-05-2012-1997194.php|archive-date=16 January 2021|access-date=3 November 2021}}</ref> setting a stadium volume record.<ref name="BureauGuillo20170212"/>{{refn|group=nb|The loudest [[Football chant|crowd roar]] at the [[Stade de France]] was measured by a [[sound level meter]] at 109 decibels, from 80,000 fans during the [[2015 Coupe de la Ligue Final]].<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Le Stade de France bat un record du monde de décibels|trans-title=Stade de France breaks a world decibel record|url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/le-scan-sport/buzz/2015/04/11/27002-20150411ARTFIG00161-le-stade-de-france-bat-un-record-du-monde-de-decibels.php|url-status=live|language=fr|work=[[Le Figaro]]|date=11 April 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210116210911/https://www.lefigaro.fr/le-scan-sport/buzz/2015/04/11/27002-20150411ARTFIG00161-le-stade-de-france-bat-un-record-du-monde-de-decibels.php|archive-date=16 January 2021|access-date=16 January 2021}}</ref>}} About Metallica's motive for taking Gojira on tour with them, [[James Hetfield]] told a reporter, "I discovered their music with ''From Mars to Sirius'', an album that I loved. Humanly speaking, I liked them a lot. They have their feet on the ground, are intelligent, sensitive. I have immense respect for them. And then Mario is an incredible drummer."<ref name="Nicoleau2019"/> Gojira performed at the European Sonisphere Festival during the summer.<ref>Sonisphere Festival 2012:
* {{cite news |last=Young |first=Alex |date=20 February 2012 |title=Queen, Faith No More, Kiss to headline Sonisphere UK 2012 |url=https://consequence.net/2012/02/queen-faith-no-more-kiss-to-headline-sonisphere-uk-2012/ |url-status=live |work=[[Consequence (publication)|Consequence]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211103193916/https://consequence.net/2012/02/queen-faith-no-more-kiss-to-headline-sonisphere-uk-2012/ |archive-date=3 November 2021 |access-date=3 November 2021}}
* {{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |title=Metallica... |trans-title=Metallica at the Sonisphere Festival in Yverdon (Switzerland) |url=https://www.estrepublicain.fr/actualite/2012/02/16/metallica-a-yverdon |url-status=live |language=fr |work=L'Est Républicain |date=16 February 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211103194252/https://www.estrepublicain.fr/actualite/2012/02/16/metallica-a-yverdon |archive-date=3 November 2021 |access-date=3 November 2021}}</ref> The band shared two French dates with Slayer headlining: 27 May in [[Toulouse]] and 29 May in [[Clermont-Ferrand]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Blanc |first=Amaury |date=9 February 2012 |title=Les deux dates réunissant Slayer et Gojira |trans-title=The two dates bringing together Slayer and Gojira in Toulouse and Clermont-Ferrand  |url=http://www.radiometal.com/article/les-deux-dates-reunissant-slayer-et-gojira-a-toulouse-et-clermont-ferrand-seront-mises-en-vente-demain,57490| language=fr |url-status=live |work=Radio Metal |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211103202737/http://www.radiometal.com/article/les-deux-dates-reunissant-slayer-et-gojira-a-toulouse-et-clermont-ferrand-seront-mises-en-vente-demain,57490 |archive-date=3 November 2021 |access-date=3 November 2021 |via=''Nous Productions'' ([[List of Warner Music Group labels#As Warner Music|Warner Music France]])}}</ref> [[Mascot Records]] released a live DVD/[[Blu-ray]], ''[[The Flesh Alive]]'', on 4 June in Europe.<ref name="TFA2012-08-08">{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title='The Flesh Alive' DVD First-Week Sales Revealed|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-the-flesh-alive-dvd-first-week-sales-revealed/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=8 August 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210117132931/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-the-flesh-alive-dvd-first-week-sales-revealed/|archive-date=17 January 2021|access-date=17 January 2021}}</ref>

[[File:Gojira Aalborg Metal Festival 2012.jpg|thumb|alt=Gojira onstage, under blue and white lights|At the 2012 [[Aalborg]] Metal Festival in Denmark]]
Gojira released ''L'Enfant Sauvage'' in June 2012 on Roadrunner Records for worldwide distribution.<ref name="Guerin2012-05-02"/> The album reached No.&nbsp;34 on the ''Billboard'' 200,<ref name="Billboard200">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/gojira/chart-history/tlp/ |title=Chart History {{!}} Gojira {{!}} Billboard 200 |date=n.d. |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=11 May 2021 |archive-date=16 January 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210116133755/https://www.billboard.com/music/gojira/chart-history/TLP |url-status=live }}</ref> selling 11,000 copies in the US in its first week. ''L'Enfant Sauvage'' charted 104 places higher in its first week than ''The Way of All Flesh'' did.<ref name="ESchart2012-07-04">{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Gojira's 'L'Enfant Sauvage' Cracks U.S. Top 40|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-s-l-enfant-sauvage-cracks-u-s-top/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=4 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160817212455/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-s-l-enfant-sauvage-cracks-u-s-top/|archive-date=17 August 2016|access-date=10 January 2021}}</ref> It peaked at No.&nbsp;9 on the ''Billboard'' [[Billboard charts#Tastemakers|Tastemaker Albums]] chart,<ref name="BB-Tastemakers">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/gojira/chart-history/tas/ |title=Chart History {{!}} Gojira {{!}} Tastemakers |date=n.d. |magazine=Billboard |access-date=21 November 2021}}</ref> No.&nbsp;13 on the US [[Billboard charts#Top Rock Albums|Top Rock Albums]] chart,<ref name="BB-TopRock">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/gojira/chart-history/rck/ |title=Chart History {{!}} Gojira {{!}} Top Rock Albums |date=n.d. |magazine=Billboard |access-date=21 November 2021}}</ref> and No.&nbsp;6 on the ''Billboard'' [[Billboard charts#Top Hard Rock Albums|Hard Rock Albums]] chart.<ref name="BB-HardRock">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/gojira/chart-history/mtl/ |title=Chart History {{!}} Gojira {{!}} Hard Rock Albums |date=n.d. |magazine=Billboard |access-date=21 November 2021 |archive-date=16 January 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210116131252/https://www.billboard.com/music/gojira/chart-history/MTL |url-status=live }}</ref> The album reached the top 40 in six European countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://finnishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Gojira&titel=L%27enfant+sauvage&cat=a|title=Gojira − L'Enfant Sauvage)|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=2012|publisher=Finnish charts|language=en|access-date=16 January 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210116142126/https://finnishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Gojira&titel=L'enfant+sauvage&cat=a|archive-date=16 January 2021}}</ref> In [[Flanders]] and [[Wallonia]] it charted for 10 and 14 weeks, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/fr/album/30bb9/Gojira-L'enfant-sauvage|title=Gojira − L'Enfant Sauvage|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=30 June 2012|publisher=[[Ultratop]]|language=fr|access-date=6 November 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210117153903/https://www.ultratop.be/fr/album/30bb9/Gojira-L'enfant-sauvage|archive-date=17 January 2021}}</ref> ''[[Terrorizer (magazine)|Terrorizer]]''{{'}}s Rob Sayce said that the album charted "without making a single concession to accessibility".{{sfn|Sayce|2013|p=23}} Dom Lawson of ''[[The Guardian]]'' gave the album the maximum rating of five stars,<ref>{{cite news |last=Lawson |first=Dom |date=21 June 2012 |title=Gojira: L'Enfant Sauvage − review |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/jun/21/gojira-lenfant-sauvage-review |url-status=live |work=The Guardian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421174910/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/jun/21/gojira-lenfant-sauvage-review |archive-date=21 April 2019 |access-date=9 January 2022}}</ref> and Stephen Hill of ''Metal Hammer'' called the album "the bridge between Gojira's past and future".<ref name="Hill2020-06-03"/>

In June, Gojira participated in the [[Nova Rock Festival#2012 lineup|Nova Rock Festival]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/festival/nova-rock-2012/|title=Nova Rock 2012 - Nickelsdorf, Austria (Pannonia Fields II)|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=2012|website=Consequence|access-date=22 January 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101061135/https://consequenceofsound.net/festival/nova-rock-2012/|archive-date=1 November 2014}}</ref> ''The Flesh Alive'' DVD was released in the US on 31 July,<ref name="TFA2012-08-08"/> and the band then began the long L'Enfant Sauvage World Tour.<ref name="AllMusic-bio"/> Gojira's setlist during the tour contained "Tron", a short interlude<ref>{{cite news|last=Sandvall|first=Anders|date=30 December 2012|title=Gojira with support at L'Enfant Sauvage World Tour 2012-13|url=https://www.metal-rules.com/2012/12/30/gojira-with-support-at-lenfant-sauvage-world-tour-2012-13-european-tour-mejeriet-lund-sweden/|url-status=live|work=[[Metal Rules]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210123140957/https://www.metal-rules.com/2012/12/30/gojira-with-support-at-lenfant-sauvage-world-tour-2012-13-european-tour-mejeriet-lund-sweden/|archive-date=23 January 2021|access-date=4 November 2021|quote=Note: ''Metal Rules'' was cited in ''[[The New York Times]]''}}</ref> where Mario Duplantier and his brother swapped instruments.<ref>{{cite news|last=Zina Walschots|first=Natalie|date=14 February 2013|title=Gojira, Devin Townsend Project, The Atlas Moth|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/gojira_devin_townsend_project_atlas_moth-phoenix_concert_theatre_toronto_on_february_13|url-status=live|work=[[Exclaim!]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210330231121/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/gojira_devin_townsend_project_atlas_moth-phoenix_concert_theatre_toronto_on_february_13|archive-date=30 March 2021|access-date=4 November 2021}}</ref> Gojira was scheduled to tour North America with Lamb of God and [[Dethklok]], but the tour was postponed due to the [[Randy Blythe manslaughter case|incarceration of Randy Blythe]] in the [[Czech Republic]];<ref name="Hartmann2012-07-31">{{cite news |last=Hartmann |first=Graham |date=31 July 2012 |title=Gojira Reveal 2012 North American Tour Dates |url=https://loudwire.com/gojira-reveal-2012-north-american-tour-dates/ |url-status=live |work=[[Loudwire]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200208203657/https://loudwire.com/gojira-reveal-2012-north-american-tour-dates/ |archive-date=8 February 2020 |access-date=4 November 2021}}</ref> the tour was postponed until October.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hart|first=Josh|date=3 August 2012|title=Lamb of God Singer Randy Blythe Released from Jail, Tour to Be Rescheduled|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/lamb-god-singer-randy-blythe-released-jail-tour-be-rescheduled|url-status=live|work=[[Guitar World]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210117162410/https://www.guitarworld.com/news/lamb-god-singer-randy-blythe-released-jail-tour-be-rescheduled|archive-date=17 January 2021|access-date=4 November 2021}}</ref> However, despite instabilities, the band continued to tour North America<ref name="Hartmann2012-07-31"/> and was included at the [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot]]'s [[Knotfest]] at [[Somerset Amphitheater]] with Cannibal Corpse, [[Deftones]], and [[Serj Tankian]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Riemenschneider|first=Chris|date=4 June 2012|title=Slipknot to tie up Somerset with Knotfest on August 18|url=https://www.startribune.com/slipknot-to-tie-up-somerset-with-knotfest-on-aug-18/157030545/?refresh=true|url-status=live|work=[[Star Tribune]]|location=[[Minnesota]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210117195317/https://www.startribune.com/slipknot-to-tie-up-somerset-with-knotfest-on-aug-18/157030545/?refresh=true|archive-date=17 January 2021|access-date=17 January 2021}}</ref> In August 2012, at the [[Heavy Montréal#2012|Heavy Montréal Festival]], Labadie announced the European tour until the end of 2012 and a US and Canadian tour in 2013. By this time, Joe Duplantier had lived in New York for a year; his brother, Labadie, and Andreu remained in southwestern France. Labadie said, "We communicate differently, because of the time difference, and it is not really easy, but that is okay because he is truly happy to live in the States&nbsp;... he is passionate about the United States; his mother is American".<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Live 'N Loud Meets Gojira|url=http://liveandloudmagazine.com/2012/09/live-n-loud-meets-gojira/|url-status=live|department=Interview|work=Live 'N Loud magazine|date=3 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027064052/http://liveandloudmagazine.com/2012/09/live-n-loud-meets-gojira/|archive-date=27 October 2020|access-date=4 November 2021}}</ref> On 15 December, Gojira headlined the Indian Metal Festival in [[Bangalore]]; "the whole front row was crying", said Joe Duplantier.{{sfn|Desgroux|2016|p=51}} Their musicianship and live performances had earned them the nickname "Gojiramazing" by fans in 2012.<ref>{{cite news |last=Raziq |first=Rauf |date=2012 |title=Gojira: L'Enfant Sauvage − Review |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/fn6m/ |url-status=live |language=en-GB |work=[[BBC Online]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426151840/https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/fn6m/ |archive-date=26 April 2021 |access-date=4 November 2021}}</ref>

[[File:Gojira, Jean Michel Labadie at Wacken Open Air 2013 02.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.75|alt=Jean-Michel Labadie onstage, in a black T-shirt|Labadie at the 2013 [[Wacken Open Air]] festival]]
In January and February 2013, Gojira, the [[Devin Townsend]] Project and [[the Atlas Moth]] toured North America.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hughes |first=Josiah |date=23 October 2012 |title=Devin Townsend Project Join Gojira for North American Tour |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/devin_townsend_project_join_gojira_for_north_american_tour |url-status=live |work=Exclaim! |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129055839/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/devin_townsend_project_join_gojira_for_north_american_tour |archive-date=29 January 2019 |access-date=5 November 2021}}</ref> In March, the band played a handful of UK concerts supporting [[Ghost (Swedish band)|Ghost]] on the [[Jägermeister Music Tour]].<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Ghost, Gojira and The Defiled For Jagermeister Music Tour 2013!|url=https://www.rocksound.tv/news/read/ghost-gojira-the-defiled-for-jagermeister-music-tour-2013|url-status=live|work=[[Rock Sound]]|date=26 November 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210117184834/https://www.rocksound.tv/news/read/ghost-gojira-the-defiled-for-jagermeister-music-tour-2013|archive-date=17 January 2021|access-date=17 January 2021}}</ref> In the middle of the month, Gojira headlined Norway's [[Trondheim]] Metal Fest.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Gojira, Hatebreed, Napalm Death, Anaal Nathrakh Among First Acts Confirmed For Trondheim Metal Fest 2013|url=https://bravewords.com/news/gojira-hatebreed-napalm-death-anaal-nathrakh-among-first-acts-confirmed-for-trondheim-metal-fest-2013|url-status=live|work=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|date=6 January 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210123222603/http://www.allmetalfest.com/trondheim-metal-fest-2013/|archive-date=23 January 2021|access-date=5 November 2021}}</ref> ''L'Enfant Sauvage'' was nominated for Album Of The Year at the ''[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]]'' Golden Gods Awards at [[L.A. Live|Club Nokia]] in [[downtown Los Angeles]] on 2 May 2013.<ref name="Pasbani2013-05-03">{{cite news|last=Pasbani|first=Robert|date=3 May 2013|title=Revolver Golden Gods Awards 2013: Winners And Performance Highlights|url=https://metalinjection.net/show-recap/revolver-golden-gods-awards-2013-winners-and-performance-highlights|url-status=live|work=Metal Injection|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210117163853/https://metalinjection.net/show-recap/revolver-golden-gods-awards-2013-winners-and-performance-highlights|archive-date=17 January 2021|access-date=17 January 2021}}</ref> Gojira received the [[Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards#2013|''Metal Hammer'' Golden Gods Award]] for Best Live Band at [[The O2]] on 17 June 2013 in London.<ref name="MHawards2013">{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=18 June 2013 |title=Double win for Black Sabbath at Golden Gods awards |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-22948294 |url-status=live |language=en-GB |work=BBC Online |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202012320/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-22948294 |archive-date=2 February 2015 |access-date=5 November 2021}}</ref> The tour continued, and the band appeared at the Hellfest Summer Open Air,<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Nantes: Gojira, nouvelle tête d'affiche du Hellfest 2013 à Clisson|trans-title=Nantes: Gojira, new headliner of Hellfest 2013 in Clisson|url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/pays-de-la-loire/clisson-44190/nantes-gojira-nouvelle-tete-daffiche-du-hellfest-2013-a-clisson-41de345c-dba2-11e9-8deb-0cc47a644868|url-status=live|language=fr|work=Ouest-France|date=11 March 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210123225220/https://www.ouest-france.fr/pays-de-la-loire/clisson-44190/nantes-gojira-nouvelle-tete-daffiche-du-hellfest-2013-a-clisson-41de345c-dba2-11e9-8deb-0cc47a644868|archive-date=23 January 2021|access-date=5 November 2021}}</ref> the Wacken Open Air,<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=11 June 2013 |title=Gojira, Uli Jon Roth And More Newly Confirmed For Wacken Open Air 2013 |url=https://bravewords.com/news/gojira-uli-jon-roth-and-more-newly-confirmed-for-wacken-open-air-2013-as-i-lay-dying-appearance-cancelled |url-status=live |work=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105134105/https://bravewords.com/news/gojira-uli-jon-roth-and-more-newly-confirmed-for-wacken-open-air-2013-as-i-lay-dying-appearance-cancelled |archive-date=5 November 2021 |access-date=5 November 2021}}</ref> and the Bloodstock Open Air.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bliss |first=Tony |date=14 May 2013 |title=News: Gojira confirm exclusive UK festival appearance at Bloodstock 2013 |url=https://www.deadpress.co.uk/news-gojira-confirm-exclusive-uk-festival-appearance-at-bloodstock-2013/ |url-status=live |work=Dead Press! |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228185525/https://www.deadpress.co.uk/news-gojira-confirm-exclusive-uk-festival-appearance-at-bloodstock-2013/ |archive-date=28 February 2021 |access-date=5 November 2021}}</ref> Gojira made its first [[Israel]]i appearance on 15 August 2013 at Reading 3 in [[Tel Aviv]], a "packed venue", according to ''Terrorizer''{{'}}s Avi Pitchon,<ref>{{cite news|last=Whelan|first=Kez|date=27 August 2013|title=Gojira in Tel-Aviv: Live Review|url=http://www.terrorizer.com/news/live-reviews/gojira-in-tel-aviv-live-review/|url-status=live|work=[[Terrorizer (magazine)|Terrorizer]]|others=Written by Avi Pitchon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003094540/http://www.terrorizer.com/news/live-reviews/gojira-in-tel-aviv-live-review/|archive-date=3 October 2013|access-date=24 January 2021}}</ref> whose security barriers were bent by the crowd.{{sfn|Desgroux|2016|p=51}} The band performed at [[Austin, Texas|Austin]]'s November [[Fun Fun Fun Fest]],<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Fun Fun Fun Fest 2013 lineup revealed|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2013/07/fun-fun-fun-fest-2013-lineup-revealed/|url-status=live|work=Consequence|date=10 July 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210123232958/https://consequenceofsound.net/2013/07/fun-fun-fun-fest-2013-lineup-revealed/|archive-date=23 January 2021|access-date=5 November 2021}}</ref> followed by a North American tour with 4Arm and Slayer.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bowar |first=Chad |date=3 September 2013 |title=Slayer Announce Fall 2013 North American Tour |url=https://loudwire.com/slayer-fall-2013-north-american-tour/ |url-status=live |work=Loudwire |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122071423/https://loudwire.com/slayer-fall-2013-north-american-tour/ |archive-date=22 January 2021 |access-date=5 November 2021}}</ref>

Gojira released ''[[Les Enfants Sauvages]]'' in March 2014, a live-CD/DVD and picture book documenting the band's more than 150 concerts on three continents in support of ''L'Enfant Sauvage''.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=24 January 2014 |title=Gojira: Trailer For 'Les Enfants Sauvages' Limited-Edition Photo Book, Live CD/DVD |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-trailer-for-les-enfants-sauvages-limited-edition-photo-book-live-cddvd/ |url-status=live |work=Blabbermouth.net |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140131222531/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-trailer-for-les-enfants-sauvages-limited-edition-photo-book-live-cddvd/ |archive-date=31 January 2014 |access-date=5 November 2021}}</ref> The DVD includes a March 2013 [[Jägermeister Music Tour]] concert at London's [[Brixton Academy]]<ref>{{cite news|last=Bliss|first=Tony|date=2 May 2013|title=Gojira film Brixton Academy show for upcoming DVD!|url=https://www.deadpress.co.uk/news-gojira-film-brixton-academy-show-for-upcoming-dvd/|url-status=live|work=Dead Press!|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210117224818/https://www.deadpress.co.uk/news-gojira-film-brixton-academy-show-for-upcoming-dvd/|archive-date=17 January 2021|access-date=5 November 2021}}</ref> which was recorded by 14 cameras.<ref>{{cite news|last=Godla|first=Frank|date=17 March 2014|title=Is Gojira's Les Enfants Sauvages DVD Worth Picking Up?|url=https://metalinjection.net/reviews/is-gojiras-les-enfants-sauvages-dvd-worth-picking-up|url-status=live|department=Reviews|work=Metal Injection|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210110190548/https://metalinjection.net/reviews/is-gojiras-les-enfants-sauvages-dvd-worth-picking-up|archive-date=10 January 2021|access-date=5 November 2021}}</ref> In an interview that month at Australia's Soundwave Festival, Mario Duplantier said that the band was working on a new album.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Mario Duplantier: 'We Want To Make The Strongest Album We Can Do'|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojiras-mario-duplantier-we-want-to-make-the-strongest-album-we-can-do/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=4 March 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140626053426/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojiras-mario-duplantier-we-want-to-make-the-strongest-album-we-can-do/|archive-date=26 June 2014|access-date=29 January 2021}}</ref> Gojira supported Mastodon and Kvelertak on a string of North American dates in April and May. The band continued successfully touring in support of the album, further consolidating their discography and launching them "into a new realm of success", wrote Graham Hartmann of ''Loudwire''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hartmann |first=Graham |date=3 February 2014 |title=Mastodon Announce 2014 Headlining U.S. Tour With Gojira and Kvelertak |url=https://loudwire.com/mastodon-2014-headlining-u-s-tour-gojira-kvelertak/ |url-status=live |work=Loudwire |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024012413/https://loudwire.com/mastodon-2014-headlining-u-s-tour-gojira-kvelertak/ |archive-date=24 October 2020 |access-date=5 November 2021}}</ref> The band played throughout the United States and Europe, including [[Rock on the Range#2014 lineup|Rock on the Range]],<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Rock on the Range reveals 2014 lineup|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2014/01/rock-on-the-range-reveals-2014-lineup-guns-n-roses-motorhead-and-mastodon/|url-status=live|work=Consequence|date=16 January 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210124171504/https://consequenceofsound.net/2014/01/rock-on-the-range-reveals-2014-lineup-guns-n-roses-motorhead-and-mastodon/|archive-date=24 January 2021|access-date=24 January 2021}}</ref> [[Resurrection Fest]],<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Gojira: Pro-Shot Footage Of Entire Resurrection Fest Performance|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-pro-shot-footage-of-entire-resurrection-fest-performance/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=18 April 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210124172232/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-pro-shot-footage-of-entire-resurrection-fest-performance/|archive-date=24 January 2021|access-date=24 January 2021}}</ref> Garorock Festival in [[Marmande]] (for the third time)<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Ils ont fait Garorock: ...|trans-title=They made Garorock: the history of the festival in 20 photos|url=https://www.sudouest.fr/culture/garorock/ils-ont-fait-garorock-l-histoire-du-festival-en-20-photos-7765187.php|url-status=live|language=fr|work=Sud Ouest|date=26 June 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210124170757/https://www.sudouest.fr/2015/06/25/ils-ont-fait-garorock-l-histoire-du-festival-en-20-photos-1963530-3603.php|archive-date=24 January 2021|access-date=24 January 2021}}</ref> and the [[Graspop Metal Meeting#Graspop Metal Meeting 2014|Graspop Metal Meeting]].<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Slayer, Megadeth et Anthrax à l'affiche du Graspop 2014|trans-title=Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax on the Graspop 2014 billing|url=https://www.rtbf.be/culture/musique/detail_slayer-megadeth-et-anthrax-a-l-affiche-du-graspop-2014?id=8191605|url-status=live|language=fr|work=[[RTBF]]|date=3 February 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210124181325/https://www.rtbf.be/culture/musique/detail_slayer-megadeth-et-anthrax-a-l-affiche-du-graspop-2014?id=8191605|archive-date=24 January 2021|access-date=5 November 2021}}</ref> Gojira continued on the festival circuit, headlining the Sylak Open Air Festival on 9 August 2014 in France<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Droit|first=Christophe|date=23 February 2014|title=Le Sylak Open Air 2014 dévoile ses premiers artistes|trans-title=Sylak Open Air 2014 unveils its first artists|url=https://hardforce.com/actu/6824/le-sylak-open-air-2014-devoile-ses-premiers-artistes|url-status=live|language=fr|magazine=Hard Force Magazine|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210124193534/https://hardforce.com/actu/6824/le-sylak-open-air-2014-devoile-ses-premiers-artistes|archive-date=24 January 2021|access-date=24 January 2021|oclc=32640105}}</ref> and the [[Vagos Open Air#2014|Vagos Open Air]] Festival the following day in [[Lisbon]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Rodrigues |first=José Miguel |date=28 May 2018 |title=Vagos Open Air 2014: Gojira |url=https://www.loudmagazine.net/vagos-open-air-2014-gojira-confirmados/ |url-status=live |language=pt |work=Loud Magazine |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211105164724/https://www.loudmagazine.net/vagos-open-air-2014-gojira-confirmados/ |archive-date=5 November 2021 |access-date=5 November 2021}}</ref> Mastodon, Gojira and Kvelertak reunited for another US tour in October and November 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bowar|first=Chad|date=7 July 2014|title=Mastodon Announce New Leg of 2014 U.S. Tour With Gojira and Kvelertak|url=https://loudwire.com/mastodon-fall-2014-u-s-tour-gojira-kvelertak/|url-status=live|work=Loudwire|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024123137/https://loudwire.com/mastodon-fall-2014-u-s-tour-gojira-kvelertak/|archive-date=24 October 2020|access-date=23 January 2021}}</ref> Joe Duplantier began work on a recording studio in [[Ridgewood, Queens]] in November, and Mario moved to New York.<ref name="Grow2016-03-30">{{cite magazine|last=Grow|first=Kory|date=30 March 2016|title=Gojira Preview 'Emotional', 'Epic' New Album|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/gojira-preview-emotional-epic-new-album-162261/|url-status=live|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609152121/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/gojira-preview-emotional-epic-new-album-20160330?page=3|archive-date=9 June 2016|access-date=5 November 2021}}</ref>
{{clear-left}}

===''Magma'' (2015-2019)===
Joe and Mario Duplantier finished building Silver Cord Studio, Joe's New York recording studio, in early April 2015.<ref name="Grow2016-03-30"/> It has become Gojira's recording studio and headquarters in America, joining Le Studio des Milans in Ondres.<ref name="Marraud2017-01-22">{{cite news|last=Marraud|first=Sébastien|date=22 January 2017|title=Le plus international...|trans-title=The most international of French rock bands|url=https://www.sudouest.fr/gironde/cenon/gojira-n-est-plus-un-groupe-de-death-metal-3432951.php|url-status=live|language=fr|work=Sud Ouest|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210129212348/https://www.sudouest.fr/2017/01/22/gojira-n-est-plus-un-groupe-de-death-metal-3120200-4608.php|archive-date=29 January 2021|access-date=5 November 2021|trans-quote="We have both a QG in Ondres and another in Brooklyn." "QG" > ''Quartier Général'' (Headquarters).}}</ref> [[Audio file format|Audio files]] were created sporadically since late 2013 "on the computer in the tour bus", said Mario Duplantier;<ref name="BB2015-09-07">{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Mario Duplantier Talks Next Album (Video)|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojiras-mario-duplantier-talks-next-album-video/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=7 September 2015|orig-date=Interview 28 August 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210130002435/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojiras-mario-duplantier-talks-next-album-video/|archive-date=30 January 2021|access-date=5 November 2021}}</ref> the new songs were a change in style for the band, as Joe experimented with clean vocals.<ref name="Dedman2016-06-17">{{cite news|last=Dedman|first=Remfry|date=17 June 2016|title=Gojira, Magma: Album Stream (Interview)|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/gojira-magma-album-stream-a7082706.html|url-status=live|language=en-GB|work=[[The Independent]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108103355/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/gojira-magma-album-stream-a7082706.html|archive-date=8 November 2020|access-date=5 November 2021}}</ref> The brothers began recording ''[[Magma (Gojira album)|Magma]]'', Gojira's sixth album, at Silver Cord Studio on 6 April.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kielty |first= Martin Kielty |date=6 April 2021 |title=Gojira tease studio return |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/gojira-tease-studio-return |url-status=live |work=Metal Hammer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105173241/https://www.loudersound.com/news/gojira-tease-studio-return |archive-date=5 November 2021 |access-date=5 November 2021}}</ref> Ten days into recording, however, recording was suspended when they learned that their mother was ill and flew back to France.<ref name="Grow2016-03-30"/>

[[File:2017 RiP - Gojira - by 2eight - 8SC9299.jpg|thumb|alt=Joe Duplantier on guitar and Mario on drums onstage|The death of Mario and Joe Duplantier's mother greatly affected the recording of ''Magma''.]]
The band played a handful of dates in Europe for several festivals, ending ''L'Enfant Sauvage''{{'}}s tour cycle.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dodon |first=Julien |date=24 May 2015 |title=Tu aimes le métal? Gojira est là pour toi |trans-title=Do you like metal? Gojïra is there for you |url=https://www.lamontagne.fr/clermont-ferrand-63000/loisirs/tu-aimes-le-metal-gojira-est-la-pour-toi_11452596/ |url-status=live |language=fr |department=Interview (with Christian Andreu) |work=La Montagne |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211105190710/https://www.lamontagne.fr/clermont-ferrand-63000/loisirs/tu-aimes-le-metal-gojira-est-la-pour-toi_11452596/ |archive-date=5 November 2021 |access-date=5 November 2021}}</ref> On 5 July 2015, Patricia Rosa Duplantier died of cancer;<ref name="Brannigan2016-05-22"/> Gojira concerts were canceled, and the recording of ''Magma'' was greatly affected.<ref name="Grow2016-03-30"/> The band again toured worldwide, commencing at [[Musilac Music Festival]] in [[Aix-les-Bains]] on 10 July,<ref>{{cite magazine |last= |first= |date=11 July 2015 |title=Musilac 2015, Jour 1: sous le soleil exactement... |trans-title=Musilac 2015, Day 1: exactly under the sun... |url=https://www.rollingstone.fr/musilac-2015-jour-1-sous-le-soleil-exactement/ |url-status=live |language=fr |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518092134/https://www.rollingstone.fr/musilac-2015-jour-1-sous-le-soleil-exactement/ |archive-date=18 May 2021 |access-date=9 January 2022}}</ref> and was billed beneath [[Korn]] at the Rock Off Festival in [[Istanbul]] on 1 August.<ref>Gojira resumed touring, performing worldwide:
* {{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Rock Off festival to gather music lovers in Istanbul|url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/weekend-in-istanbul-greek-music-a-rock-festival-and-a-silent-concert-86245|url-status=live|language=en|work=[[Hürriyet Daily News]]|agency=[[Anadolu Agency]]|date= 31 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814180612/https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/weekend-in-istanbul-greek-music-a-rock-festival-and-a-silent-concert-86245|archive-date=14 August 2018|access-date=9 January 2022}}
* {{cite magazine|url=https://hardforce.com/concert/7982/rock-off-2015-2015-08-02|title=Agenda - Rock Off 2015|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=n.d.|language=fr|magazine=Hard Force Magazine|access-date=30 January 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210130193253/https://hardforce.com/concert/7982/rock-off-2015-2015-08-02|archive-date=30 January 2021|oclc=32640105}}
* {{cite news|last=Palmer|first=Siobhan|date=7 August 2015|title=Reading Festival 2015: Line-up|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/news/reading-festival-2015-line-up/|url-status=live|language=en-GB|work=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030172932/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/news/reading-festival-2015-line-up/|archive-date=30 October 2015|access-date=31 January 2021|url-access=subscription}}
* {{cite news|last=Adams|first=Gregory|date=9 March 2015|title=Heavy Montreal Reveals 2015 Lineup|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/heavy_montreal_reveals_2015_lineup|url-status=live|publisher=[[Exclaim!]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225114245/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/heavy_montreal_reveals_2015_lineup|archive-date=25 February 2018|access-date=30 January 2021}}</ref> On 28 August, Mario Duplantier announced before Gojira's concert in [[Dublin]] that recording had resumed and was almost completed.<ref name="BB2015-09-07"/> The band played at Brazil's [[Rock in Rio#Rock in Rio 6|Rock in Rio]] festival, one of the world's largest music festivals, on 19 September and closed their set with "The Gift of Guilt".<ref>Rock in Rio 2015:
* {{cite news|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=2015|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/festival/rock-in-rio-2015/|title=Rock in Rio 2015|website=Consequence|access-date=6 November 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206001820/https://consequenceofsound.net/festival/rock-in-rio-2015/|archive-date=6 February 2016}}
* {{cite magazine|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Rock in Rio 2015: franceses do Gojira levantam multidão com metal ambiental|trans-title=... French from Gojira raise crowd with environmental metal|url=https://rollingstone.uol.com.br/noticia/rock-rio-2015-franceses-do-gojira-levantam-multidao-com-metal-ambiental/|url-status=live|language=pt|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151012193534/http://rollingstone.uol.com.br/noticia/rock-rio-2015-franceses-do-gojira-levantam-multidao-com-metal-ambiental/#imagem0|archive-date=12 October 2015|access-date=6 November 2021}}</ref> From mid-September to mid-October, their tour visited [[Canada]], [[Mexico]], [[Argentina]], and the Santiago Gets Louder Festival in [[Chile]]. Gojira went to [[Japan]] as the supporting act for Slayer in [[Osaka]] and [[Tokyo]] in October 2015, followed by a performance at the [[Loud Park Festival#2015 (October 10–11)|Loud Park Festival]] at [[Saitama Super Arena]] before returning to Israel shortly afterwards.<ref>{{cite news|last=O'Beirne|first=Oran|date=15 September 2015|title=Exclusive: Joe Duplantier of Gojira Talks New Album|url=https://www.overdrive.ie/exclusive-joe-duplantier-gojira-talks-new-album/|url-status=live|work=Overdrive.ie|others=Transcription: Katie McGarr|location=[[Dublin]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031233115/https://www.overdrive.ie/exclusive-joe-duplantier-gojira-talks-new-album/|archive-date=31 October 2020|access-date=6 November 2021}}</ref>

''[[Rolling Stone]]'' included the band's forthcoming release in their list of "25 Most Anticipated Metal Albums of 2016".<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Bienstock|first1=Richard|last2=Epstein|first2=Dan|last3=Geist|first3=Brandon|last4=Grow|first4=Kory|last5=Krovatin|first5=Christopher|author-link5=Christopher Krovatin|last6=Wiederhorn|first6=Jon|date=12 January 2016|title=25 Most Anticipated Metal Albums of 2016 - Metallica, Deftones, Gojira and more...|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/25-most-anticipated-metal-albums-of-2016-20665/|url-status=live|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108100112/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/25-most-anticipated-metal-albums-of-2016-20665/|archive-date=8 November 2020|access-date=31 January 2021}}</ref> In May 2016, Joe Duplantier announced the itinerary (in larger venues) in France, [[Italy]], [[Poland]], Switzerland, Belgium and the UK for the tour supporting the upcoming album.<ref name="Brannigan2016-05-22"/> In early June, a private concert for one hundred people was filmed in black and white by seven cameras at a [[television studio]] in [[Saint-Denis, Seine-Saint-Denis|Plaine Saint-Denis]] (near [[Paris]]). Director Paul Ouazan decided to film a performance video focused on the crowd: "I was immediately convinced that the band had a fifth member: its audience". The performance was broadcast on [[Arte]] later that month.<ref>{{cite news|last=Marie-Hélène|first=Soenen|date=25 June 2016|title=Un fantastique live de Gojira à voir sur Arte concert|trans-title=A fantastic Gojira live to see on Arte concert|url=https://www.telerama.fr/television/un-fantastique-live-de-gojira-a-voir-sur-arte-concert,144380.php|url-status=live|language=fr|work=Télérama|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108145520/https://www.telerama.fr/television/un-fantastique-live-de-gojira-a-voir-sur-arte-concert,144380.php|archive-date=8 November 2020|access-date=13 February 2021}}</ref> The band was included in the live lineup of the 13 June [[Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards#2016|''Metal Hammer'' Golden Gods Awards]] at the [[Hammersmith Apollo|Eventim Apollo]] in London.<ref>{{cite news |last=Armstrong |first=Sam |date=13 June 2013 |title=Anthrax, Lemmy Honoured At Golden Gods |url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/anthrax-lemmy-honoured-at-golden-god-awards/ |url-status=live |work=[[Universal Music Group|UDiscoverMusic]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511155020/https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/anthrax-lemmy-honoured-at-golden-god-awards/ |archive-date=11 May 2019 |access-date=6 November 2021}}</ref> They made their first world television appearance as musical guests of the day on ''[[Le Petit Journal (TV programme)|Le Petit Journal]]'' three days later, performing an excerpt from "Silvera" in prime time on [[Canal+ (French TV channel)|Canal+]] in France.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Faure|first=Laurence|date=17 June 2016|title=Gojira: Live au 'Petit Journal'|trans-title=Live at the 'Little Diary'|url=https://hardforce.com/actu/16615/gojira-le-live-au-petit-journal|url-status=live|language=fr|magazine=Hard Force Magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180603183932/https://hardforce.com/actu/16615/gojira-le-live-au-petit-journal|archive-date=3 June 2018|access-date=6 November 2021|oclc=32640105}}</ref>

{{Listen|type=music|filename=Gojira - Stranded.ogg|title="Stranded"|description=A sample of "Stranded" from ''Magma''}}
''Magma'', Gojira's self-produced album,<ref name="Grow2016-03-30"/> was released on 17 June 2016 on Roadrunner Records. The album was available for streaming on the band's official [[YouTube]] channel two days before its release.<ref name="Dedman2016-06-17"/> It debuted at No.&nbsp;24 on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart, selling 17,000 units in its first week of release in the US.<ref name="LW2021-05-11">{{cite news|last=Hartamann|first=Graham|date=11 May 2021|title=Gojira's 'Fortitude' Is the Highest-Selling Album in the United States|url=https://loudwire.com/gojira-fortitude-highest-selling-album-united-states/|url-status=live|work=[[Loudwire]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511201934/https://loudwire.com/gojira-fortitude-highest-selling-album-united-states/|archive-date=11 May 2021|access-date=6 November 2021}}</ref> The album debuted and peaked at No.&nbsp;4 on the ''Billboard'' Top Rock Albums chart and No.&nbsp;6 on the Tastemaker Albums chart.<ref name="BB-TopRock"/><ref name="BB-Tastemakers"/> It topped the ''Billboard'' Hard Rock Albums chart, making Gojira the first French band to top that chart.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=15 August 2018 |title=Gojira Frontman: 'It Looks Like We're Going To Write 100 Songs' For Next Album |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-frontman-it-looks-like-were-going-to-write-100-songs-for-next-album/ |url-status=live |work=Blabbermouth.net |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210927180931/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-frontman-it-looks-like-were-going-to-write-100-songs-for-next-album/ |archive-date=27 September 2021 |access-date=27 September 2021}}</ref> The album debuted (and peaked) at No.&nbsp;17 on the ''Billboard''{{'s}} [[Canadian Albums Chart]],<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/gojira/chart-history/cna/ |title=Chart History {{!}} Gojira {{!}} Billboard Canadian Albums |date=n.d. |magazine=Billboard |access-date=21 November 2021 |archive-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121195502/https://www.billboard.com/artist/gojira/chart-history/cna/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and debuted at No.&nbsp;11 on Australia's [[ARIA Albums Chart|Australian Albums Chart]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Gojira&titel=Magma&cat=a|title=Gojira - Magma (album)|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=2008|publisher=Australian charts|language=en|access-date=6 February 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614202902/https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Gojira&titel=Magma&cat=a|archive-date=14 June 2020}}</ref> ''Magma'' reached the top 40 in twelve European countries and the top 10 in Switzerland, Finland, Austria, Norway and France.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://acharts.co/album/100511|title=Gojira − Magma (Chart Stats: Historic Performance)|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=n.d.|publisher=[[:pt:Acharts.co|Acharts.co]] (aCharts.us)|language=en|access-date=6 November 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807214940/https://acharts.co/album/100511|archive-date=7 August 2019}}</ref> The album had a generally-favorable critical reception, scoring a 79 on Metacritic.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/magma/gojira|title=Magma by Gojira|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=n.d.|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=5 February 2021|archive-date=17 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617193006/http://www.metacritic.com/music/magma/gojira|url-status=live}}</ref> Gojira departed from its [[Technical death metal|tech-death]]<ref name="Dedman2016-06-17"/> and tried to emphasize its [[Progressive metal|progressive]]&ndash;[[Post-metal|post-genres]] side, which divided some fans.<ref name="Hill2020-06-03"/> Remfry Dedman of ''[[The Independent]]'' called the band "pioneers of modern 21st-century progressive metal".<ref name="Dedman2016-06-17"/>

[[File:Gojira live Toronto 2016 117.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Gojira onstage under red lights, seen from the audience|Gojira in [[Toronto]] during the Magma Tour, 2016]]
Gojira began its three-to-four-year Magma world tour<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Michel|first=Magali|date=13 April 2017|title=Ils Oeuvrent Dans L'ombre: ...|trans-title=They Work In The Shadow: Spotlight on Nicolas Riot, lighting designer, co-founder of Chirac Design|url=https://headlinemagazine.net/2017/04/13/ils-oeuvrent-dans-lombre-coup-de-projecteur-sur-nicolas-riot-concepteur-lumiere-cofondateur-de-chirac-design/|url-status=live|language=fr|department=Interview|magazine=Headline Magazine|place=[[Birmingham]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127133502/https://headlinemagazine.net/2017/04/13/ils-oeuvrent-dans-lombre-coup-de-projecteur-sur-nicolas-riot-concepteur-lumiere-cofondateur-de-chirac-design/|archive-date=27 November 2020|access-date=6 November 2021|trans-quote="Almost six weeks of touring then a month break before resuming for five or six weeks. The pace of these wanderings around the world is immutable and will stretch over three or four years".}}</ref> in Europe and at a number of summer music festivals, followed by a 27-date headlining tour of North America with [[Tesseract (band)|Tesseract]] as the opening act from mid-July through October 2016.<ref>2016 European and North American tour with Tesseract:
*{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Gojira, le groupe de metal ...|trans-title=Gojira, the French metal band that conquered the planet|url=https://www.rtbf.be/culture/musique/detail_gojira-le-groupe-de-metal-francais-qui-a-conquis-la-planete?id=9321971|url-status=live|language=fr|work=[[RTBF]]|agency=[[Agence France-Presse]]|date=10 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207173128/https://www.rtbf.be/culture/musique/detail_gojira-le-groupe-de-metal-francais-qui-a-conquis-la-planete?id=9321971|archive-date=7 February 2021|access-date=6 November 2021}}
*{{Cite news|last=Hartmann|first=Graham|date=2 May 2016|title=Gojira Announce 2016 North American Tour With Tesseract|url=http://loudwire.com/gojira-2016-north-american-tour-tesseract/|url-status=live|work=[[Loudwire]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160606063317/http://loudwire.com/gojira-2016-north-american-tour-tesseract/|archive-date=6 June 2016|access-date=6 November 2021}}</ref> By this time, Gojira had made seventeen US tours.<ref name="Soenen2016-06-24"/>{{sfn|Desgroux|2016|p=51}} The band began their UK and European arena tour in November and December with [[Alter Bridge]], [[Volbeat]] and [[Like a Storm]].<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Epic tour is epic|url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-news/alter-bridge-announce-arena-tour-with-volbeat-and-gojira/|url-status=live|work=[[Kerrang!]]|date=4 July 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210207140148/https://www.kerrang.com/the-news/alter-bridge-announce-arena-tour-with-volbeat-and-gojira/|archive-date=7 February 2021|access-date=6 November 2021}}</ref> A November 2016 ''Metal Hammer'' article said that Gojira had "emerged as one of the most important metal outfits on the planet",<ref name="Daly2016-11-11"/> with a "loyal, passionate, fiercely evangelical fanbase".<ref name="Brannigan2016-05-22"/> In mid-November, the band appeared on a live broadcast of the [[BBC Radio 1|BBC Radio 1 Rock Show]] at London's [[Maida Vale Studios]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Lach|first=Stef|date=15 November 2016|title=Watch Gojira perform The Shooting Star live on the BBC|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/watch-gojira-perform-the-shooting-star-live-on-the-bbc|url-status=live|work=Metal Hammer|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210213145337/https://www.loudersound.com/news/watch-gojira-perform-the-shooting-star-live-on-the-bbc|archive-date=13 February 2021|access-date=6 November 2021}}</ref> [[Kirk Hammett]] later called ''Magma'' "an incredible piece of art".<ref>{{cite news|last=Divita|first=Joe|date=23 November 2016|title=Metallica's Kirk Hammett Calls Gojira's 'Magma' Album 'An Incredible Piece of Art'|url=https://loudwire.com/metallica-kirk-hammett-gojira-magma-album-incredible-piece-art/|url-status=live|work=Loudwire|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030231822/https://loudwire.com/metallica-kirk-hammett-gojira-magma-album-incredible-piece-art/|archive-date=30 October 2020|access-date=8 February 2021}}</ref>

In January 2017, Gojira began a French tour with nine consecutive sold-out concerts.<ref name="Marraud2017-01-22"/>{{refn|group=nb|Grindcore band Nostromo, with whom Gojira shared the stage on the ''Terra Incognita'' tour, was chosen as the opener for the tour.<ref name="Nartz2017-01-23"/><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Michel|first=Magali|date=30 January 2017|title=Nantes ovationne Gojira|trans-title=Nantes acclaims Gojira|url=https://headlinemagazine.net/2017/01/30/nantes-ovationne-gojira/|url-status=live|language=fr|magazine=Headline Magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928130256/https://headlinemagazine.net/2017/01/30/nantes-ovationne-gojira/|archive-date=28 September 2020|access-date=7 November 2021}}</ref>}} Two more sold-out concerts concluded the French leg of the tour at the Paris [[Olympia (Paris)|Olympia]] on 1 and 2 April.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Gojira Concludes French Leg Of 'Magma' Tour With Two Sold-Out Shows In Paris|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-concludes-french-leg-of-magma-tour-with-two-sold-out-shows-in-paris-video/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=5 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609165916/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-concludes-french-leg-of-magma-tour-with-two-sold-out-shows-in-paris-video/|archive-date=9 June 2017|access-date=13 February 2021}}</ref> Within eight months of its release, ''Magma'' had sold 400,000 copies worldwide.<ref>{{cite news|last=d'Avout|first=Caroline|date=12 February 2017|title=Grammy Awards: ...|trans-title=Grammy Awards: Gojira very close to the stars|url=https://www.lesechos.fr/weekend/spectacles-musique/grammy-awards-le-francais-gojira-tout-pres-des-etoiles-1210934|url-status=live|work=[[Les Echos (France)|Les Echos]]|location=Paris|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206013620/https://www.lesechos.fr/weekend/spectacles-musique/grammy-awards-le-francais-gojira-tout-pres-des-etoiles-1210934|archive-date=6 February 2021|access-date=7 November 2021}}</ref> On 12 February 2017, the band was nominated for two Grammy Awards; ''Magma'' was nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Rock Album|Best Rock Album]] and its second single, "Silvera", was nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance|Best Metal Performance]] at the [[59th Annual Grammy Awards]] at the [[Staples Center]] in [[Los Angeles]].<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Grammys 2017: The complete list of winners|url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2017/02/12/winners-list-who-won-what-59th-annual-grammys/97737914/|url-status=live|work=[[USA Today]]|date=12 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112025200/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2017/02/12/winners-list-who-won-what-59th-annual-grammys/97737914/|archive-date=12 November 2020|access-date=7 November 2021}}</ref> At that time, Gojira was labeled a "French-American metal band" by the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Roberts|first=Randall|date=6 February 2017|title=Meet Gojira, the hard rockers who became a Grammy surprise|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-gojira-grammys-20170206-story.html|url-status=live|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209065244/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-gojira-grammys-20170206-story.html|archive-date=9 February 2017|access-date=7 November 2021}}</ref> On 6 May 2017, the band performed along with [[Opeth]], Mastodon, [[Eagles of Death Metal]], the Devin Townsend Project, and [[Russian Circles]] at [[Philadelphia]]'s [[Franklin Music Hall|Electric Factory]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Kaye |first=Ben |date=20 December 2016 |title=Mastodon, Opeth, Gojira, Eagles of Death Metal to play massive metal show in Philadelphia |url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2016/12/mastodon-opeth-gojira-eagles-of-death-metal-to-play-massive-metal-show-in-philadelphia/ |url-status=live |work=Consequence |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210213222814/https://consequenceofsound.net/2016/12/mastodon-opeth-gojira-eagles-of-death-metal-to-play-massive-metal-show-in-philadelphia/ |archive-date=13 February 2021 |access-date=9 January 2022}}</ref> ''Magma'' received the Best Album award at the ''Metal Hammer'' Golden Gods Awards on 12 June 2017.<ref name="Munro2017-06-12">{{cite news|last=Munro|first=Scott|date=12 June 2017|title=Golden Gods 2017: Mastodon, A7X and Gojira among winners|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/golden-gods-2017-mastodon-a7x-gojira-among-winners|url-status=live|work=Metal Hammer|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210117171431/https://www.loudersound.com/news/golden-gods-2017-mastodon-a7x-gojira-among-winners|archive-date=17 January 2021|access-date=17 January 2021}}</ref> Gojira began a short run of US co-headlining dates with Opeth,<ref>{{cite news|last=Childers|first=Chad|date=6 December 2016|title=Opeth + Gojira Reveal Brief 2017 U.S. Tour|url=https://loudwire.com/opeth-gojira-reveal-brief-2017-u-s-tour/|url-status=live|work=Loudwire|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803120902/https://loudwire.com/opeth-gojira-reveal-brief-2017-u-s-tour/|archive-date=3 August 2020|access-date=13 February 2021}}</ref> and supported [[Metallica]]'s US [[WorldWired Tour]] that summer with [[Avenged Sevenfold]] and [[Volbeat]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Lindy |date=13 February 2017 |title=Metallica announce huge tour with Avenged Sevenfold, Volbeat and Gojira |url=https://www.altpress.com/news/metallica_announce_huge_tour/ |url-status=live |work=[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520011008/https://www.altpress.com/news/metallica_announce_huge_tour/ |archive-date=20 May 2021 |access-date=7 November 2021}}</ref> They headlined the Main Stage 2 at [[Download Festival#2017|Download Festival]], before [[Linkin Park]] on the Main Stage 1, in Paris on 9 June and Spain on 22 June.<ref>Download Festival 2017 in Paris and Spain:
* {{cite news|last=Cosson|first=Nolwenn|date=9 June 2017|title=Gojira, ...|trans-title=Gojira, Blink 182 or even Linkin Park. The first big headliners of the rock and metal festival will perform this Friday|url=https://www.leparisien.fr/essonne-91/le-plessis-pate-91220/les-premiers-concerts-du-download-festival-font-vibrer-l-ex-base-militaire-de-bretigny-sur-orge-09-06-2017-7035795.php|url-status=live|language=fr|work=Le Parisien|place=[[Brétigny-sur-Orge Air Base]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213213947/https://www.leparisien.fr/essonne-91/le-plessis-pate-91220/les-premiers-concerts-du-download-festival-font-vibrer-l-ex-base-militaire-de-bretigny-sur-orge-09-06-2017-7035795.php|archive-date=13 February 2021|access-date=7 November 2021}}
* {{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=26 June 2017 |title=Download Festival Madrio 2017 |url=https://www.antena3.com/noticias/cultura/system-down-pogos-rabia-metal-download_201706265950d6480cf26ceeda345535.html |url-status=live |language=es |work=[[Antena 3 (Spanish TV channel)|Antena 3]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211107181648/https://www.antena3.com/noticias/cultura/system-down-pogos-rabia-metal-download_201706265950d6480cf26ceeda345535.html |archive-date=7 November 2021 |access-date=7 November 2021}}</ref> On 15 July, Gojira had top billing at the [[Dynamo Open Air#2017|Dynamo Metal Fest]] in [[Eindhoven]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Jim |date=26 March 2017 |title=Interview: Joe Duplantier of Gojira |url=https://www.moshville.co.uk/interview/2017/03/interview-joe-duplantier-of-gojira-2017gla/ |url-status=live |work=The Moshville Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723170159/https://www.moshville.co.uk/interview/2017/03/interview-joe-duplantier-of-gojira-2017gla/ |archive-date=23 July 2017 |access-date=7 November 2017}}</ref> The band played a US headlining tour during the fall; [[Converge (band)|Converge]], [[Code Orange (band)|Code Orange]], [[Pallbearer (band)|Pallbearer]], [[Oni (band)|Oni]], and [[Torche (band)|Torche]] supported them on selected dates with festival appearances.<ref>{{cite news|last=Petro|first=Larry|date=9 August 2017|title=Gojira Set To Launch US Headline Tour|url=http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=25294|url-status=live|work=[[KBUE]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026123405/http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=25294|archive-date=26 October 2020|access-date=7 November 2021}}</ref> In 2017, Mario Duplantier returned to France due to [[Multiple citizenship|visa-related]] technical reasons and to see his family, saying that Gojira "is a bit in Ondres, a little bit in Brooklyn, a bit in Bassussarry&nbsp;... Between the Landes, the United States, and the Basque Country".<ref name="Marraud2017-01-22"/>

[[File:Gojira - Wacken Open Air 2018-6596.jpg|thumb|alt=Gojira on a large festival stage|Gojira at Wacken Open Air in Germany, August 2018]]
In 2018, the band achieved headlining status at heavy metal festivals. Gojira played a string of festival dates throughout the summer, including the [[Tuska Open Air Metal Festival]], [[Brutal Assault|Brutal Assault Open Air]], and [[Bloodstock Open Air#BOA 2018|Bloodstock Open Air]].<ref>2018 marked their headlining debut at European festivals:
* {{cite news|last=Collins|first=Dillon|date=15 August 2018|title=Joe Duplantier Talks Becoming A Headliner, Being Somewhere Between A Scientist and Poet, and 'Surprising' New Material|url=https://metalinjection.net/interviews/gojiras-joe-duplantier-talks-becoming-a-headliner-being-somewhere-between-a-scientist-and-poet-and-surprising-new-material|url-status=live|work=Metal Injection|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125230743/https://metalinjection.net/interviews/gojiras-joe-duplantier-talks-becoming-a-headliner-being-somewhere-between-a-scientist-and-poet-and-surprising-new-material|archive-date=25 November 2020|access-date=14 February 2021}} 
* {{cite magazine|last=McHugh|first=Dan|date=26 August 2018|title=Interview: Mario Duplantier − Gojira|url=https://distortedsoundmag.com/interview-mario-duplantier-gojira-2018/|url-status=live|magazine=Distorted Sound Magazine|location=UK|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210214151347/https://distortedsoundmag.com/interview-mario-duplantier-gojira-2018/|archive-date=14 February 2021|access-date=14 February 2021}}</ref> In early August 2018, Gojira played to the largest crowd of their career at [[Pol'and'Rock Festival]] in [[Kostrzyn nad Odrą]], [[Poland]]. More than 400,000 people attended the festival.<ref>Gojira's performed at the Pol'and'Rock Festival − 400,000 attendees: 
* {{cite news |author=Redakcja |date=31 July 2017 |title=Pol'and'Rock Festival 2018 |url=https://www.radiozet.pl/Co-gdzie-kiedy-jak/Pol-and-Rock-Festival-2018-rozpiska-godzinowa-koncertow-Woodstock |url-status=live |language=pl |work=[[Radio ZET]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204120932/https://www.radiozet.pl/Co-gdzie-kiedy-jak/Pol-and-Rock-Festival-2018-rozpiska-godzinowa-koncertow-Woodstock |archive-date=4 December 2020 |access-date=8 November 2021}}
* {{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=4 July 2018 |title=Music festivals: What's the world's biggest? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-44697302 |url-status=live |language=en-GB |work=[[BBC News]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902130601/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-44697302 |archive-date=2 September 2021 |access-date=8 November 2021}}</ref> Nick John, who managed Gojira, Mastodon and Slayer, died of cancer on 8 September; John had managed Gojira since 2012.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Stutz|first=Colin|date=9 September 2018|title=Mastodon's Longtime Manager Nick John Dies|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/obituary/8474938/nick-john-mastodon-manager-dead-slayer-gojira|url-status=live|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428200400/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/obituary/8474938/nick-john-mastodon-manager-dead-slayer-gojira|archive-date=28 April 2019|access-date=8 November 2021}}</ref>

On 16 January 2019, Gojira released its Pol'and'Rock Festival 2018 set on YouTube.<ref>{{cite news|last=Chapstick|first=Kelsey|date=16 January 2019|title=Watch Gojira's Crushing Hour-Long Set at Massive Pol'And'Rock Festival 2018|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/watch-gojiras-crushing-hour-long-set-massive-polandrock-festival-2018|url-status=live|work=Revolver|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105180305/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/watch-gojiras-crushing-hour-long-set-massive-polandrock-festival-2018|archive-date=5 November 2019|access-date=8 November 2021}}</ref> That summer, they supported Slipknot on their US Knotfest Roadshow tour; [[Behemoth (band)|Behemoth]] and Volbeat were also supporting acts.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Blistein|first=Jon|date=4 March 2019|title=Slipknot Ready New Album, Plot North American Tour|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/slipknot-new-album-knotfest-roadshow-tour-dates-802821/|url-status=live|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111190451/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/slipknot-new-album-knotfest-roadshow-tour-dates-802821/|archive-date=11 November 2020|access-date=14 February 2021}}</ref> Gojira headlined the first day of the Hellfest Summer Open Air, one of Europe's largest metal festivals, on 21 June.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Roulleau |first=Denis |date=26 June 2019 |title=Live Report − Hellfest Experience |url=https://www.rollingstone.fr/live-report-hellfest-2019/ |url-status=live |language=fr |magazine=Rolling Stone |location=Paris |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220717114849/https://www.rollingstone.fr/live-report-hellfest-2019/ |archive-date=17 July 2022 |access-date=17 July 2022}}</ref> On 2 November, they supported Deftones during their Dia De Los Deftones Festival with [[Chvrches]], [[Youth Code]], [[JPEGMafia]] and [[Brutus (Belgian band)|Brutus]] at [[San Diego]]'s [[Petco Park]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Reed|first=Ryan|date=29 July 2019|title=Deftones Recruit Chvrches, Gojira for 2019 Dia De Los Deftones Festival|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/deftones-chvrches-gojira-dia-de-los-deftones-festival-864805/|url-status=live|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127062413/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/deftones-chvrches-gojira-dia-de-los-deftones-festival-864805/|archive-date=27 November 2020|access-date=8 November 2021}}</ref>

===''Fortitude'' (2020–present)===
In May 2020, Gojira streamed ''Live At Red Rocks'' on YouTube, their 2017 concert at [[Red Rocks Amphitheatre]] in [[Morrison, Colorado]], to celebrate their thousandth performance.<ref>{{cite news|last=Munro|first=Scott|date=4 August 2020|title=Gojira light up social media with Another Place To Be teaser|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/gojira-light-up-social-media-with-another-place-to-be-teaser|url-status=live|work=Metal Hammer|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210306143635/https://www.loudersound.com/news/gojira-light-up-social-media-with-another-place-to-be-teaser|archive-date=6 March 2021|access-date=9 November 2021}}</ref> The band released "Another World", their first single in four years, on 5 August;<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|date=5 August 2020|title=Gojira Share 'Another World', First New Song in Four Years|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/gojira-another-world-new-song-1039656/|url-status=live|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116110438/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/gojira-another-world-new-song-1039656/|archive-date=16 January 2021|access-date=9 November 2021}}</ref> it was their first ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''-charting single.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Rutherford|first=Kevin|date=14 August 2020|title=Gojira Makes First Billboard Songs Chart Appearance With 'Another World'|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/gojira-billboard-songs-chart-another-world|url-status=live|magazine=Billboard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903112942/https://www.billboard.com/amp/articles/business/chart-beat/9434729/gojira-billboard-songs-chart-another-world|archive-date=3 September 2020|access-date=21 November 2021}}</ref> It peaked at No.&nbsp;5 on the [[Billboard charts#Rock|Hard Rock Digital Song Sales]] and No. 12 on the [[Billboard charts#Rock|Hot Hard Rock Songs]] charts.<ref name="BB-hrdss">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/gojira/chart-history/hrd/ |title=Chart History {{!}} Gojira {{!}} Hard Rock Digital Song Sales |date=n.d. |magazine=Billboard |access-date=21 November 2021 |archive-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121195503/https://www.billboard.com/artist/gojira/chart-history/hrd/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="BB-hhrs">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/gojira/chart-history/hsg/ |title=Chart History {{!}} Gojira {{!}} Hot Hard Rock Songs |date=n.d. |magazine=Billboard |access-date=21 November 2021 |archive-date=11 May 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210511161604/https://www.billboard.com/music/gojira/chart-history/HSG |url-status=live }}</ref> Their performance at Hellfest 2019 was made available for streaming on YouTube in November 2020.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kennelty |first=Greg |date=19 November 2020 |title=Watch Gojira's Entire Hellfest 2019 Performance |url=https://metalinjection.net/video/watch-gojiras-entire-hellfest-2019-performance-while-its-still-up |url-status=live |work=Metal Injection |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203111306/https://metalinjection.net/video/watch-gojiras-entire-hellfest-2019-performance-while-its-still-up |archive-date=3 February 2021 |access-date=9 November 2021}}</ref>

Gojira announced their seventh studio album, ''[[Fortitude (album)|Fortitude]]'', on 17 February 2021.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Grow|first=Kory|date=17 February 2021|title=See Gojira's Trippy Video for Heavy Headbanger 'Born for One Thing'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/gojiras-trippy-born-for-one-thing-1129360/|url-status=live|language=en-US|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218075029/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/gojiras-trippy-born-for-one-thing-1129360/|archive-date=18 February 2021|access-date=11 November 2021}}</ref> Production had begun in early 2018 at Silver Cord Studio, and its original June 2020 release date had been postponed to September of that year due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="Law2021-02-18">{{cite news|last=Law|first=Sam|date=18 February 2021|title=Inside Gojira's new metal masterpiece&nbsp;...|url=https://www.kerrang.com/features/inside-gojira-new-metal-masterpiece-fortitude-and-their-fight-for-our-future/?next|url-status=live|work=[[Kerrang!]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210220181303/https://www.kerrang.com/features/inside-gojira-new-metal-masterpiece-fortitude-and-their-fight-for-our-future/?next|archive-date=20 February 2021|access-date=20 February 2021}}</ref> ''Fortitude'' was called "one of 2021's most heavily anticipated metal releases".<ref name="JurekFortitude">{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/mw0003483886 |title=Gojira: Fortitude |website=AllMusic |last1=Jurek |first1=Thom |access-date=14 November 2021 |archive-date=13 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211113225249/https://www.allmusic.com/album/mw0003483886 |url-status=live }}</ref> Gojira's 2021 single, "Amazonia", was released as part of a month-long fundraiser by the band for a [[Indigenous peoples in Brazil|Brazilian]] [[indigenous rights]] initiative.<ref name=":0">{{cite magazine|last=Grow|first=Kory|date=2021-03-26|title=Gojira Rage Against Deforestation in New 'Amazonia' Video|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/gojira-amazonia-1147594/|url-status=live|language=en-US|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326175220/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/gojira-amazonia-1147594/|archive-date=2021-03-26|access-date=2021-04-21}}</ref> It peaked at No.&nbsp;17 on the ''Billboard'' Hot Hard Rock Songs charts, and the band also placed the single "Born for One Thing" at No.&nbsp;18.<ref name="BB-hhrs"/>

''Fortitude'', produced and recorded by Joe Duplantier at Silver Cord Studio and mixed by [[Andy Wallace (producer)|Andy Wallace]], was released on 30 April 2021 on Roadrunner Records.<ref>{{cite news|last=Carter|first=Emily|date=17 February 2021|title=Gojira announce new album Fortitude, unleash huge single 'Born For One Thing'|url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-news/gojira-announce-new-album-fortitude-unleash-lead-single-born-for-one-thing/|url-status=live|work=Kerrang!|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217185227/https://www.kerrang.com/the-news/gojira-announce-new-album-fortitude-unleash-lead-single-born-for-one-thing/|archive-date=17 February 2021|access-date=11 November 2021}}</ref> Sonically, the album contained an array of genres, tempos, and [[Social consciousness|socially conscious]] songs, as they continued venturing into new territory while maintaining the band's trademark sound.<ref name="JurekFortitude"/> ''Fortitude'' topped the US [[iTunes]] all-genre sales chart<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|date=30 April 2021|title=Rumor Mill|url=https://hitsdailydouble.com/news&id=326273&title=FLIPOVER-FRIDAY%3A-NEW-ARRIVALS-AT-iTUNES-AND-APPLE-MUSIC|url-status=live|work=[[Hits (magazine)|Hits]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210505151554/https://hitsdailydouble.com/news&id=326273&title=FLIPOVER-FRIDAY:-NEW-ARRIVALS-AT-iTUNES-AND-APPLE-MUSIC|archive-date=5 May 2021|access-date=5 May 2021}}</ref> and debuted at No.&nbsp;12 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]. It topped the ''Billboard'' Top Rock Albums and Hard Rock Albums charts. The album topped the ''Billboard'' [[Top Album Sales#2021|Top Album Sales]] and [[Billboard charts#Albums|Top Current Albums Sales]] charts with 27,372 [[album-equivalent unit]]s; 24,104 were [[Record sales|album sales]], making it the bestselling album in its opening week in the United States. ''Fortitude'' exceeded ''Magma''{{'s}} chart positions and sales.<ref name="LW2021-05-11"/>{{refn|group=nb|[[DJ Khaled]]'s [[Khaled Khaled]] took the No.&nbsp;1 spot on the ''Billboard'' 200 with 94,000 [[album-equivalent unit]]s, but 15,000 were pure sales. Gojira sold more traditional copies (24,104), outperforming DJ Khaled's new album. DJ Khaled's album-equivalent units included more streaming equivalent albums than Gojira, which helped him gain the highest chart position.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hadusek |first=Jon |date=12 May 2021 |title=Gojira's Fortitude Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Album Sales Chart |url=https://consequence.net/2021/05/gojira-fortitude-no-1-top-album-sales-chart/ |url-status=live |work=[[Consequence (publication)|Consequence]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512133137/https://consequence.net/2021/05/gojira-fortitude-no-1-top-album-sales-chart/ |archive-date=12 May 2021 |access-date=28 October 2021}}</ref>}} The album topped the [[UK Rock & Metal Singles and Albums Charts|UK Rock & Metal Albums]] chart.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/rock-and-metal-albums-chart/ |title=Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40 |website=[[Official Charts Company|Official Charts]] |access-date=12 July 2021 |archive-date=11 May 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210511175100/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/rock-and-metal-albums-chart/ |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> It reached No.&nbsp;3 on the Australian Albums Chart and No.&nbsp;8 on the [[GfK Entertainment charts|German Albums Chart]].<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.-->|title=Gojira Makes Global Chart Impact With 'Fortitude'|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-makes-global-chart-impact-with-fortitude/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=12 May 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210512165303/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gojira-makes-global-chart-impact-with-fortitude/|archive-date=12 May 2021|access-date=12 November 2021}}</ref> Upon release, the album received critical praise reviews from music critics of ''The Guardian'', ''Rolling  Stone'', ''Kerrang!'', ''Metal Hammer'', and ''Revolver''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Petro |first=Larry |date=29 October 2021 |title=Gojira Drop New Video For 'Sphinx' |url=http://knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=39792 |url-status=live |work=[[KBUE]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104052829/http://knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=39792 |archive-date=4 November 2021 |access-date=11 November 2021}}</ref> In mid-May 2021, "New Found" peaked at No.&nbsp;24 on the Hot Hard Rock Songs charts;<ref name="BB-hhrs"/> Gojira was No.&nbsp;12 on the ''Billboard'' [[Artist 100]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/gojira/chart-history/ats/ |title=Chart History {{!}} Gojira {{!}} Billboard Artist 100 |date=15 May 2021 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=21 November 2021}}</ref>

[[File:Gojira au Hellfest 2022.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|alt=Gojira onstage, under orange and blue lights|Gojira headlining [[Hellfest]] during the 2022 Fortitude Tour]]
Their headlining US tour commenced on 24 September.<ref>{{cite news |last=Enis |first=Eli |date=12 July 2021 |title=Gojira Announce New Fall Headline Tour Dates |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/events/gojira-announce-new-fall-headline-tour-dates |url-status=live |work=Revolver |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715085626/https://www.revolvermag.com/events/gojira-announce-new-fall-headline-tour-dates |archive-date=15 July 2021 |access-date=11 November 2021}}</ref> On 1 November, Lamb of God's Randy Blythe made a guest appearance at Gojira's concert in his hometown of [[Richmond, Virginia]], which marked the first time they had performed "Adoration for None" live together.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hadusek |first=Jon |date=2 November 2021 |title=Gojira and Randy Blythe Perform Joint Song 'Adoration for None' for First Time Ever: Watch |url=https://consequence.net/2021/11/gojira-randy-blythe-adoration-for-none-live/ |url-status=live |work=Consequence |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105093734/https://consequence.net/2021/11/gojira-randy-blythe-adoration-for-none-live/ |archive-date=5 November 2021 |access-date=11 November 2021}}</ref> Gojira announced a UK and European headline tour from mid-January to mid-March 2022, with performances at the [[Tauron Arena Kraków]], [[Motorpoint Arena Nottingham]], and [[Cardiff International Arena]], among other locations.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=1 July 2021 |title=Gojira announce huge UK and European tour for 2022 |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/gojira-announce-huge-uk-and-european-tour-for-2022 |url-status=live |work=Metal Hammer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703125547/https://www.loudersound.com/news/gojira-announce-huge-uk-and-european-tour-for-2022 |archive-date=3 July 2021 |access-date=24 December 2021}}</ref> The band also announced a three-date French arena tour, including the [[Accor Arena]]. It marked Gojira's first-ever headline [[arena]] shows in Europe and the UK.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lemaire |first=Clara |date=1 July 2021 |title=Gojira: 3 concerts... |trans-title=Gojira: 3 concerts in France in 2022 including a date at the Accor Arena in Paris |url=https://www.rocknfolk.com/concerts/gojira-3-concerts-en-france-en-2022-dont-une-date-a-laccor-arena-a-paris/64261 |url-status=live |language=fr |work=[[Rock & Folk]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719175011/https://www.rocknfolk.com/concerts/gojira-3-concerts-en-france-en-2022-dont-une-date-a-laccor-arena-a-paris/64261 |archive-date=19 July 2021 |access-date=24 December 2021 |trans-quote=A major first, but also a consecration for the group, which held the Olympia for two dates during its last visit to Paris in 2017.}}</ref> However, the tour was postponed to July 2022 and February 2023 due to Covid-19-related restrictions.<ref>{{cite news |last=Carter |first=Emily |date=16 February 2022 |title=Gojira reschedule UK and European tour ... |url=https://www.kerrang.com/gojira-reschedule-uk-and-european-tour-with-alien-weaponry-and-employed-to-serve |url-status=live |language=en-GB |work=Kerrang! |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220716163227/https://www.kerrang.com/gojira-reschedule-uk-and-european-tour-with-alien-weaponry-and-employed-to-serve |archive-date=16 July 2022 |access-date=16 July 2022}}</ref> "Amazonia" received a nomination for Best Metal Performance at the [[64th Annual Grammy Awards#Rock|2022 Grammy Awards]].<ref name="Phillips2022">{{cite news |last=Phillips |first=Jevon |date=3 April 2021 |title=Here's the complete list of 2022 Grammy Award winners |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-04-03/2022-grammy-winners-complete-list |url-status=live |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404012603/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-04-03/2022-grammy-winners-complete-list |archive-date=4 April 2022 |access-date=4 April 2021}}</ref> Andreu left Gojira on the remaining eight dates of their 2022 North American tour with Deftones to be present with his newborn child. They recruited Aldrick Guadagnino from the French band Klone to replace him temporarily from 18 to 28 May.<ref name="Roche2022-05-18">{{cite news |last=Roche |first=Sam |date=18 May 2022 |title=Gojira's Christian Andreu to sit out remainder of band's North America tour |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/gojira-christian-andreu-will-not-play-remainder-of-us-tour |url-status=live |work=Guitar World |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220519171813/https://www.guitarworld.com/news/gojira-christian-andreu-will-not-play-remainder-of-us-tour |archive-date=19 May 2022 |access-date=15 July 2022 }}</ref> On 19 June, Gojira headlined the third day of Hellfest Summer Open Air, performing to a crowd of 60,000.<ref>Hellfest 2022:
* {{cite news |last=Colombani |first=Franck |date=29 June 2022 |title=Hellfest: ... |trans-title=Hellfest: Metallica closes a Dantesque festival in style |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/culture/article/2022/06/27/musique-metallica-cloture-en-beaute-un-hellfest-gargantuesque_6132154_3246.html |url-status=live |language=fr |work=[[Le Monde]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220627081257/https://www.lemonde.fr/culture/article/2022/06/27/musique-metallica-cloture-en-beaute-un-hellfest-gargantuesque_6132154_3246.html |archive-date=27 June 2022 |access-date=16 July 2022 |url-access=subscription }}
* {{cite news |last1=((Bureau)) |first1=Eric |last2=Valentin |first2=Michel |date=20 June 2022 |title=Journal de bord du Hellfest, ... |trans-title=Hellfest logbook, day 3: And the monster Gojira atomized us |url=https://www.leparisien.fr/culture-loisirs/musique/journal-de-bord-du-hellfest-jour-3-et-le-monstre-gojira-nous-atomisa-20-06-2022-BSHSMYZQ4BBWRH4JJ2BM3YHXGE.php |language=fr |work=Le Parisien |access-date=17 July 2022 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=16 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716142526/https://www.leparisien.fr/culture-loisirs/musique/journal-de-bord-du-hellfest-jour-3-et-le-monstre-gojira-nous-atomisa-20-06-2022-BSHSMYZQ4BBWRH4JJ2BM3YHXGE.php |url-status=live }}</ref> The band then went on a 4-date South America tour, including performances at the [[Movistar Arena (Bogotá)|Movistar Arena]] and the [[Estadio Luna Park|Luna Park arena]].<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Lamet |first=Christian |date=1 September 2022 |title=Gojira |url=https://hardforce.com/actu/40656/gojira-ca-chauffe-en-amerique-du-sud-chili |url-status=live |language=fr |magazine=Hard Force Magazine |location=Paris |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925142700/https://hardforce.com/actu/40656/gojira-ca-chauffe-en-amerique-du-sud-chili |archive-date=25 September 2022 |access-date=23 October 2022 |oclc=32640105}}</ref>{{refn|group=nb|A riot broke out at the entrance to the  [[Teatro Caupolicán|Caupolicán Theatre]] in [[Chile]] on 30 August 2022 when 80 fans attempted to enter the venue during the concert, which had sold out in less than 24 hours. This required the intervention of [[Carabineros de Chile|national police officers]], and two security guards were injured.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=31 August 2022 |title=Video: Avalancha humana deja dos guardias heridos en concierto de Gojira |trans-title=Video: Human avalanche leaves two guards injured at Gojira concert |url=https://www.24horas.cl/actualidad/nacional/avalancha-humana-deja-dos-guardias-heridos-en-concierto-de-gojira |url-status=live |language=es-CL |work=[[24 horas (Chilean TV program)|24 horas]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901015935/https://www.24horas.cl/actualidad/nacional/avalancha-humana-deja-dos-guardias-heridos-en-concierto-de-gojira |archive-date=1 September 2022 |access-date=23 October 2022}}</ref>}}

On 26 July 2024, Gojira performed at the [[2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremony]] in [[Paris]];<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Del Bello |first=Romain |date=27 July 2024 |title=JO 2024 : Gojira, la surprise metal de la cérémonie d'ouverture |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/musiques/article/2024/07/27/paris-2024-gojira-la-surprise-metal-de-la-ceremonie-d-ouverture_6259110_1654986.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=3 September 2024 |language=fr |agency=[[Agence France-Presse]] |archive-date=24 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824055340/https://www.lemonde.fr/musiques/article/2024/07/27/paris-2024-gojira-la-surprise-metal-de-la-ceremonie-d-ouverture_6259110_1654986.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Kaufman |first=Spencer |date=29 July 2024 |title=Gojira Reflect on Mind-Blowing Olympics Performance |url=https://consequence.net/2024/07/gojira-reflect-olympics-performancce/ |access-date=3 September 2024 |website=[[Consequence (publication)|Consequence Heavy]] |archive-date=3 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240903142150/https://consequence.net/2024/07/gojira-reflect-olympics-performancce/ |url-status=live }}</ref> their exhibition, held at the [[Conciergerie]],<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> consisted in a live rendition of French classic [[French Revolution|revolutionary]] song "[[Ça Ira]]", arranged in collaboration with Victor Le Masne, and performed with [[opera singer]] Marina Viotti.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |last=Marshall |first=Alex |date=26 July 2024 |title=What was with that heavy metal band? That was Gojira. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/article/opening-ceremony-heavy-metal-band-gojira.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=27 July 2024 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> In the process, the band became the first [[hard rock]] or metal act to ever perform in an opening ceremony at the [[Olympic Games]].<ref name=":1" /> On 30 August, Gojira released a studio version of their rendition, named "Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)", as a single on streaming services.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaufman |first=Spencer |date=30 August 2024 |title=Gojira Unleash Single Version of Electrifying Olympics Performance |url=https://consequence.net/2024/08/gojira-single-version-olympics-mea-culpa-ah-ca-ira/ |access-date=3 September 2024 |website=[[Consequence (publication)|Consequence Heavy]] |archive-date=3 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240903142151/https://consequence.net/2024/08/gojira-single-version-olympics-mea-culpa-ah-ca-ira/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hobson |first=Rich |date=30 August 2024 |title=The 13 best new metal songs you need to hear right now |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/best-new-metal-gojira- |access-date=3 September 2024 |website=[[Louder (magazine)|Louder]]}}</ref> In November, "Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)" was unveiled as a nominee for the Best Metal Performance at the [[67th Annual Grammy Awards#Rock|2025 Grammy Awards]],<ref name="grammy2025">{{cite web |last1=Kaufman |first1=Spencer |title=Grammys 2025: Gojira, Judas Priest, Metallica among metal nominees |url=https://consequence.net/2024/11/grammys-2025-metal-nominees/ |website=[[Consequence of Sound|Consequence]] |access-date=19 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111073616/https://consequence.net/2024/11/grammys-2025-metal-nominees/ |archive-date=11 November 2024 |date=8 November 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> their third nomination in the category, which they ultimately won.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=67th Annual GRAMMY Awards {{!}} GRAMMY.com |url=https://www.grammy.com/awards/67th-annual-grammy-awards-2024 |access-date=2025-02-26 |website=grammy.com}}</ref>
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