THE CITY GATES: Canadian post-punk

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Canadian post-punk band The City Gates have released “La Douleur (Des Mortels)”, one of their few songs in French. Mastermind Maxime explains what’s behind the track: “As time goes by, we’re getting older and have experienced the loss of some loved ones. We also see a world that feels increasingly unstable, as if it is slowly crumbling around us. Death can come at any time, often without warning. It’s unsettling, but it’s also a part of life. The song addresses these feelings and the silent fears that come with being human. Nevertheless, we are people who love life deeply. But through our music we face our fears, obsessions and vulnerabilities. It’s a way of overcoming them. To transform them into something beautiful.”

What is the greatest pain for us mortals, apart from death? “Disease, autocracy, social inequality in all its forms and human misery. All these things weigh heavily on us humans. They remind us of how fragile we are – not just physically, but emotionally and socially. These struggles often find their way into our music as a reflection of this shared vulnerability. ‘La Douleur (des Mortels)’ is a synthesis of all these elements. It is a silent cry against transience. Every line is a desperate prayer, every riff a paused heartbeat. It is an incantation for those who move through the night in search of a fragment of light.”

The mastering was done by none other than William Faith (Faith and the Muse). Although The City Gates love the DIY approach to their creative process, they “wanted to explore new dimensions. William, who was already a fan of our music, immediately understood our sound world – its heaviness, melody and intensity. Working with him was fluid and natural. The result is exactly what we had hoped for.”

The City Gates are already working on a new album, which is due to be released in April 2026. This will also be accompanied by a European tour, which is planned from May 29 to June 6, 2026. “Our friends and bandmates Golden Apes will be joining us on stage for the first three concerts,” says Maxime happily.

Listen to the song here: