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