Voivod

Voivod is a Canadian progressive thrash metal band from Jonquière, Quebec, formed in 1982. The group is known for combining thrash metal with progressive rock and later progressive metal, and for lyrics that draw heavily on science fiction imagery.

Formation and early years

The band forms around Denis “Piggy” D’Amour, Michel “Away” Langevin and Jean-Yves “Blacky” Thériault, with Denis “Snake” Bélanger later joining as vocalist. Voivod becomes one of the first Canadian punk and thrash acts to find success outside Canada. In the mid-1980s it releases four albums: War and Pain, Rrröööaaarrr, Killing Technology and Dimension Hatröss.

Major-label period and musical direction

The band’s blend of thrash and progressive rock leads to a deal with MCA Records. Its first major-label album, Nothingface, appears in 1989. The video for its cover of Pink Floyd’s “Astronomy Domine” receives heavy MTV play. Voivod also tours as a club headliner alongside bands including Soundgarden and Faith No More, who are then relatively unknown.

1990s changes

Voivod’s next album, Angel Rat (1991), is less well received. By then grunge is gaining prominence, and Blacky leaves the band just before the album’s release. The Outer Limits follows in 1993. After the tour for that record, Snake leaves Voivod.

Eric “E-Force” Forrest then joins on bass and lead vocals, replacing both Blacky and Snake. He remains for two albums: Negatron (1995) and Phobos (1997).

Hiatus, reunion and later releases

Voivod issues the EP Kronik and the live album Lives in 2000. After a car accident leaves E-Force with a broken back in 2001, the group goes on hiatus. It later reforms with Snake returning and Jason Newsted, formerly of Metallica, taking the bass position. This line-up releases the self-titled album Voivod in 2003.

Following Denis “Piggy” D’Amour’s death from colon cancer in 2005, the remaining members complete Katorz and Infini, issued in 2006 and 2009 respectively. D’Amour spends the last two months of his life recording ideas and guitar parts for several songs that the band later develops.

By 2010 Voivod is writing and recording new material with Daniel Mongrain on guitar. Target Earth follows in 2013, with a more progressive approach and a return to the band’s earlier sound. The music is written by Blacky and Chewy, Snake writes the lyrics, and Away handles the artwork.

Blacky leaves again in 2014. Dominic “Rocky” Laroche joins on bass and appears on the 2015 single “We Are Connected” and the 2016 EP Post Society, which also includes a cover of Hawkwind’s “Silver Machine”. Voivod then records The Wake, released in 2018, and later Synchro Anarchy.

Line-up and style

Voivod’s core members include Michel Langevin on drums, Denis Bélanger on vocals, Daniel Mongrain on guitar and Dominic Laroche on bass. Over time the band’s membership also includes Jean-Yves Thériault, Denis D’Amour, Eric Forrest and Jason Newsted. Its style remains associated with thrash metal, progressive thrash metal and progressive metal, built around unusual song structures, sci-fi themes and a distinct guitar-led sound.

Labels

Voivod releases music through MCA Records and Indica Records.