Misanthrope, formed in Livry‑Gargan, Seine‑Saint‑Denis, by Philippe Courtois de l'Argilière as vocalist and guitarist, emerged from a trio in 1989 and drew on Molière for its name. The band released its debut album Variation on Inductive Theories: Architecture Screenplans in 1993, followed by Miracles: Totem Taboo (1994), 1666... Théâtre Bizarre (1995), Visionnaire (1997), and Libertine Humiliations (1998). In 2000, the band released the compilation Recueil d'Éceuils : Les Épaves… Et Autres Œuvres Interdites (2000). Subsequent albums Misanthrope Immortel (2000), Sadistic Sex Daemon (2003), Metal Hurlant (2005), IrremeDIABLE (2008), Ænigma Mystica (2013), and ΑXΩ (Alpha x Omega) (2017) showcased a blend of melodic death, doom, and black metal, with occasional collaborations on tribute compilations. The group maintained an active touring schedule across Europe, and continued to release material, marking a sustained presence in the French extreme metal scene. Following Les Déclinistes in 2023, Misanthrope released their first live recording, Immortal Wars in Eden in 2024. In 2025, the band returned with Death Ascent, followed by the live album Encore... Plus Bizarre (2025), and Tribute to Their Majesties, a collection of covers of songs by Iron Maiden, Sepultura, Accept, Kreator, Megadeth, Dio, Annihilator, Morsüre, Sacred Reich, and Deicide. In 2026, they released Embrasement through their longtime label, Holy Records.
