VOIVOD's Chewy Gives Glimpse into Upcoming Album and Creative Evolution
In a riveting chat on the Gas Masks & Hand Grenades podcast, the enigmatic Daniel 'Chewy' Mongrain of VOIVOD revealed tantalizing details about the band's forthcoming studio album. The 50-year-old guitar wizard, who juggles his time between shredding riffs and educating the next generation of musicians at the Cégep Régional De Lanaudière À Joliette, confirmed that the band has already laid down tracks for three new songs. With a tour across the U.S. looming in October, Chewy and the band are poised to dive back into the creative process once the road dust settles.
"We have maybe eight songs that we started to work on," Chewy stated, his voice echoing both excitement and exhaustion. Balancing his responsibilities as a music department director and a touring artist is no walk in the park, but Chewy is undeterred. "It's more work for less pay," he chuckled, a testament to the relentless grind that metal musicians endure. Despite the challenges, his passion for teaching and mentoring students shines through, underscoring his commitment to both the classroom and the stage.
Reflecting on VOIVOD's artistic evolution, drummer Michel 'Away' Langevin hinted at a bold conceptual approach for the upcoming LP. Fans can expect a soundscape reminiscent of a cinematic experience, with the beloved cyborg mascot Korgull making a return. "We're trying to be more and more experimental," Away noted, highlighting the band's ambition to explore new sonic territories while staying true to their progressive roots.
With accolades for their recent intricate albums fueling their confidence, VOIVOD is ready to embrace new challenges. Away emphasized Chewy’s invaluable contributions, mentioning his expertise in jazz as a secret weapon, allowing the band to incorporate fresh elements that elevate their music into a true auditory journey. "There are no limits for us, it seems like," he proclaimed, hinting at the thrilling unpredictability that awaits fans.
As for the anticipated release of the new album, Away forecasted a late 2027 debut, a timeline packed with numerous shows and projects. In the meantime, the band is keeping the momentum alive with their recently released live symphonic collaboration, 'Symphonique', and an array of exciting ventures, including a video game titled 'Nuclear Warrior' that draws on nostalgic aesthetics. With a documentary and a hefty book release also on the horizon, it’s clear that VOIVOD is more active than ever, dedicated to delivering a wealth of content to their fiercely loyal fanbase.