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
The Big Heat cover

The Big Heat

Stan Ridgway
Down Among The Deadmen cover

Down Among The Deadmen

The Lord Weird Slough Feg
Blue Öyster Cult cover

Blue Öyster Cult

Blue Öyster Cult
Ompa Til Du Dør cover

Ompa Til Du Dør

Kaizers Orchestra
17th Street cover

17th Street

Hammers of Misfortune
Hilary Duff cover

Hilary Duff

Hilary Duff
City cover

City

Strapping Young Lad