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Interview with Away of VOIVOD: “We’re Back in Full Force”

By capitalchaostv on February 25, 2015 • ( 0 )

Voivod has been a staple in the progressive thrash metal scene since the early ’80s, known for their experimental sound, sci-fi concepts, and iconic artwork. We caught up with drummer and founding member Away (Michel Langevin) before the band’s show at the Oakland Metro to talk about their ongoing tour, new material, the legacy of Denis “Piggy” D’Amour, and much more.

Todd Owens: You’re doing something like 31 shows in 33 days—how’s the tour going?

Away: Oh, it’s a blast! It’s packed everywhere, and we get along with all the bands. It’s really quite a thrill—such a great lineup and energy.

Todd: Any favorite bands you’re sharing the stage with?

Away: I like them all, but I have a soft spot for Iron Reagan. I’ve also always been a huge fan of Napalm Death. We come from the same anarcho-metal thrash roots, so it’s the perfect bill.

Todd: It’s been about two years since your last full-length, Target Earth (2013). Got any new material coming out?

Away: Yes! We released a new song called We Are Connected on the first day of the tour in Miami. It’s online now, and the physical 7-inch split with At The Gates comes out in April. We plan to do more of these splits and eventually release a full album in early 2016.

Todd: What’s the writing process like these days?

Away: Chewy and Rocky handle most of the core material, but we all get involved at the jam space. That’s where the real “Voivodian” sound takes shape

Todd: This summer marks 10 years since Denis “Piggy” D’Amour’s passing. Any thoughts on his legacy?

Away: I think about him every day. We’d played together since high school. Losing him was very difficult—I used to talk to him every day about Voivod. We’ve done our best to keep his spirit alive in the music.

Todd: Jason Newsted played with Voivod for a while. Do you keep in touch?

Away: Yes. Two years ago at Hellfest, Jason was playing another stage, and he came over and performed Voivod with us. We also stay in touch with Eric Forrest—he joins us onstage sometimes to sing Tribal Convictions when we play near where he lives in Toulouse. It’s all one big family.

Todd: You’ve done all the artwork for Voivod. How did that start?

Away: I grew up loving Heavy Metal magazine—artists like Moebius were a huge influence. I actually created the Voivod concept visually before we even formed the band. Later, we decided to apply it to the music. Sci-fi comics and surrealism shaped a lot of it.

Todd: You’ve done some eclectic cover songs—King Crimson, Pink Floyd. How did that come about?

Away: We’re all prog rock fans. My favorite band is Van der Graaf Generator. Piggy was a huge fan of David Gilmour, so when we decided to cover Pink Floyd, we chose the live version from Ummagumma. We also did The Nile Song on The Outer Limits.

Todd: Talk a little about the early days—1982 in Quebec. What was the scene like?

Away: We were definitely pioneers. Our influences came from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and hardcore bands like Discharge and Broken Bones. Prog rock was also huge in Quebec. Later, we blended in elements from industrial and post-punk bands like Killing Joke and Bauhaus.

Todd: Was there much of a metal scene in Quebec at the time?

Away: Not really—but now Quebec is a major metal province. We regularly cross paths with bands like Gorguts, Cryptopsy, and Kataklysm.

Todd: How do you feel about the state of extreme music now compared to 20–30 years ago?

Away: Honestly, we’re doing better than in the mid-’90s, which I think was the low point for metal. Now we go everywhere—South America, Asia, Europe—and see tons of young fans with thrash patches. We get to play with bands we grew up with—Testament, Exodus, Megadeth. It’s a blast being part of that classic thrash era now.

Todd: Any drummers who influenced your playing?

Away: Filthy Animal Taylor from Motörhead, Clive Burr from Iron Maiden, and Terry Bozzio from Zappa. I tried to combine their styles. I also took inspiration from punk rock—especially the tribal tom patterns. There’s a lot of psychedelia in there too.

Todd: Do you have a favorite Voivod album?

Away: Killing Technology. It really represents everything I love about Voivod—punk, goth, metal, hardcore, all of it.

Todd: Anything you want to say to Capital Chaos TV viewers?

Away: We had a couple of slow years, but we’re back in full force. See you everywhere!

Watch the full video interview below.