Voivod
Symphonique
Century Media Records
From their early forays in thrash metal to their current incarnation as progressive pioneers, Voivod have always been a band in perpetual motion. Exploring the outer reaches of sonic spheres, they are musical magpies for whom no genre is safe from appropriation. Whatever they borrow is taken in the right spirit and is reshaped in their own form, and a prime example is latest live outing Symphonique. Joining forces with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra, Voivoid have chosen twelve career defining songs (including a Pink Floyd cover) for an album that finds classical and metal fusing in a new and strange ways. The likes of opening cut ‘Experiment’ have been scored in such a fashion that they resemble the soundtrack to some uber cool dystopian sci-fi flick, it’s a nightmare in deepest space where both band and Orchestra play to the other’s strengths to produce towering structures in worship of an alien deity. Whilst each of these songs is instantly recognisable, the orchestration allows different facets to shine through and that elevates Symphonique above other live albums which merely offer rote renditions. It’s the Floyd cover ‘Astronomy Domain’ which brings down the curtain and renders Symphonique a unique experience.
Review by Peter Dennis.