Artist: Voivod
Label: Mechanic Records
Release Date: 1991
Rating: 5 Skulls
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Title: Angel Rat Artist: Voivod Label: Mechanic Records Release Date: 1991
Rating: 5 Skulls |
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Reviewed by Requiem:
I am about to complete a void that has been lurking in the classics section of Metal Judgment. Many metalheads worldwide know the importance of this Canadian outfit that has been breaking new ground in metal since the mid 80's. Therefore I am about to shed some light on my favorite record of their expansive catalogue. I must admit I missed the Voivod train completely while growing up, still in my unstable adolescent state of musical phases. Once that was all dead and gone, I was able to seek out music with a real sense of what I was looking for. Angel Rat crossed my path at some point or other, and it was this album that really got me to appreciate what Voivod were doing and hence a Voivod fanatic of sorts was born. Many will disagree with my selection, but like I said in my Coroner classic, I think the band reached a peak at this point in their career, mellowing out to an extent, but creating songs that had a lot of individuality and catchiness to them. Luckily to those seeking this out, you can find it pretty cheap, as it is seen by many as the bad egg of the Voivod catalogue.I will admit when I heard their video on Headbanger's Ball for "Clouds in my House," I was like, "What the hell is this crap?" Being in my thrash phase of growing up, I just wasn't ready for it at the time. Years later I realized that they really were onto something. Instead of opting for the thrashing punkiness of their earlier material, Angel Rat took a sound that was beginning to take form on the critically acclaimed Nothingface, and gave it a tad more of psychedelic zest and commercial fortitude. Here they heavily branched out into the world of rock, and did a fantastic job in the process. It was evident here that these guys were listening to more Pink Floyd and Rush than the thrashing metal music that they had recently left behind. But still intact were their dissonant chord arrangements, and the unconventional tempos that gave the band their biggest imprint of distinction. Only now they toned themselves down a bit, and headed down a path that consisted of progressive rock challenges and spacey overtones. Most importantly was the development of Denis Belanger's vocals, which had an addictive timbre and killer melodies to match.
The album opens with the energetic and upbeat "Panorama" which has a progressive rock meets jazz feel. The tempos have a twist that give it a progressive touch and Belanger's vocals hold it all together with his memorable melodies. "Clouds in My House" slows things down a bit and has an epic rock feel almost similar to some Saigon Kick material. This tune shows the first signs of psychedelic rock influence with the vocals layered under various effects to make them seem "atmospheric" in quality. "The Prow" is undeniably one the albums greatest cuts, with its feel good bouncy nature that is almost impossible not to get out of your head for weeks at a time. Again, Belanger carries most of the weight with the precise placement and arrangement of his hooky vocals. Lead track on side 2 (this is a tape review in my case) is quite possibly one of Voivod's trippiest moments ever, the album's title cut, "Angel Rat." Loads of delay and various other psychedelic effects send one's mindset soaring through outer space on this one, which is my favorite moment of the Voivod catalogue. A majority of the remainder of the album is filled with upbeat rock tunes, that contain craftiness from all four creators of the puzzle. The solos are tasteful and fitting, the drums and bass keep things challenging in the rhythm section, and the vocals are just that secret ingredient that every good band is hoping for to make them great.
You probably already know about this band or have heard lots about 'em and there are reasons why. Voivod are simply pioneers in their own little world of whatever brand of rock and metal they decide to brew up. Whether you enjoy the thrashiness of their early years or the laid back nature of their latter years, Voivod has something for almost everyone. I happen to lean towards the middle years, being Nothingface, Angel Rat and The Outer Limits. Dave Grohl has even proclaimed Voivod as his main inspiration for his side project metal band, Probot. Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted is now a permanent bassist in the band, which will obviously bring many curious ones to see what they have to offer. And they have influenced bucketloads of today's finest metal bands out there. I am a big Voivod fan and I am pushing them on you. Seek and enjoy.
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