What makes Cockroaches by Voivod notable?

Cockroaches gained attention for its adventurous blend of progressive and thrash metal, earning critical acclaim and solidifying Voivod's reputation as genre innovators. The title track and its accompanying music video received notable airplay in Canada, contributing to the band's rising profile during the early '90s heavy metal scene. Released in 1991, Cockroaches marked Voivod's transition to a more experimental sound following their acclaimed album, Nothingface. This EP served as a bridge, showcasing the band's innovative spirit while retaining their thrash metal roots during a pivotal time in their career.

How many songs are on Cockroaches?

Cockroaches has 2 tracks, running approximately 8 minutes.

Cockroaches

Voivod

8 min · 2 tracks · progressive metal

Progressive metal intricacies collide with thrash intensity in this raw, energetic EP from the Canadian pioneers.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Too Scared to Scream — This opening track encapsulates the EP's thrilling energy with its rapid-fire riffs and thought-provoking lyrics about fear and anxiety, setting the stage for the band's thematic exploration.
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Cockroaches — The title track stands out with its unique structure and lyrical commentary on survival, perfectly illustrating Voivod's knack for blending intense music with deeper meanings.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases innovative structures and contrasts but lacks full cohesion due to its brief length.

What we noticed

Both tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, moving from aggressive thrash sections to more melodic, atmospheric passages.
Vocal delivery alternates between clean singing and harsh screams, enhancing the dynamic contrast within the songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Cockroaches showcases a deliberate shift to a more experimental sound for Voivod.
Themes: fear of decay· post-industrial anxiety
Career context: Released in 1991, Cockroaches marked Voivod's transition to a more experimental sound following their acclaimed album, Nothingface. This EP served as a bridge, showcasing the band's innovative spirit while retaining their thrash metal roots during a pivotal time in their career.
Stylistic neighbors: Meshuggah· Gojira· Death