Published: July 13, 2020 · 7:50 AM EDT
The Canadian progressive metal band expanded The Wake era with a special EP, live recordings from Montreal Jazz Fest and new projects developed during 2020
Voivod continued to build on the momentum of their acclaimed album The Wake with the release of the The End Of Dormancy EP in 2020 via Century Media Records, offering a unique extension of the band’s evolving sound.
Centered around a reimagined version of the title track, the EP presents “The End Of Dormancy (Metal Section)”, an expanded arrangement featuring brass elements such as trumpets, saxophone and trombones, adding a new dimension to the band’s progressive and experimental approach.
The release also includes live recordings captured at the Montreal Jazz Festival 2019, showcasing the band’s ability to translate their complex compositions into a powerful live setting. Among these recordings are “The End Of Dormancy (Live)” and the classic “The Unknown Knows”, both highlighting Voivod’s enduring presence on stage.
THE END OF DORMANCY EP TRACK LISTING
Side A
The End Of Dormancy (Metal Section)
Side B
The End Of Dormancy (Live Montreal Jazz Fest 2019)
The Unknown Knows (Live Montreal Jazz Fest 2019)
Released in multiple limited vinyl editions, the EP also features artwork created by drummer Michel “Away” Langevin, maintaining the band’s long-standing tradition of visual identity closely tied to their music.
At the time of the release, Voivod were also working on several projects, including a new live album, fresh material for a future studio release, and additional creative endeavors such as a book and a film. The band also planned a special online performance at RadicArt Studio, reflecting how artists adapted their activities during a period marked by global uncertainty.
This phase followed the success of The Wake, which received critical acclaim and earned the Juno Award for Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year, further solidifying Voivod’s position as one of the most innovative bands in progressive metal.
VOIVOD ARE:
Denis “Snake” Bélanger — Vocals
Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain — Guitar
Dominic “Rocky” Laroche — Bass
Michel “Away” Langevin — Drums
With The End Of Dormancy, Voivod extended the creative cycle of The Wake, combining experimentation, live performance and ongoing projects during a period of transition for the band.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
