Canadian heavy metal band Voivod’s long-awaited documentary ‘We Are Connected’ received a standing ovation from the audience at it’s premiere. The premiere took place at Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal, Quebec, Canada last Monday 29th July.
“We Are Connected,” delves into the 40-plus year history of Voivod, one of the most original bands in metal music. From their fiery entry to the scene in Jonquière to reaching out to the world, the documentary captures the band’s unparalleled creativity, persistence and progress. During the Cold War politics, Voivod started writing music that reflected the political climate. They also incorporated themes from post-apocalyptic literature and science fiction.
The film also covers their underground success in the metal scene as well as international success where we see them sharing the stage with metal giants Iron Maiden, Rush and Metallica. From major-label support to Billboard recognition to pivotal lineup changes – we get to see it all. Also an important event the film talks about is the death of founding guitarist-composer Dennis “Piggy” D’Amour. Many critics had claimed this event as the end of Voivod.
Also read: Skid Row – Live in London to Become First Ever Live Album by the Group
Directed by Felipe Belalcazar, the film uses footages from the band’s archives. Metal icons that exclusively appeared in the documentary sharing their insights include Tobias Forge (GHOST), Mikael Åkerfeldt (OPETH), Jason Newsted (METALLICA), Zach Blair (RISE AGAINST, GWAR), Tom G. Warrior (CELTIC FROST, TRIPTYKON) and Ivan Doroschuk (MEN WITHOUT HATS), among many others.
‘We Are Connected’ – Voivod drummer talks about where it all started and setbacks and opportunities faced
As per Voivod drummer Michel “Away” Langevin, the band started thinking about’We Are Connected’ after guitarist Piggy’s death in 2005. The band reformed in 2018. Away confessed last April he was really amazed after watching director Felipe’s film on the band Death, ‘Death by Metal’ and started thinking if they could something along the lines. Away also adds the pandemic period further gave Voivod the opportunity to gather more archives since the band was not touring and finally “after all these years, it’s almost done.” “The Last Mile”, as he calls it and laughs.
Voivod completed their North American tour with Prong earlier this year. The band has been touring in support of their latest album “Morgöth Tales” which released on July last year. Their 2022 album “Synchro Anarchy” bagged the 2023 Juno Award for “Best Hard Rock/Metal Album” in Canada.
