Published: October 18, 2020
In an October 2020 interview with Gino Alache, Voivod guitarist Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain discusses the Lost Machine – Live album, memories from The Wake tour, and his role in one of Canada’s most influential metal bands.
Voivod returned in 2020 with Lost Machine – Live, a release that captures the band’s dynamic and forward-thinking approach to live performance following the success of their Juno Award-winning album The Wake. Recorded in Québec City during their worldwide tour, the album stands as a snapshot of a band still evolving after decades of innovation.
In this interview recorded on October 18, 2020, guitarist Daniel Mongrain speaks with Gino Alache for Rockum Radio, offering insight into the origins of Lost Machine – Live and the experiences that shaped it. The conversation reflects a period marked by global lockdowns, where live music was suddenly paused, making the release of a live album even more significant.
At the center of the discussion is the creative decision to document the band’s live energy, capturing performances from a tour that reinforced Voivod’s position as one of the most respected names in progressive metal. The memories of The Wake tour, including its atmosphere and connection with audiences, play a key role in defining the spirit of the release.
The interview also touches on the band’s experimental direction, particularly with material like The End of Dormancy, where Voivod expanded their sound through the incorporation of brass instruments, reinforcing their identity as a band willing to challenge traditional boundaries within metal.
Beyond the live release, Mongrain reflects on the band’s future, including early ideas for new studio material, while also revisiting his own journey within Voivod. Stepping into the role once held by Denis D'Amour, he discusses the responsibility of continuing a legacy while bringing his own voice to the band, balancing respect for the past with creative progression.
The conversation also explores his beginnings as a musician, his influences, and the experiences that have shaped his career, including the realities of touring and the evolving music industry. Through these reflections, Mongrain highlights the importance of dedication, adaptability, and artistic integrity in sustaining a long-term career.
Capturing Voivod at a moment of both continuity and transformation, this interview presents a band that remains committed to innovation honoring its history while continuing to push the boundaries of progressive metal into the future.
Watch the interview:
