Phobos
Voivod · 1997
66 min · 13 tracks · progressive metal
A complex tapestry of progressive metal interwoven with dissonant thrash rhythms and haunting atmospheres.
Top tracks — play these first
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Rise Start here — The track exemplifies Voivod's signature sound through its intricate guitar work and thematic depth, showcasing their evolved musical complexity.
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Mercury — With its atmospheric build-up and shifting dynamics, this track highlights the band's fusion of melody and aggression, making it a standout piece.
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Phobos — The title track encapsulates the album's overarching themes, blending heavy instrumentation with thought-provoking lyrics about existential uncertainty.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Phobos showcases complex compositions and distinct atmospheres, though its cohesion suffers from varied pacing.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate dissonant guitar riffs that create a haunting atmosphere, especially in 'Phobos' and 'Bacteria'.
- The use of ambient interludes, such as 'Temps Mort', contrasts sharply with the heavier sections, adding to the overall dynamic range.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic progression through varied peaks
- wave-like pacing with tension shifts
- eerie atmospheres for deep focus
- conceptual themes for engaged listening
- short interludes enhancing overall experience
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, instant gratification
- dislike complex, layered compositions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Phobos showcases a deliberate departure in sound, exploring new territories within metal.
- Career context
- By the time 'Phobos' was released in 1997, Voivod had already established themselves as a pioneering force in metal with their unique blend of thrash and progressive elements. This album marked their return after a significant lineup change, presenting their first new material since the departure of founding guitarist Denis 'Piggy' D'Amour's major contributions following his health issues.
Tracklist
- 1 Catalepsy I 1:15
- 2 Rise Start here 4:55
- 3 Mercury 5:38
- 4 Phobos 6:58
- 5 Bacteria 8:08
- 6 Temps Mort 1:48
- 7 The Tower 6:10
- 8 Quantum 6:33
- 9 Neutrino 7:43
- 10 Forlorn 6:00
- 11 Catalepsy II 1:02
- 12 M‐Body 3:35
- 13 21st Century Schizoid Man 6:31
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
From Mars to Sirius
Gojira
Shares complex arrangements and a haunting atmosphere with dynamic shifts in intensity.
Nothing
Meshuggah
Explores dissonance and polyrhythmic structures while maintaining an atmospheric heaviness.
My Arms, Your Hearse
Opeth
Combines progressive elements with dark atmospheres and intricate compositions, similar to Voivod's style.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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