THE OUTER LIMITS

All Voivod albums are very different. But Outer Limits is maybe the most uncharacteristic of all in their catalogue. Bass player 'Blacky' had left the band and the replacing session player was kept more to the background, abstaining from that typical dirty distorted bass sound that was used so prominently on Voivod's earlier albums. The consequence is a more rocking rhythm section and a higher focus on 'Piggy's guitar work.

The adventurous neurotic riffing of their progressive years is mostly replaced by influences from blues and heavy rock, making the music flow much more naturally then on Nothingface. This more easy-going style doesn't mean this album is similar to their preceding album Angel Rat. That was an album that I appreciated a lot but that was maybe a bit too light and easy for Voivod. Outer Limits is less straightforward, featuring accessible but still intricate and superb songwriting. As a result, the album has both immediate appeal and lots of potential for growing listening pleasure. The 17.30 minute Jack Luminous for example is certainly not the type of song you will love right away but it's a real grower. Their fabulous Pink Floyd cover of The Nile Song is instantly likeable and blends perfectly with their own songs.

So Voivod had become a lot more melodic over the years. That did not only result in more harmonious guitars but also in much improved vocals. 'Snake' would never be the best vocalist around but he has found a good melodious approach here and has lots of memorable vocal lines throughout the album. In fact, he manages this more tuneful style very adequately.

A last difference is the sound. Where all the previous albums were very dense and neurotic, this one is very bright and clear. In fact it is as far from metal as Voivod would ever get. But luckily the typical alien feel has been further explored, to an extent that this is their most spacey, open and atmospheric album, some of the guitar leads and solo's are really out there. An excellent production.

This album brings together everything what makes Voivod such a great band. A unique sound, great songs, excellent musicianship and that peculiar out-worldly ambience. Together with their Dimension Hatross thrash metal masterpiece, this is the second Voivod album that comes with the biggest recommendations from me.