Voivod is a Canadian progressive thrash metal band from Jonquière, Quebec. Formed in 1981, they are credited as one of the “big four” of Canadian thrash metal bands, along with Annihilator, Sacrifice, and Razor. Their earlier musical style was influenced by the new wave of British heavy metal, 1970s progressive rock, and the hardcore punk scene. Voivod was one of the first Canadian metal bands to gain popularity outside of Canada. Voivod’s lyrical themes are inspired by post-apocalyptic literature, science fiction, political critique, and dystopian imagery.

The band was co-founded by guitarist Denis “Piggy” D'Amour in 1981 when he had been searching for several musicians to start a band with until he found bass player Jean-Yves “Blacky” Thériault. Blacky later hired drummer Michel “Away” Langevin, who had been a friend from high school. Blacky and Away needed time to develop their musical skills, so Voivod split up for one year. The band was reformed in November 1982, after they hired Denis “Snake” Bélanger as their vocalist.

Voivod released their debut album War and Pain
in 1984, through Metal Blade Records. The second full-length album, 1986’s Rrröööaaarrr, represents a progression from the thrash sound of the earlier records to the more progressive elements that would feature on the band’s third album Killing Technology which was released in 1987 on Noise Records. In 1988, Voivod released Dimension Hatröss, which is a concept album that narrates the exploits of Voivod’s mascot cyborg Korgull. The band’s fifth and sixth albums, 1989’s Nothingface and 1991’s Angel Rat, both became the band’s biggest commercial success, reaching the peak of their global reputation.

Bassist Jean-Yves Thériault and vocalist Denis Bélanger left Voivod in the early 1990s. Voivod recorded four full-length albums as a three-piece in the mid-to-late 1990s with a new member Eric “E-Force” Forrest, handling both vocals and bass guitar. Eric Forrest left the band in early 2001 after he was injured in a car accident in Germany. Vocalist Denis Bélanger returned to the band in 2001. Ex-Metallica bassist Jason Newsted joined the band with the nickname “Jasonic.” Voivod released their self-titled album in 2003. Guitarist and founding member Denis D'Amour died at the age of 45 on August 26, 2005, due to complications from colon cancer.

In late 2007, Voivod was planning to work on what was to be their final studio album, which contained tracks recorded with D'Amour before his death. Blacky returned to the band in 2008. The band consisted of Bélanger, Langevin, Thériault, and Dan “Chewy” Mongrain on guitar. In 2014, Blacky left Voivod again and Dominic “Rocky” Laroche replaced him as the bass player. Voivod’s new lineup has released 2018’s The Wake and 2022’s Synchro Anarchy.

Members

Current

Michel Langevin (a.k.a. Away) – drums (1982–present)
Denis Bélanger (a.k.a. Snake) – vocals (1983–1994, 2002–present)
Daniel Mongrain (a.k.a. Chewy) – guitar (2008–present)
Dominic Laroche (a.k.a. Rocky) – bass (2014–present)

Past

Denis D'Amour (a.k.a. Piggy) – guitar (1982–2005)
Jean-Yves Thériault (a.k.a. Blacky) – bass (1982–1991, 2008–2014)
Eric Forrest (a.k.a. E-Force) – vocals, bass (1994–2001)
Jason Newsted (a.k.a. Jasonic) – bass (2002–2008)