Angel Rat
Voivod · 1989
44 min · 12 tracks · progressive metal
A surreal blend of progressive and thrash metal, weaving complex rhythms with introspective lyrics and eclectic soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Panorama Start here — This track embodies the album's progressive ethos with its intricate guitar work and layered melodies, setting a tone of exploration and introspection.
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The Prow — The Prow stands out with its driving rhythm and thought-provoking lyrics, illustrating Voivod's ability to blend heavy sounds with conceptual storytelling.
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Angel Rat — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album, featuring a haunting melody that contrasts with heavy instrumentation, exemplifying the band's unique style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases complex compositions and distinctive soundscapes, marking a notable shift in Voivod's style.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief instrumental intro, setting a surreal tone before transitioning into the first full track.
- Several tracks incorporate atmospheric soundscapes that create a sense of space, contrasting with the more aggressive instrumentation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo exploration
- complex themes for deep listening
- psychedelic undertones for introspection
- consistent flow across tracks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification
- seek standalone singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Represents a shift towards a more progressive sound, diverging from earlier thrash metal roots.
- Themes
- surreal landscapes· conceptual storytelling· introspective exploration
- Career context
- Released in 1989, Angel Rat was Voivod's fourth studio album and marked a significant shift from their earlier thrash metal roots towards a more progressive sound. This album followed the critically acclaimed Nothingface, showcasing the band’s evolution as they embraced experimental structures and lyrical depth.
Tracklist
- 1 Shortwave Intro 0:26
- 2 Panorama Start here 3:13
- 3 Clouds in My House 4:48
- 4 The Prow 3:50
- 5 Best Regards 3:50
- 6 Twin Dummy 3:07
- 7 Angel Rat 3:46
- 8 Golem 4:46
- 9 The Outcast 3:18
- 10 Nuage Fractal 3:59
- 11 Freedoom 4:42
- 12 None of the Above 4:15
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Moving Pictures
Rush
Shares complex song structures and introspective lyrics within a progressive rock framework.
Angel Dust
Faith No More
Merges eclectic soundscapes with surreal themes, reflecting a similar experimental ethos.
In the Court of the Crimson King
King Crimson
Explores surreal landscapes and deep conceptual storytelling through progressive soundscapes.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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