Voivod - 'Symphonique' Album Review

4 minutes ago
2 min read

Tracklist:

1. Experiment

2. Holographic Thinking

3. The Unknown Knows

4. The End of Dormancy

5. Into My Hypercube

6. Forgotten In Space

7. Cosmic Drama

8. Pre-Ignition

9. Nuclear War

10. Fall

11. Tribal Convictions

12. Astronomy Domine

Canadian Sci-Fi Prog metal old guard Voivod offer up a first in their career in 'Symphonique'; a love album with an orchestra. Recorded on June 4th 2025 with the Orchestre Symphonique de Québec, the album released on June 5th via Century Music Records.

I have to admit, I prior to this review, I was only familiar with Voivod in name only, so this was my first experience listening to them, and on paper it checks a lot of boxes for my personal tastes. I'm a sucker for a live album, prog metal, science fiction and adding orchestral elements into metal music, and the journey that we are taken on through this 72 minute set is epic. After delving into the studio versions of the tracks on the set list, I saw that the orchestra fits in perfectly with the existing instrumentals, enhancing their already grandiose nature in a brilliant way all throughout, especially highlighted on tracks like 'The End Of Dormancy' and 'Pre-Ignition', fitting in so well with three of the members of the band.

I do have an issue, however, and that lies in the vocals of Denis "Snake" Bélanger. In my opinion, they aren't as strong as the rest of the band's performance, and at times end up clashing with the orchestra. Whilst his band mates put in monumental performances, his unfortunately falls flat, feeling almost lifeless and lacking passion, particular on tracks like 'Nuclear War'.

Perhaps me not being as familiar with the band did contribute to my overall enjoyment - or lack thereof - of this live record, but any live setting is designed to impress, whether it be in the flesh or released later on, and I can say this doesn't inspire me to rush out and book tickets to see them in concert. Unfortunately, I don't see this as one of the live albums that I will revisit. Unless they release an instrumental version.