In 2023, Voïvod celebrates its 40th anniversary with undiminished determination. On this occasion, the current lineup—composed of Michel “Away” Langevin (drums), Denis “Snake” Bélanger (vocals), Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain (guitar), and Dominic “Rocky” Laroche (bass)—re-records ten songs from its discography for the retrospective album Morgöth Tales. It’s a glance in the rearview mirror for an adventure that continues to move resolutely toward the future.

Formed in 1983 in Jonquière, Voïvod began its musical journey by offering a speed metal formula that the band would ceaselessly evolve over the years. Influenced by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, the burgeoning punk-hardcore scene, and the progressive rock of the 1970s, Michel “Away” Langevin (drums), Denis “Snake” Bélanger (vocals), Denis “Piggy” D’Amour (guitar), and Jean-Yves “Blacky” Thériault (bass) literally invented their own style—a style owing much to the unusual technique of their historic guitarist Denis D’Amour, who passed away in 2005, and to lyrics navigating between lyrical themes, post-apocalyptic literature, and science fiction.

Voïvod also stood out as the first Canadian band of this musical genre to export its sound beyond the country’s borders, embarking on world tours across all continents. In 2002, the band made waves by recruiting bassist Jason Newsted, an original member of the popular American band Metallica from 1986 to 2001. The bassist took part in recording the albums Voïvod (2003), Katorz (2006), and Infini (2009). The quartet gained further attention in 2006 when their song The X-Stream appeared in the video game Guitar Hero II.

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