Album Review: Voivod - Symphonique
Reviewed by Gareth Pugh
It only seems like a few months ago that I reviewed ‘The End of Dormancy’ EP which was a three-track mini release, two of the tracks were the aforementioned title-track played both in the studio and also live with an accompanying brass section, the result was nothing less than stunning. Well, it turns out that review was six years ago, and now I have the pleasure of reviewing the new Voïvod release; a full-length live album with not just a brass section, but a complete performance with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra.
Comprising of twelve tracks from across the breadth of their 15 album back catalogue, although the setlist is heavily weighted, much to my delight, to my favourite two albums, with both “Dimension Hatröss” and “Nothingface” making up seven of the twelve tracks here!
Starting with the excellent ‘Experiment’ with its serpentine riffing and off kilter timings, the Orchestra adds both depth and subtle phrasing to an already complex arrangement, take the intro with the oboe and double bass taking prominent roles, the track builds and builds with more and more instruments added before the band itself cuts in, with the string section complimenting the heavy riffage seamlessly.
With the band stating that this is a dream come true; composer, arranger Hugo Bégin has helped to bring the project to fruition with his orchestration. The interaction between band and orchestra works extremely well. ‘The End of Dormancy’, ‘Fall’ and ‘Holographic Thinking’ represent the later part of the band’s discography, and each work equally well, with the former playing out like some soundtrack to an immense space battle from Star Wars.
‘Nuclear War’ from their debut alum “War and Pain” is transformed from a rough and ready punk track into something majestic, whilst still retaining the spirit of the original. The concluding track, although obviously a Pink Floyd cover; ‘Astronomy Domine’ Voïvod has made it their own over the years, having played it more live than the originators themselves, and is a fitting way to finish.
This is a truly amazing release, and even if you’re not a Voïvod or classical music fan, I urge you to at least give this a try, this is easily one of the most impressive collaborations of metal and Orchestra I have had the pleasure to listen to, forget about certain other joint efforts (cough cough S&M) this blows that out of the water. Listen loud with a good stereo system or pair of headphones and you will be transported to another dimension, just wonderful.
Be the first to comment