Voivod
By All Music Guide
By All Music Guide
Such early releases as 1984s War and Pain and 1986s Rrröööaaarrr showed that the quartet was aligned to the then up-and-coming hrash metal movement (Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax), eventually letting their prog rock influences (Pink Floyd, Rush, King Crimson) seep in on 1987s Killing Technology and 1988s Dimension Hatröss. By the time of their major-label debut for MCA, 1989s Nothingface, Voivod had perfected their hrash metal/prog rock style, resulting in the most commercially successful release of their career -- spearheaded by a video for their cover of Pink Floyds Astronomy Domine (which enjoyed airings on MTVs Headbangers Ball) and a headlining club tour over a pair of bands that would soon change the landscape of alt-rock by the early 90s, Soundgarden and Faith No More.
But just as it appeared as though Voivod may be able to break through to a wider audience, Theriault left the group right after the release of 1991s Angel Rat as the album quickly sunk from sight while the rest of the rock world focused their attention on the burgeoning alt-rock/Seattle movement. The Outer Limits followed two years later, which was followed shortly thereafter by Belangers exit from the band. By the mid-90s, Voivods lineup had been scaled down to a trio -- newcomer Eric Forrest doubled on vocals and bass, resulting in such releases as 1995s Negatron and 1997s Phobos. 2000 saw the release of the odds-and-ends compilation Kronik as well as the live set Lives. In early 2001, the remaining members decided to call it a day when Forrest departed, only to reunite several months later with Belanger back on board and with former Metallica member (and longtime Voivod fan) Jason Newsted filling in on bass, resulting in the eponymous Voivod. Katorz arrived in 2006.
