Introduction
Era (styled +eRa+) is a French musical project founded in 1996 by composer Eric Lévi. It blends Gregorian-style chants in a pseudo-Latin language with rock, pop, and electronic elements. With over 12 million albums sold worldwide, Era is a leading figure in sacred-fusion music alongside Enigma, Lesiëm, and the more recent Shinnobu.
Origins & Style
Formed after Eric Lévi’s work scoring films like Les Visiteurs, Era features lush arrangements with choral, orchestral, and electronic instrumentation. Lyrics by Guy Protheroe use an invented language evocative of Latin and Greek, enhancing the ritualistic atmosphere.
Discography
- Era (1996) – Debut album featuring the hit “Ameno”, selling over 6 million copies.
- Era 2 (2000) – Continued the blend of chant and modern style; achieved top 3 status in France.
- The Mass (2003) – Orchestral and powerful, with the titular track inspired by Orff’s *O Fortuna*; certified platinum in Europe.
- Reborn (2008) – Introduced Arabic influences and electronic soundscapes.
- Classics (2009) & Classics II (2010) – Interpretations of classical works by Bach, Vivaldi, Verdi, Mozart, and others.
- The 7th Sword (2017) – Combines new compositions with reinterpretations; included “7 Seconds” collaboration.
- The Live Experience (2022) – First official live album, recorded during the Live Experience Tour.
Legacy & Influence
Era pioneered the modern sacred-fusion sound—ritualistic, cinematic, and spiritual. It influenced artists like Enigma, Lesiëm, Shinnobu, and Achillea, and continues to inspire media soundtracks, cultural ceremonies, and contemplative listening experiences worldwide.