The Metal Files

March 17, 2010

Voivod

Live at Red 7, Austin, TX

Voivod.  Usually when I hear the name all I can think of is the song Cockroaches.  I was never a big fan.  Their breed of techno-thrash was just a tad too rough for my ears.  Then came Nothingface, Angelrat and Outer Limits.  Those album were a little more melodic and I’ve always liked them a lot.  I’ve gone back and tried listening to stuff like Killing Technology and Rooooaaaaarrrr but it does nothing for me.

I found out a month or so ago that Voivod was coming to Austin to play the SxSW.  Even with me not being a big fan, I’ve never seen them live so I figured I’d go.

I’m so glad that I did.

After leaving another show where LA Guns and Faster Pussycat were getting ready to go on, I ventured over a few blocks to Red 7.  This whole show was part of the Relapse Records showcase.   I caught the last song by a band called Tombs.  Forgettable stuff for me.  Saw a good friend up front and weasled my way to stand next to him at the front of the stage.

As the band got set up, there was a short comedy set by metalhead comedian Brian Posehn.  It was pretty funny.  The

Brian Posehn

energy in the room was pretty good.  Lots of people there to see Voivod.  It was cool to see their real fans there.

After Posehn’s set, the band comes out and fires into the song Voivod.  The crowd went apeshit.  So did I.  The setlist was right in front of me and I only knew maybe 3 songs.  Cockroaches wasn’t on the set and the only thing from the 3 albums I liked was their cover of Pink Floyd’s Astronomy Domine.  But it didn’t matter.  They sounded great.  They were lively.  The crowd loved it. They added one extra song but I don’t know what it was.

Some minor mosh pit action happening behind me.  There were a

Boot to the head...Metal, sometimes we bleed for it.

few stagedivers, one of which kicked me in the head and drew blood.  He was just some hipster douche who I don’t think even knew who Voivod was, he just wanted to be “cool” and stage dive like the other 2 dudes did.  I wasn’t really pissed about it but I found him after the show and put the fear of god in him.  I think he almost pissed himself.  I told him if he was still there when I turned around that I was going to kick his ass.  He took off.  Funny.  Anyone that knows me knows that I don’t have a violent bone in my body.  Luckily my looks and my size are intimidating to most people that I don’t get bothered much.

Blacky and new guitarist Dan Mongrain, from the Canadian band Martyr, both handed me a pick.  Pretty cool and good ones to add to my collection.

Blacky and Dan's picks

Blacky and Dan's picks

I got to see a good local friend that I haven’t seen in a while as well, and that’s always a good thing.  VoiVod is playing 2 more FREE shows this weekend within walking distance of my place, so I will try and check them out.  I sort of regret not going to see last night’s Motorhead show as I heard it was a small crowd.  Oh well.

Below are some pics from the show.  Enjoy.  I sure did.

Snake

Away

Blacky

Dan Mongrain

Setlist