Voivod "Angel Rat"

Angel Rat is the sixth album released by the Canadian heavy metal band Voivod. Produced by Terry Brown of Rush fame, it was released in 1991 by Mechanic/MCA Records and is the follow-up to their critically acclaimed release, 1989's Nothingface. On this album, Voivod adopts a more alternative/progressive/psychedelic rock sound, as opposed to the progressive metal of Nothingface. "Clouds in My House" was made as a music video.

While Angel Rat was released on a major record label, the album initially received mixed reviews and was not as successful as Nothingface, though it has gained a strong cult following in recent times. Before the release of the album, bassist Jean-Yves Thériault (Blacky) departed from the group, but rejoined in 2008 (later to leave again in 2014).

Men Without Hats bandleader Ivan Doroschuk performs keyboards on track 9, "The Outcast". This was done in return for drummer Michel Langevin recording the drums for Men Without Hats' album Sideways, recorded around the same time, and participating in the tour to promote that album.

Track listing

All songs written by Voivod

1. "Shortwave Intro" 0:25
2. "Panorama" 3:13
3. "Clouds in My House" 4:48
4. "The Prow" 3:50
5. "Best Regards" 3:51
6. "Twin Dummy" 3:05
7. "Angel Rat" 3:47
8. "Golem" 4:46
9. "The Outcast" 3:18
10. "Nuage Fractal" 4:00
11. "Freedoom" 4:42
12. "None of the Above" 4:15

This album was delayed for several months before it finally arrived in November 1991, because its release wasn't ready, Blacky had already left the band due to poor relationships with the members, and one song, "Nomads", was just taken off of the album.

Recording information:

Recorded at Metalworks Studios (Canada) on 48 Tracks, using Tascam Digital Technology.