NOTHINGFACE

A groundbreaking, genre defining masterpiece. I would describe the sound as cybernetic prog metal with a bit of a punk attitude. Guitarist Denis 'Piggy' D'Amour (R.I.P.) is in the same field as guitarists such as Robert Fripp and Alex Lifeson, having a style all his own, where originality AND technicality are combined. He often uses jazz chords in this sci-fi context and it makes for a very eerie effect. His songwriting is even better than his playing, sounding like nobody else before or after this album. Bassist Jean-Yves 'Blacky' Thériault was his perfect low pitch counterpart with intricate bass lines and a slightly distorted sound, building the ideal bridge between Piggy and drummer Michel 'Away' Langevin, who is primarily a good, tight metal drummer with enough creativity to be interesting (also note that Langevin is responsible for all of the band's artwork ever since their first album). Singer Denis 'Snake' Bélanger is an acquired taste, and I find he is the ONLY suitable voice for Voivod, with his quirky melodies and his trademark sneering. Every song is excellent, there are no weak points on this album, and credit must be given to the band for an excellent rendition of Pink Floyd's "Astronomy Dominé", which is probably better than the original. They made that song their own.

Warning : this album is definitely not for the fainthearted. The amount of dissonant and strange chords along with out-there vocal melodies will not please every one, even less so on the first few spins. Digest slowly. But, in the end you will find much in this album to feel rewarded especially the originality of it. I know I have. Even today (and undoubtedly in many years to come) this album is pertinent and will probably never age, having a style that some have tried to emulate but to no avail. Voivod are alone at what they do, and this album is the perfect example.

A masterpiece in my humble opinion.