Canadian cosmic metal pioneers VOIVOD have released "Symphonique", a live album recorded on June 4, 2025, at the Grand Théâtre in Quebec City, Canada, featuring performances with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra.
The 73-minute album, composed of 12 tracks, blends VOIVOD's prog-infused thrash style with orchestral arrangements, transforming their music into a cinematic soundscape worthy of a science fiction film.
The set includes enduring cuts such as "The Unknown Knows", "Nuclear War", and a cover of PINK FLOYD's "Astronomy Domine", with standout performances of newer tracks like "Fall" that earned a standing ovation during all three concerts.
The collaboration was made possible through the creative vision of drummer Michel, who oversaw both the musical and visual elements of the show.
He emphasized a galactic journey through the concert structure, with carefully selected song order and apocalyptic visuals that included 2D animation, 3D CGI, and AI-generated animations of his characters.
The experience was initially challenging due to the glass enclosure separating the band from the orchestra and the use of in-ears and an iPad for the ensemble, but by the third performance in Quebec City, Michel reported full comfort and immersion in the performance.
Despite a minor timing error in the first show—described as an 'Easter Egg'—Michel confirmed that no significant cues were missed.
He also acknowledged the growing role of AI in art and music, noting that while it raises ethical concerns, it has become an essential tool for generating visual concepts and perspectives, especially in the context of climate and technological anxiety.
Beyond the album, VOIVOD has announced progress on their next studio album, which is structured as an eight-chapter narrative.
Inspired by albums like "Dimension Hatröss" and "Phobos", the new project will feature intricate, short (five to five-and-a-half minutes) tracks that maintain a thrashy edge while being experimental.
The band has only recorded three songs so far, with the next three in development, and aims to release the full album by late next year.
The project will be designed to fit on a single vinyl, echoing the format of their acclaimed "Synchro Anarchy" album.
Michel stated that the band’s long-standing themes of nuclear war and technological anxiety remain central, with the new album expected to reflect even more futuristic lyrics as AI and high-tech weaponry reshape the world.
The band plans to repeat the Quebec City orchestral show in January 2025, with the same conductor, Dina Gilbert, returning to lead the performance.
Michel noted that audience engagement has already grown, with fans repeatedly shouting 'Dina!' during the Montreal shows, signaling a strong emotional connection to the experience.
VOIVOD has also confirmed that the next dream—scoring a major film—has become a reality with the success of the symphony concerts."