Description

Voivod – Rrroooaaarrr – Cassette

Voivod’s Rrröööaaarrr, released in 1986, is a powerful snapshot of the Quebec-based band’s early sound, representing a pivotal moment in the development of thrash and proto-extreme metal. Building on the rawness of their debut album War and Pain, Rrröööaaarrr takes Voivod’s distinct brand of sci-fi-infused metal and pushes it further into harsher, more aggressive territory. The album captures the band’s evolution toward their later experimental style but remains firmly rooted in thrash metal, making it a standout for fans of early extreme metal.

Rrröööaaarrr is a high-octane blend of thrash, speed metal, and punk, marked by its relentless energy, dissonant riffs, and chaotic soundscapes. Piggy (Denis D’Amour), the band’s legendary guitarist, crafts the album’s signature sound with unconventional chord progressions, often using discordant, angular riffs that give the music a sense of mechanical chaos. Snake (Denis Bélanger) delivers gritty, snarling vocals, while Away (Michel Langevin) provides relentless drumming that drives the album’s raw intensity. Blacky (Jean-Yves Thériault) rounds out the sound with bass lines that anchor the frenzy, further intensifying the album’s visceral impact.

Lyrically and thematically, Rrröööaaarrr builds on the dystopian, sci-fi themes that would become Voivod’s trademark. The album explores concepts of war, destruction, and technological chaos through a futuristic lens, with a sense of impending doom that fits the aggressive music. Voivod’s fascination with post-apocalyptic landscapes and twisted technological futures is evident in songs like “Korgüll the Exterminator” and “Ripping Headaches,” where the lyrics depict a world dominated by violent forces and existential threats.

Notable Tracks on Rrröööaaarrr

‘Korgüll the Exterminator’ – The opening track is an immediate onslaught of heavy riffs and fast-paced drumming, introducing Korgüll, a character that would recur throughout Voivod’s work as a representation of a violent, post-apocalyptic future.
‘Ripping Headaches’ – A thrash anthem with one of the album’s catchiest choruses, it showcases Snake’s snarling vocal style, supported by frenetic riffs and high-speed percussion that convey the chaos and aggression central to Voivod’s sound.
‘Thrashing Rage’ – With blistering guitar work and rapid drumming, this song embodies pure thrash energy, featuring Piggy’s unconventional riffing style and Away’s fast, machine-like drumming that brings a militaristic feel to the track.
‘Horror’ – Dark and eerie, “Horror” leans toward a proto-death metal sound with its heavy, grinding riffs and haunting lyrics. The song reflects the dystopian and horror influences that Voivod often explores.
‘To the Death!’ – A fan favorite and live staple, this track is an aggressive statement of defiance, combining fierce rhythms and Snake’s guttural vocal delivery with Piggy’s experimental guitar riffs, foreshadowing the progressive turn the band would take in later albums.

Though not as polished as their later work, Rrröööaaarrr is widely regarded as a key album in Voivod’s discography and a classic in early extreme metal. The album captures the raw aggression of mid-80s thrash while hinting at the experimental elements that would define their future sound. Rrröööaaarrr was influential in bridging thrash with more progressive and avant-garde styles, inspiring bands in the realms of thrash, black metal, and death metal with its blend of aggression and innovation.

In the broader metal scene, Rrröööaaarrr is often seen as an album that pushed the boundaries of thrash, opening doors for metal bands willing to experiment with dissonance, sci-fi themes, and complex compositions. It holds a special place among fans of Voivod and early extreme metal, capturing the essence of the genre’s rebellious spirit while showcasing the band’s unique artistic vision. For listeners seeking the roots of Voivod’s groundbreaking style and the grit of ’80s underground metal, Rrröööaaarrr remains an essential listen.

Song List

1. Korgul The Exterminator
2. Fuck Off And Die
3. Slaughter In A Grave
4. Ripping Headaches
5. Horror
6. Thrashing Rage
7. Helldriver
8. Build Your Weapons
9. To The Death