Avant que l'ombre...

Avant que l'ombre... (English: Before the Shadow) is the sixth studio album by French pop singer-songwriter Mylène Farmer, released on 4 April 2005, through the label Polydor. Lyrics were written by Mylene herself and production was supervised by Laurent Boutonnat. The albums' genres mainly consist of synth-pop, french-pop, gothic-pop, electronic and pop rock. The album deals with overt themes and lyrics of love, spirituality, faith, identity, self-reflection, and solitude.

Upon release, the album did well commercially; however, its critical reception varies from many mixed reviews. The album debuted at number one on the French Albums Chart and held the top spot for several weeks. It was certified diamond in France by the SNEP (Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique), signifying over 750,000 copies sold, and eventually exceeded 1 million sales worldwide. The album also charted in Belgium (Wallonia) and Switzerland, reinforcing Farmer’s strong presence in Francophone countries. Despite its relatively introspective tone and slower tempo compared to her earlier, more dance-oriented works, it resonated deeply with fans. Critics gave the album mixed to positive reviews, with praise for its lyrical depth, polished production, and Farmer’s haunting vocal style. The project also gained attention due to its elaborate promotion, including the announcement of a highly anticipated concert residency at Paris-Bercy, her first live performances since 1996.

The album produced five singles, each achieving notable chart success in France and other Francophone regions. The lead single, “Fuck Them All" debuted at number two on the French Singles Chart and was certified silver in France. “Q.I” the second single, reached number seven in France and was the most broadcast French-language song worldwide in 2005. The third single, “Redonne-moi" a slow ballad, peaked at number seven in France. “L’amour n’est rien…” achieved significant success in France, peaking at number seven, and was notably one of the most played songs in Russia in 2006. The final single, “Peut-être toi” reached number three in France and featured an anime-style music video directed by Naoko Kusumi, which was selected for competition at the Anima Mundi International Animation Festival. Collectively, these singles reinforced Farmer’s enduring popularity and showcased her willingness to experiment with diverse musical and visual styles.