Voivod

Voivod's late-'80s albums remain some of the most bizarrely refreshing metal to listen back on. The band formed in Quebec and gradually fused sinister technicality with cold urban grit, both in the sneered lyrics of vocalist Denis "Snake" Belanger and the thrashing yet melodically tangled lines of guitarist Denis "Piggy" D'Amour. D'Amour died of colon cancer in 2005, leaving behind a bunch of unused guitar demos. The band's current lineup—including former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted—has nonetheless tried to carry on with D'Amour rather than without, recording 2006's Katorz and 2009's Infini around parts he recorded before his death. The band may be touring without its most distinct member, but has found a respectable way to keep his grimly grounded signature intact.

Updated 03/09/2010