- Rrröööaaarrr – The Sonic Mutant That Shredded Thrash Metal’s Rulebook
Voivod – Rrröööaaarrr (1986) is a chaotic, genre-bending thrash metal beast. Mixing raw aggression with progressive weirdness, jazz-influenced guitar riffs, and dystopian sci-fi lyrics, this German first press is a cult gem. Piggy’s angular guitar work, Snake’s snarling vocals, and the band’s willingness to get weird made this more than just another ’80s metal album—it’s a bold statement in sonic anarchy. Unpolished? Sure. But that raw energy is the charm. A must for metalheads who like their thrash twisted and brain-melting.
In 1986, amidst the burgeoning thrash metal scene, a band from Jonquière, Quebec, unleashed a sonic anomaly that would forever alter the genre's trajectory. Voivod's RRRÖÖÖAAARRR was not simply another thrash album; it was an avant-garde experiment that defied conventions and pushed the boundaries of heavy music.
A Unique Sound and Style: RRRÖÖÖAAARRR's sonic landscape was a maelstrom of aggression and experimentation. Voivod seamlessly blended thrash's raw energy with progressive elements, odd time signatures, and dissonant harmonies. Guitarist Denis "Piggy" D'Amour's unorthodox playing, influenced by jazz, created a sound that was both chaotic and mesmerizing. This unique fusion of styles set Voivod apart from their peers and paved the way for a new wave of progressive thrash metal.
Lyrical Themes: RRRÖÖÖAAARRR's lyrical content was as thought-provoking as its music. Denis "Snake" Bélanger's cryptic lyrics, often inspired by science fiction and philosophy, explored dystopian futures, environmental destruction, and social commentary. This thematic depth added another layer to the album's appeal, resonating with fans who craved more than just mindless aggression in their music.
Impact on Thrash Metal History: RRRÖÖÖAAARRR's influence on thrash metal cannot be overstated. Its experimental approach and unique sound inspired countless bands to push the boundaries of the genre. Voivod's willingness to challenge conventions and explore new sonic territories opened up a world of creative possibilities for thrash metal, leading to a wave of innovation that continues to this day.
Production and Sound Quality: While some critics initially balked at the album's raw, unpolished production, it has since become a hallmark of its charm. The unrefined sound perfectly captures the band's raw energy and intensity, creating an immersive listening experience that transports you to the heart of their chaotic world.
Music Genre: Hardcore Crossover Progressive Thrash Metal |
Album Production Information: The album: "Rrröööaaarrr" was produced by: Mike Amstadt and Voivod Maurice "Rocker" Richard - Executive Producer Mike Amstadt - Producer, Sound Engineer Recorded at L'Autre Studio, Montreal, Canada Big Lavallee - Photographer Robert Hould - Photographer Mark Weinberg - Album Artwork Notes: Mark Weinberg (Graphics Artist) during the 1980s he has been working for a dozen of heavy metal bands to work on art direction, design |
Record Label & Catalognr: Noise International N0040 / Matrix / Stamper: 'Mastered by SNB' |
Album Packaging: This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with , complete lyrics of all songs by Voivod and the Noise International Records discography |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl Full-Length Stereo Long-Play Gramophone RecordAlbum weight: 230 gram |
Year and Country: 1986 Made in Germany |
Band Members and Musicians on: Voivod Rrröööaaarrr |
Background information on the Voivod band-members. Denis Bélanger used the pseudonym "Snake" and has been lead singer with the Canadian Heavy Metal band "Voivod" during the 1980's from 1983-1994. Denis D'Amour used the pseudonym "Piggy" and has been guitarist (and occasionally sound engineer) with the Canadian Heavy Metal band "Voivod" during the 1980's from 1981-2005. Jean-Yves Thériault used the pseudonym "Blacky" and has been bass player (and occasionally sound engineer) with the Canadian Heavy Metal band "Voivod" during the 1980's from 1981-2014 (with several long breaks during this period). Michel Langevin used the pseudonym "Away" and has been drummer (and occasionally graphics artist) with the Canadian Heavy Metal band "Voivod" during the 1980's from 1981-Today. |
Complete Track Listing of: "Rrröööaaarrr" |
The Song/tracks on "Rrröööaaarrr" are
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This is the front cover of Voivod's album "Rrröööaaarrr." The artwork is striking and chaotic, dominated by a monstrous, futuristic tank-like vehicle in the center. The vehicle is rendered in shades of grey and black, with a multitude of spikes, cannons, and mechanical arms protruding from its surface, giving it a menacing, war-like appearance.
The background is a fiery red, suggesting a sunset or sunrise, which adds to the apocalyptic and intense atmosphere of the image. The band's name, "VOIVOD," is prominently displayed at the top in a jagged, metallic font, reinforcing the industrial and aggressive aesthetic. The album title, "Rrröööaaarrr," is scrawled across the center in a bold red, contrasting with the grey of the vehicle.
The vehicle itself is highly detailed, with various mechanical components and textures visible. It appears to be a complex war machine, with a skull-like face integrated into its design near the bottom. The artwork evokes a sense of dystopian science fiction, combining elements of machinery, aggression, and a desolate, fiery landscape.
The overall impression is one of intense, chaotic energy, reflecting the thrash metal genre of the album. The use of color and the intricate details of the vehicle create a visually compelling and memorable image.
This is a close-up photo of the record label for Side One of Voivod's album "Rrröööaaarrr." The label features a black background with white text, creating a stark contrast that makes the information easily readable.
The band's name, "VOIVOD," is prominently displayed in a stylized, bold font near the center of the label. Below it, the album title, "Rrröööaaarrr," is written in a similar font.
The label is divided into two sections, indicating the two sides of the record: "Ripping Side (This Side)" and "Thrashing Side (Other Side)." Each side lists the song titles contained on that side of the record.
At the top of the label, the "NOISE" logo is visible, indicating the record label that released the album. Other details on the label include "Stereo 33," indicating the playback speed, "GEMA," a German music rights organization, and the catalog number "N 0040."
The text on the label is arranged in a circular pattern around the center hole of the record, following the shape of the label itself. This arrangement, combined with the clear white text on the black background, makes the label easy to read and visually appealing.
This is the back cover of Voivod's album "Rrröööaaarrr." It features a collage of black and white photos of the band members performing live, capturing the raw energy of their music.
The band's logo, a stylized "V" with a cross, is prominently displayed in the center of the cover. Surrounding the logo are photos of the band members playing their instruments and singing, giving a glimpse into their live performances.
Interspersed between the photos are the track listings for the album, written in a handwritten style that adds to the raw and unpolished aesthetic of the cover.
The cover also includes credits for the album, detailing the production, personnel, and other information related to the album's creation. These credits are printed in smaller text, providing a contrast to the larger photos and track listings.
The overall design of the back cover reflects the thrash metal genre of the album, with its raw and energetic imagery, handwritten text, and black and white color scheme.
This is a close-up photo of the record label from Voivod's album "Rrröööaaarrr." The label features a black background with a striking white logo in the center.
The logo is a stylized, abstract design that incorporates the band's name, "VOIVOD." It has a jagged, hand-drawn appearance, contributing to the raw and edgy aesthetic associated with the band's music.
The white logo stands out sharply against the black background, creating a high contrast that draws the eye. The design is unique and memorable, reflecting the band's distinctive style.
The center hole of the record is visible, and the subtle grooves of the vinyl can be seen underneath the black background, adding to the authenticity of the image.
This label design captures the essence of Voivod's music and visual style, combining a raw, hand-drawn aesthetic with a bold, high-contrast color scheme.
The story of "Dimension Hatross" begins in the late '80s, a time when the metal scene was witnessing a fertile period of experimentation and boundary-pushing. Voivod, hailing from Canada, had already established themselves as pioneers with their previous releases, it would solidify their status as avant-garde metal
Dimension Hatross 12" Vinyl LPVoivod's groundbreaking album "Killing Technology," released in 1987, marked a pivotal moment in the band's evolution from speed to thrash metal. The first issue of the 12" vinyl LP, adorned with dystopian cover art, is a coveted collector's item. Voivod's sonic experimentation, led by guitarist Piggy
Killing Technology 12" Vinyl LPA Unique Sound and Style: RRRÖÖÖAAARRR's sonic landscape was a maelstrom of aggression and experimentation. Voivod seamlessly blended thrash's raw energy with progressive elements, odd time signatures, and dissonant harmonies. Guitarist Denis "Piggy" D'Amour's unorthodox playing, influenced by jazz
Rrröööaaarrr 12" Vinyl LP