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
FLCL Original Soundtrack 1: Addict cover

FLCL Original Soundtrack 1: Addict

Shinkichi Mitsumune, the pillows
Fiji cover

Fiji

Fiji Mariners, Bruce Hampton
Sgùrr cover

Sgùrr

Thy Catafalque
Dream Weapon cover

Dream Weapon

Genghis Tron
Reflection cover

Reflection

Cave of Swimmers
D​:​REI cover

D​:​REI

Black Space Riders