Voivod - Nothingface (1989)

Despite being their 5th, this album made the Metal world wake up to the power of Canadian Prog. Thrash (although I can't think of any others). This crafty piece of song-smithing perfectly illustrates Voivod's unique sound. Arguably there best work, Nothingface shows off Voivod's off-center sense of melody, their weird science fiction based lyrics (weird in the sense that the English lyrics are written by French guys, so there take on the language is unique), pacey drumming, mad scientist riffs & unmistakable virtuoso bass. Something of an acquired taste, the band's sound is the missing link between Thrash & very techy Prog. bands, & there really is absolutely nothing like it. As the only cover song on the album can attest there is a sizable Pink Floyd influence, but more on a song-structure/conceptual standpoint rather than an audible influence. All in all a great listen that will either make you a fan or turn you against Voivod completely, but since they are now on album number 15, I'm thinking these guys have more fans than detractors & rightly so.

Best Tracks: The Unknown Knows, Nothingface, Astronomy Domine & Inner Combustion

Cynic - Focus (1993)

You need this album !!! I know it's about 19 years old (a couple of months older than me) but this album is truly essential. Even if you care little for Metal, give this a try. In 1993 some crazy guys in Florida thought it might be cool to combine Death Metal guitars, bouncy jazz bass, pummeling tech. drumming, harsh growling, "robotic" vocoder-ed singing & atmospheric keyboard. Damn they were right. Veil of Maya kicks things off with pulsing bass, vicious purpose, calm sections of ambience & a freakish (but short) solo. The album carries on in the same wildly experimental & technical fashion. Expect to hear harsh Thrash, synthesized spoken word, swirling Prog. Death, mournful Metal tinged Jazz & even a synthy organ to close the album. Through all this a prevalent sense of melody keeps the whole journey strangely accessible. Sadly it took a break-up, reunion & a space of 15 years for Cynic to follow this Impeccable Alien Metal Epic up with 2008's Traced in Air, however the 8 tracks from the original pressing of Focus are far better than some other bands' entire discographies.

Best Tracks: Veil of Maya, Celestial Voyage, I'm But a Wave to... & How Could I