Voivod’s Favorite Prog Albums: A Journey Through Progressive Rock
Progressive rock and its modern counterpart, progressive metal, offer a diverse palette of sounds and styles. From the groundbreaking artists of the ’70s crafting epic compositions to contemporary luminaries like Dream Theater, the genre is rich with creativity. Voivod, Canada’s iconic thrash/prog metal outfit, is known for its unique blend of heavy music that incorporates progressive elements. Their latest venture, Symphonique, a live collaboration with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra, showcases this innovative spirit.
Voivod’s Daring New Project
Set to release on June 5 through Century Media, Symphonique is a 73-minute exploration that merges Voivod’s signature sound with orchestral arrangements. Drummer Michael “Away” Langin expressed his excitement, stating, “This live album with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra is a longtime dream turned reality. We wish to take this show across the globe with local orchestras one day.” He adds that the project brings them closer to the dystopian sci-fi soundtracks they’ve always envisioned creating.
Expanding Their Musical Horizons
Guitarist Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain reflected on their piece “End of Dormancy,” adapted from their 2018 album The Wake. He described it as special, evoking images of Roman naval battles with an orchestra, and noted the emotional connection forged with the audience during the performance. “It’s one of the most orchestral pieces on the album, and I remember vividly the crowd’s reaction after the grand finale,” he recalled.
Exploring Influences: Voivod Members’ Favorite Prog Albums
To understand the progressive influences that shape Voivod, we asked each member to share their favorite prog album.
Chewy: Rush – 2112
For Chewy, 2112 by Rush stands as a beacon of inspiration. He believes the album exemplifies the importance of pursuing creative impulses without succumbing to outside pressures. “It’s coherent and very well organized musically, and it stimulates your imagination in an optimistic way,” he noted. Plus, he takes pride in its Canadian roots.
Rocky: Pink Floyd – Animals
Rocky fondly recalls how Animals marked a pivotal moment in his musical journey. Introduced to the album by his late friend Steph Therrien, he finds it to be a constant source of nostalgia and inspiration. “Every time I listen to it, I’m transported back to when I was young,” he shared, noting the influence of Pink Floyd on his own recent instrumental album, The Strain.
Away: Van der Graaf Generator – H to He, Who Am the Only One
Away’s choice is the 1970 masterpiece H to He, Who Am the Only One by Van der Graaf Generator. He appreciates the album’s blend of dark rock, jazz, and classical influences. “It’s a real masterwork that explores themes of human isolation in the cosmos,” he explained, calling it his go-to LP for dystopian moods.
Snake: Supertramp – Crime of the Century
While not typically a prog enthusiast, Snake credits Crime of the Century by Supertramp for introducing him to more complex musical structures during his teenage years. He admires its catchy melodies and high-quality production, stating, “Even after countless radio plays, it remains a well-crafted album.”
Conclusion
Voivod’s eclectic influences reveal the breadth of their musical identity, showcasing how progressive rock has shaped their artistry. Their upcoming project with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra exemplifies their commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic landscapes. As they continue to evolve, the core principles of progressive music remain a vital part of their creative journey.
FAQs
What is Voivod’s latest album?
Voivod’s latest album is Symphonique, a live collaboration with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra, set for release on June 5, 2023.
Who are the members of Voivod?
The members of Voivod include Michael “Away” Langin (drums), Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain (guitar), Rocky (bass), and Snake (vocals).
What are the influences behind Voivod’s music?
Voivod’s music is influenced by a variety of genres, including thrash metal, progressive rock, and sci-fi themes, often pushing the boundaries of traditional heavy music.
Which progressive rock albums do Voivod members recommend?
Each member has their favorite: Chewy recommends Rush’s 2112, Rocky suggests Pink Floyd’s Animals, Away favors Van der Graaf Generator’s H to He, Who Am the Only One, and Snake highlights Supertramp’s Crime of the Century.
