The Outer Limits cover

The Outer Limits

Released

Nearing the expiration date for their original run (bassist Blacky had already bailed after their last trip around the Horsehead Nebula), Voivod scavenged one last classic from Dimension Hatross before drifting into the void for the rest of the 90s. Their seventh studio album might be their most melodic as they left behind the Viking raids and complex circuitry in favor of alt rock conciseness — although this also contains the longest excursion they’ve ever done, the 17-minute prog exercise “Jack Luminous.” Still, the highlights are the ones that get to the point: “Fix My Heart” throws space dust on the nascent grunge sound, “Moonbeam Rider” updates Hawkwind for the 90s, and “Wrong-Way Street” may be the best slice of Canadian suburban paranoia since Rush’s “Subdivisions.”

Jeff Treppel

Suggestions
Are You Experienced? cover

Are You Experienced?

The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Big Brother & The Holding Company cover

Big Brother & The Holding Company

Big Brother and the Holding Company, Janis Joplin
Angel Dust cover

Angel Dust

Faith No More
Images and Words cover

Images and Words

Dream Theater
The August Engine cover

The August Engine

Hammers of Misfortune
The Blackening cover

The Blackening

Machine Head
Hex City cover

Hex City

Churchwood
Gravity X cover

Gravity X

Truckfighters
The Great Bazaar cover

The Great Bazaar

Subterranean Masquerade
At Home cover

At Home

Shocking Blue