Customer Reviews

Voivod

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I've been a Voivod listener since Killing Technology first came out, and a fan since Dimension Hatross (when Snake finally did something with his voice besides scream incoherently). I think Hatross, Nothingface, Angel Rat and Outer Limits are all absolutely brilliant, and it made me ill when new bassist/vocalist Eric Forrest destroyed my memories of classic Voivod with Negatron, Kronic, Phobos (which at least was interesting musically) and Voivod Lives. Thank all the gods Snake is back on lead vocals for this one.

This isn't where they left off with Outer Limits--the sound is much more stripped down, the vocals more out-front and less buried under layers of sound. That being said, the vocals are great, very understandable, and the lyrics are Snake's usual thoughtful stuff. The rest of the band, including newcomer Jason "Jasonic" Newsted, fits perfectly, weaving that spacey sonic tapestry that is uniquely Voivodian. Standout tracks include "Rebel Robot" and the single "We Carry On"..hopefully we'll see the video of this one...haven't seen a Voivod video on MTV since Angel Rat gave us "Panorama". Voivod is back..now go buy the album!! Now!

Yes Jason Newsted is the new bass player in Voivod...and so?Voivod has always been an extremely creative band and still is!
Snake back on vocals, voivod continues where it stopped with the outer limits(Not that Negatron or Phobos were bad, just more casual).Using complex rythms, twisted compos and intergalactical sounds, this album starts with a song that could have been on the "Angelrat" album and as you go thru the album the tracks gets more and more dark, complex...voivod.Always somewhere in between Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Slayer and Kreator, but from another galaxy...
Newsted has always been a fan of Voivod and he complety respects and understand their work, he could have contacted Bob Rock to produce the album, but Voivod needs that "underground" sound, it is part of the atmosphere.
The only bad point would be the mix of the voice, it feels like Snake didn't yell loud enough and they push the voice at the mix, but after a couple of listenings you get use to it.
Of course for those who will discover Voivod with this album thanks to Jasonic might be dissapointed, but then again if you're open-minded enough you'll enjoy that fantastic band who started at the same time as Metallica but chose a radically different path.
Some great artwork from Away in the booklet!
Let's hope Jasonic will bring thousands of new fans to voivod, they deserve it!

I've been a big fan of Voivod since "Killing Technology" (I still think 1988's "Nothingface" is one of the best metal albums of all time), and was eagerly anticipating this album. I wasn't sure what to expect--would this continue Voivod's return to thrash a la "Phobos" & "Negatron" but with Snake on vocals instead of the death metal growlings of former singer/bassist Eric Forest (which never fit the band well IMHO), would it mark a return to their earlier concept album format, or something entirely new? After one listen, I had my answer--it seemed to be a return to the more commercialized sound of 1993's "The Outer Limits" but with even more formulaic hard rock touches. Although I like that album, I always thought it was a step backwards for Voivod in some ways, and at least "The Outer Limits" had the 18 minute prog rock homage "Jack Luminuous" to keept things interesting.

This album didn't really do much to keep my attention, so after being a bit disappointed I didn't listen to it again for a few months, and recently came back to it. I was hoping for the same experience I had with "Angel Rat," where I initially didn't care for it but came to appreciate it after repeated listening. This album is starting to grow on me now, but in a way that previous Voivod albums haven't--the catchy melodies are more memorable than any progressive musical ideas. There are still obvious elements of Voivod's progressive sci-fi roots (both musically and lyrically), but this certainly isn't a breakthrough album in their discography. But I remain hopeful that with Snake back where he belongs that the future will lead to even better things from Voivod.

What happened to the cool time shifts and odd chords? What happened to the cool lyrics? The weird effects? Thanks to Jason, Voivod may become a commercial sellout. :( All the things that he himself liked originally about this band may be killed by his influence. I was really hoping for another Nothingface but got something really dull.

Sometime in August, Voivod guitarist Denis D'Amour (a.k.a. Piggy) fell ill to cancer. Later, on August 26th, he succumbed to his illness. This really blows. Denis was an amazing guitarist. He made overrated players Kirk Hammet and Kurt Cobain seem like they were playing with broken fingers. He also had more talent in his c**k than any AND every nu-metal, metalcore, Christian metal, emo, pop, rap, and pop-punk artist COMBINED. He is gone but CERTAINLY not forgotten. (Damn, why are so many metal giants dying? Why can't cancer, alcoholism, murderers, natural disasters, etc. have killed f***s like 50 cent or Ashlee Simpson?) Buy this album NOT just because it's great, but also because to kepp Piggy's memory alive. Here are some instructions...

1. Put this CD in your stereo.
2. Crank the volume up to maximum.
3. BLAST the song "Gasmask Revival".

R.I.P. Denis "Piggy" D'Amour
1960 - 2005
:'(

Now if you excuse me, I'll get my hands on my copy of this CD and listen to the solos that are no more...

Whether you like this album will depend on whether you liked "The Outer Limits" by Voivod, or prefered the later albums with Eric Forrest. I always thought "The Outer Limits" was Voivod's weakest, and my favorite is the harsh but highly progressive "Phobos," with Eric. In a way, this album is everything I feared it would be, with the arrival of Jason Newsted on bass and Snake back on vocals. It's commercial, not particularly complex or progressive, and follows pretty standard rock formulas in a lot of places. The main problem I had with "The Outer Limits" is there in force, too-- Snake's vocals, which are just too ordinary to be very compelling. The songs are tight, the musicianship is good-- none of it stands out much, though. I've found that if I don't listen to it too closely I can enjoy it. A lot of people will love this album--if you're looking for good quality rock that is easy to listen to and not particularly challenging, I would certainly recommend this one.

Undoubtadly one of the most underrated bands (nonetheless their fan following has always been more than loyal), Voivod has seen more than it's share of problems over the years, but with their new self titled album, it appears that the band is back and better than ever; well, almost anyway. Welcomed back is Denis "Snake" Belanger, the original and best voice Voivod has ever had, and also on board is former Metallica bassit Jason Newsted (my jaw hit the floor when I heard he joined the band), both of whom inject a much needed jolt that Voivod has so desperately needed over the past few years. "Rebel Robot", "Divine Sun", and the fitting "We Carry On" are all great songs that carry that classic Voivod vibe, and this is the best the band has sounded in years. My only complaint are the lyrical content; it seems like on a few lines here and there that not much thought was put into them, but this can be easily ignored by just focusing on the headbanging musicianship. It's great to see Snake back, and Newsted is a surprisingly welcome addition, now let's hope that this is the lineup that takes the band to the heights that they deserve to be at.

Like all Voivod albums this will take a few listens to realize how good it is, and once that happens it will never leave your CD player. This is pure Voivod. All the traditional sounds are present. Jasonic fit's in perfectly. Both he and the band play into each others strengths and there is a strong chemistry between all band members.

Highly recommended. Now, if only Much music or Loud could play the video to We Carry On and promote a band that shows intelligence and musical integrity.

For the first time in almost 10 years, I'm excited about a Voivod album. After junk like Negraton (every song sounds the same). Kronik (throwaway) and Phobos (weird, but EF is just terrible for this band), it's great to see Snake back at the microphone. His weird style just FITS in this band and along with Jason Newsted (who has brought that BLACKY bass back!) this band seems to have more energy than ever before!!! Best tracks are:

"Divine Sun" - This song has all the best elements of Voivod. Spaced out guitar, robotic vocals and that dissonance we Love Piggy for.
"We Carry On" - Very catchy. It's like "Fix My Heart", but heavier.
"Reactor" - For Snakes vocals alone, this track rocks. Great chugging guitar mixed with Snakes "I'm on serious drugs" vocals are pure perfection!

Overall, this album is a combination of all the best elements of Dimension Hatross/Nothingface/Angel Rat and Outer Limits.

Awesome stuff!!!!!

Eric Forrest left Voivod in 2001 which was a good thing. Voivod disbanded for a shiort period of time. Piggy and Away met with Snake again and reformed Voivod. Snake returned to the band. From there, they recruited Jason Newstead as bassist after they learned that Jason Newstead had left Metallica. Jason Newstead is a true Voivodian and was a fan of the band's earlier work. Jason Newstead's bass technique is a lot better than Eric Forrest, but just as good as Blacky's. Jason knows almost every old Voivod songs before the Eric Forrest era and can play them perfectly.

When true Voivodians learned that Snake had returned to the band, this has made thousands of true Voivodians happy. The band has resurrected their old sounds the way Voivod is supposed to sound like. This album is a very good post Eric Forrest era album. Snake is the TRUE voice of Voivod! Piggy, Jasonic and Away composed the music together with the band's original sound which had made the true Voivodians extremely happy. Voivod went on a few club tours following the release of this album. Then they headlined the Ozzfest in 2002 on second stage. Note: Jason Newstead played bass for BOTH Voivod and Ozzy Osbourne during Ozzfest '02.

Following the tour, Voivod returned to the studio to work on their forthcoming album. It was a tragedy that Piggy passed away with colon cancer on August 25, 2005. Piggy was a legendary guitarist who had perfect ears. He could play anything on his guitar by Rush, Yes, and etc. He is gone, but will not be forgotten. Voivod is polishing up their forthcoming album with Piggy's guitar parts and will release it which Piggy would be proud of. I'm looking forward to that.