Voivod – Morgöth Tales
Release Date: 21st July 2023
Label: Century Media Records
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Genre: Thrash Metal, Progressive Metal.
FFO: Overkill, Vektor, Warbringer, Havok, Dark Angel.
Review By: Carlos Tirado
Voivod is undoubtedly a classic band, firmly securing its place in the metal Olympus. Moreover, the band has experienced a remarkable resurgence in the last decade, consistently delivering high-quality work that has garnered critical acclaim. Consider how few ’80s thrash metal bands are still producing solid albums today. You can count them on one hand. Despite all of this, Voivod’s style has never quite resonated with me personally. While I do enjoy their music, it’s not something I find myself returning to frequently.
However, perhaps my perspective will change with the release of Morgöth Tales, a compilation album that has the potential to convert skeptics like me. What sets this album apart is its structure, which caters to those who are not well-versed in Voivod‘s discography. The selected tracks are arranged chronologically, beginning with Condemned to the Gallows and concluding with Morgöth Tales. This approach allows newcomers to appreciate Voivod‘s evolution, showing how they transitioned from a thrash metal band with a bass you could hear (in the 80s, this was breathtaking!) to pioneers of Progressive thrash metal that was ahead of its time.
Just take a listen to tracks like Pre-Ignition or Nuage Fractal from 1989. Keep in mind that in 1989, the Soviet Union still existed, yet Voivod already sounded like a Prog Thrash/Death metal band from the 2000s. They gradually mastered the sound of interstellar travel, a theme that is now widely emulated in today’s extreme metal scene. The first half of the album is particularly strong, with each song seamlessly flowing into the next. This is likely due to it being Voivod‘s most creative material. However, as the album progresses, I must admit that the other songs fit well but lack the same level of surprise and distinctiveness, disrupting the album’s overall immersion slightly.
Except for the closing track, which is both fun and interesting, the second half of the album is less engaging. It’s important to note that Voivod‘s vocal style is an acquired taste; you either love it or hate it. It possesses a distinctiveness that sets it apart from anything you’ll find in thrash. While this uniqueness is a strong point, it can also be off-putting depending on where you are in your metal journey.
In general, I would recommend Morgöth Tales to someone who has never listened to Voivod and wants to explore the band’s essence through a collection of badass songs. This recommendation holds even stronger if your friend has a hard time appreciating older production styles. Morgöth Tales offers a “modern” sound that is pleasing to the ears and not just making them bleed!
(3 / 5)
