NOTHINGFACE

I started listening to Voivod in 1988 after a friend suggested them. The first album I heard was Killing Technology. I was impressed by their futuristic, apocalyptic, and claustrophobic style, but I couldn't connect with the music, which was a mix of punk and technical thrash metal with bleak, futuristic lyrics. Then Nothingface came out, and I finally felt their style matched the music's atmosphere.

Nothingface moves further from their cyberpunk/thrash roots and embraces progressive rock more than ever. It pushes the boundaries of metal in a way that's innovative and bold. Voivod dares to experiment, redefining what progressive metal can be. The album is cleaner and more clinical than their earlier work, which some may find off- putting, but the clarity lets each instrument stand out.

The rhythm section, led by Away on drums and Blacky on bass, is tight but plays with a jazz-like fluidity. Piggy's guitar work is outstanding, lighter, and dreamier, giving the album an airier feel that contrasts with the heavier tones of earlier releases. Songs like "The Unknown Knows" show how they blend hard rock with progressive influences while keeping that signature Voivod weirdness.

Their cover of Pink Floyd's "Astronomy Domine" is both faithful and modern, fitting perfectly with the album's spacey and futuristic vibe. Voivod amplifies the psychedelic feel of the original, making it a standout moment in the album.

The clean production, intricate song structures, and the band's technical skill reveal a more sophisticated side of Voivod. Nothingface stands out not just in their discography but in the progressive metal genre. Though it may have confused some fans at first, it shows Voivod's creative vision and their constant reinvention.

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