Album Review: Voïvod – Symphonique (Live) (Century Media Records)

Canada’s progressive sci-fi metal innovators Voïvod return with ‘Symphonique’, a special live release together with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra, coming out on 5th June 2026 worldwide via Century Media Records.

Just when you thought you knew Voïvod, they go and do something like this. A wholly unexpected idea, yet one totally in keeping with their innovative ways, and one that feels so natural. This is Voïvod like you’ve never heard them before, and it is an unforgettable experience.

It must have been so special to have been in the building and experiencing this show in the flesh. A one-of-a-kind experience that, even when it is repeated, will never be topped as this was the first time it happened. Forty-plus years of existence and this is the kind of brilliant nonsense they’re pulling out? I guess we shouldn’t really be surprised as Voïvod embody musical invention, and their music makes for a potent pairing with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra.

I’m not going to tell you that Voïvod are breaking new ground here, because they’re not, but their specific style of metal and how cinematic it is, makes it feel more unique. Chaos, cosmos, and creation given an uplift and transformed in many ways. Even without the staggering visual display that made the show so remarkable, the music of this album delivers the unforgettable sound of Voïvod reimagined.

It’s impressive too that the live aspect isn’t lacking. Let me hear the reaction of joyful Voïvod fans. Let me feel like I was there. I really do think this album nails that, and the crowd noise sure tells me that those in attendance really ate it up. Though, when you look at the track listing, can you blame them?

This is a best of Voïvod, and they really took their time getting the track listing and the flow right. They also clearly thought about what track could work with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra and how it could be twisted, which might be one of the more exciting aspects of the album.

It’s a live album that draws from all eras of the band with Experiment, The Unknown Knows (a personal favourite), Into My Hypercube, Cosmic Drama, Pre-Ignition, Nuclear War, and Tribal Convictions coming from the ‘classic’ side of Voïvod. Whereas Holographic Thinking (another mighty listen), The End of Dormancy, Forgotten in Space, and Fall come from the more modern side of the band. Yet, as cool as all this is, Voïvod cap things off with a very impressive cover of the Pink Floyd song, Astronomy Domine.

How cool is that?

Forty plus years later and still delivering excellence. If you love Voïvod, this is a must listen.

Voïvod – Symphonique Track Listing:

1. Experiment (Symphonique Live)
2. Holographic Thinking (Symphonique Live)
3. The Unknown Knows (Symphonique Live)
4. The End of Dormancy (Symphonique Live)
5. Into My Hypercube (Symphonique Live)
6. Forgotten in Space (Symphonique Live)
7. Cosmic Drama (Symphonique Live)
8. Pre-Ignition (Symphonique Live)
9. Nuclear War (Symphonique Live)
10. Fall (Symphonique Live)
11. Tribal Convictions (Symphonique Live)
12. Astronomy Domine (Symphonique Live) (Pink Floyd Cover)

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