Nothingface
Voivod · 1989
44 min · 9 tracks · progressive metal
A daring fusion of thrash and progressive metal, weaving intricate rhythms with surreal lyrical imagery.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Unknown Knows Start here — This track encapsulates the album's experimental nature, featuring complex time signatures and dynamic shifts that highlight the band's technical prowess.
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Nothingface — The title track is a captivating blend of heavy riffs and haunting melodies, exemplifying Voivod's unique approach to songwriting and thematic depth.
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X-Ray Mirror — This song stands out for its intricate guitar work and thought-provoking lyrics, reflecting the band's fascination with science fiction concepts.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Voivod's Nothingface showcases ambitious compositions and distinct sound, solidifying its place in progressive metal.
What we noticed
- Tracks often shift dynamics abruptly, such as the transition from the heavy riffs in 'Nothingface' to the atmospheric sections in 'Astronomy Domine'.
- Several songs feature unconventional song structures, with extended instrumental passages that challenge traditional verse-chorus formats.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- 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 progression with peaks
- intricate rhythms for deep focus
- haunting melodies for late nights
- immersive exploration of soundscapes
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- avoid complex rhythmic structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Noted for its ambitious sound and experimentation, often cited as a landmark in progressive metal.
- Themes
- surreal science fiction· dystopian landscapes· cybernetic consciousness
- Career context
- Released in 1989, Nothingface was Voivod's fifth studio album and marked a significant evolution in their sound following the critically acclaimed Dimension Hatröss. At this point, the band was solidifying its reputation for innovative music that blended heavy metal with avant-garde influences, further establishing their unique identity within the metal scene.
Tracklist
- 1 The Unknown Knows Start here 5:55
- 2 Nothingface 4:14
- 3 Astronomy Domine 5:30
- 4 Missing Sequences 5:49
- 5 X-Ray Mirror 4:28
- 6 Inner Combustion 3:48
- 7 Pre-Ignition 5:11
- 8 Into My Hypercube 5:03
- 9 Sub-Effect 4:29
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Destroy Erase Improve
Meshuggah
Both explore complex rhythms and surreal themes, pushing the boundaries of metal's sonic landscape.
Angel Dust
Faith No More
Shares a similar avant-garde approach with surreal lyrics and eclectic musical experimentation.
From Mars to Sirius
Gojira
Combines heavy riffs and philosophical themes, creating a vast sonic atmosphere akin to Voivod's work.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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