Morgöth Tales
Reviewed by: Jim Harrison
Rating: 9.5
Canadian metal innovators Voivod in celebration of forty years are set to release their album Morgöth Tales on July 21, 2023 via Century Media Records. Coming off a Juno award win for their successful album Syncro Anarchy released in early 2022 they released a box set, Forgotten in Space later in 2022 in addition to the Ultraman EP. A hard working band always putting their fans first constantly releasing awesome materiel.
Morgoth Tales is an interesting concept celebrating “not so obvious“ track listing giving fans some deeper tracks, spanning 1984-2003 all fresh re-recordings with a new track Morgoth Tales which was written on the European Opeth tour in Nov/Dec 2022. The album also includes E. Force (Eric Forrest) and Jasonic (Jason Newsted) each on a track which is a really cool bonus.
The mind blowing cover art done by Michel “Away” Langevin who is an amazing artist and always does a great job giving Voivod albums that recognizable futuristic space themed artwork.
The album starts off with the track “Condemned To the Gallows” (2023 version). This track was originally off Metal Massacre V compilation that was released in 1984. Being a teen in Halifax, NS back in 84, these compilation albums were hard to find, I ended up getting a taped copy and played the hell out of it, this was my favourite track on that album and it’s great to have it included on this one. “Trashing Rage“ from Rrröööaaarrr and “Killing Technology” from Killing Technology are a couple of awesome songs from those early albums that re-recorded sound awesome. My favourite on this album is “Macrosolutions to Megaproblems” which is off my all time favourite album Demension Hatröss is a great selection for this album and sounds fantastic. I always thought this song had a definite punk vibe to it. Track “Pre-Ignition” from their breakout album Nothingface is another great addition and is an underrated gem in their catalog. “Nuage Fractal” from Angel Rat was the first single released giving us a glimpse of how great these re-recordings are going to sound. “Fix My Heart” from the album Outer Limits is another track with an awesome flow from another groundbreaking album that again sounds phenomenal. With “Rise“ from the albums Phobos features the return of Erik (E-Force) Forrest from his tenure with the band. It’s really cool they did this and also on “Rebel Robot” they have Jason (Jasonic) Newsted from the self titled Voivod album celebrating his time with the band as well. This is a classy move and really gives this album another bonus having these artists included. The last track is the title track “Morgöth Tales” a new song released for this project. This track is tight and having it the last track on the album really finishes the album in style, what a great song!
What makes Voivod a great band is they are original and follow their own direction, this album subscribes to that formula and the concept of re-recording songs that aren’t obvious choices is so smart, rewarding longtime fans and getting some new fans along the way where these tracks may not have been heard. An easy choice would have been another greatest hits album but that’s not Voivods style, even in 2023. They are still pioneers and you get re-recordings including Eric and Jason on their tracks during their tenure plus a new song. I recommend this album, take it for a spin and turn it up loud.
Dominic (Rocky) Laroche Bass
Michel (Away) Langevin Drums
Denis (Snake) Bélanger Vocals
Daniel (Chewy) Mongrain Guitar