Chophouse Records

Sunday January 26, 2003
WE CARRY ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Jasonic

Why haven't I written? Because I've been too busy kicking ass!!! Over the last 6 weeks since my last entry, we've been working hard to get the music to the people. The VOIVOD 3 song sampler featuring Gasmask Revival, Rebel Robot, and We Carry On has dropped on the metal world, and is being well-received by people who know good music when they hear and feel it. We've completed all artwork for the record. The band is together in California for a bit. We spent Friday and Saturday this week filming our first video for the track We Carry On with some great creative people from Industrial Light and Magic here in the Bay Area. The video will be finished in approximately 1 month. We're planning world premiere screenings for late February (so keep posted here for updates). Also, keep an ear on your local radio for new VOIVOD music.

As of today, we are roughing in April 10, 2003 as tour start date for VOIVOD in the US. We are all very excited to share our new band with the world - so let's go!!! And remember, you never know what is going to happen tomorrow, so we gotta ROCK today!

Cheerz - VOIVOD LIVES!

KEEP IT HEAVY!

Jason

Thursday December 19, 2002
ONE MONTH WITH CATCH-UP
Posted by Jasonic

Howdy Friends - OK - WHEW!! We have been super busy...the whirlwind has begun. Since I last posted here in the last week of November, tons of great things have transpired. I'll bring you up-to-date.

We all met in New York City on Tuesday December 3rd to do a full-on photo shoot with Danny Clinch - it was awesome!! It was freezing cold out in Greenpoint, Brooklyn by the water, freezing for metal!! The pictures came out incredible!! (We'll be sharing a lot of these with y'all in the near future).

Wednesday December 4th was the big day - finale!! We went to Sterling Sound in Chelsea to meet with George Marino and put the finishing touches on the album. We all had a great experience. Listening to the final product of two solid months of long days of metal on George's perfect sounding system was a great reward! I think that we all feel a great sense of accomplishment. And speaking for myself, a fantastic feeling of satisfaction. I already feel successful because of what we've done together, truly together! So - after the overwhelming emotional day, I finally could sleep soundly for a night. A hard earned rest.

On Thursday December 5th we met up with Iann Robinson for an MTV interview. We played some of the new music for him and his pals. There was a lot of air guitar going on. A good sign. And then the following 30 hours were spent playing the CD on different sound systems for our people that will help to spread the VOIVOD experience to listeners that will show the music respect and appreciation.

Now, one week later, The Chophouse staff and Surfdog folks have been planning the assault to bring the metal to the people, including plans for the first VOIVOD video, promo releases, touring festivals, etc. I am stoked!!

Snake, Piggy, and Away all agreed that this album is the best VOIVOD offering to date. I know that this is the best album that I've ever been a part of. And my best bass performance so far!!

...And with that happy note, I will say - C-YA!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL Y'ALL!!

KEEP IT HEAVY!
KEEP IT METAL!

Jason

Sunday December 1, 2002
TODAY IS THE DAY
Posted by Jasonic

The sky opens again, the Bay parts wide, month 12 + 1 day = 13, so DIG IT!! This is beautiful; ugliness is here. Ready for the people to hear March 4, 2003...V-DAY IS COMING!

KEEP IT HEAVY!!
KEEP IT METAL!

And, as always, thank you for all your attention and kind support!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jasonic

Saturday November 30, 2002
PLEASE LET ME OUT OF HERE
Posted by Jasonic

This is the day that I thought we could put it to bed. Mr. Dobbs keeps finding little things to make it better and better and better while making me crazier and crazier and happier and happier.

Keep it Metal, Jasonic

Friday November 29, 2002
KEEP PUSHIN' ON
Posted by Jasonic

Now the sound screen microscope is out. Mucho fine tuning and serious, intense listening.

Keep it Metal, Jasonic

Thursday November 28, 2002
THANKSGIVING DAY
Posted by Jasonic

...one day off for sleep on Turkey Genocide Day, then onto...

Wednesday November 27, 2002

Posted by Jasonic

...one day of technical crap...

Tuesday November 26, 2002
SMASHING TECHNOLOGY
Posted by Jasonic

...I'm back pedaling a bit here. I'm writing on Sunday December 1, 2002. I really have some catching up to do!! OK...so on Tuesday, we were on the last mix and had about 2 minutes of the song remaining and the console goes down!!! We had expected to finish on the 26th, but this is just one of the many obstacles to fall in our path while trying to complete this record. We have managed to power through it though...

Keep it Metal, Jasonic

Monday November 25, 2002
DAY OF DESTRUCTION
Posted by Jasonic

We listened very loudly today (I no can hear too good right now). The last bits of fine tuning will be taking place over the next 20 hours. Serious crunch time. Countdown to metal is now in its last day. I am really pleased with these sounds. I am truly moved by being in a band now that has words and songs that really mean something to me. The feeling is incredible! Cheerz.

Keep it Metal, Jasonic

Sunday November 24, 2002
PAPA WHEELIE ROCKS WITH VOIVOD
Posted by Jasonic

A long night last night - after unloading gear back into The Chophouse, I crashed at 5:30AM. Back up and at the metal at noon. Song #11 is proving to be a challenging one to mix. In the early evening, PAPA WHEELIE assembled with original guitarist Ken Ingersoll to listen to the new VOIVOD at maximum volume and have a few beers. It was an awesome time! So...some more hours of mixing and listening. 3 day countdown to the next phase of The Multiverse. I can't wait for you to hear this!!

Keep It Heavy! Jasonic

Saturday November 23, 2002
LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL
Posted by Jasonic

Metal is loud and kickin' in The Multiverse today. More mixing and listening and mixing and listening. Mr. Piggy went back to Montreal today. All the dudes will miss him. He is well-respected and liked throughout the camp. 4 day countdown to completion of mixing stage. 40 days in a row of pure metal!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nobody works this hard!!!!! Another reason why VOIVOD rules! Let the music do the talkin'!

RealVideo | Day Forty - VOIVOD : VID No. 117

Keep It Heavy, Jasonic

Thursday November 21, 2002
THE METAL ZONE IN VOIVODLAND
Posted by Jasonic

OH YYEAAHH...we are rockin' today! We've moved on to song #9! Billy Steel from the 107.7 The Bone Metal Zone radio show joined us today to blast out some new VOIVOD tunes (he seemed to thoroughly enjoy the metal!!). It's cool to listen with someone from outside our circle. We all had a great time!!!!!! OK...hope y'all are good!!

Keep It Heavy, J.

Tuesday November 19, 2002
FULL MOON BOOGIE
Posted by Jasonic

Sooo much metal!!! F**k YEAH! Another day of productivity in VOIVODLAND. Positive forward-motion is the name of our game! Ain't no stoppin' what can't be stopped; no killin' what can't be killed. Keep an eye on the sky tonight - *** METEOR SHOWER ***.

Keep It Heavy, Jasonic

Monday November 18, 2002
THE SUN IS SHINING AGAIN
Posted by Jasonic

First two mixes are complete, Piggy is happy, bass sound is rockin'. What a difference a day makes! So, onward and upward...try to catch me!

Keep It Metal, J.

* Happy 40th B-Day to KRK the Hamster!!

Sunday November 17, 2002
TOO MUCH METAL
Posted by Jasonic

The mixing is making me crazy...but that's what is supposed to happen, right?! Our crew is pushing hard to meet our deadlines, and it is taking its toll on the best of us. I went home before midnight...amazing...still no rest for the awesome-wicked-cool.

Keep It Heavy, J.

Saturday November 16, 2002
1ST DAY OF MIX !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Jasonic

The day has arrived. We start blending everything and making the super wicked-cool new VOIVOD album. So VERY METAL. The days are longer and the nights are shorter. Our goal is to complete this in time for everyone to get home for the holiday weekend - intertwining of good intentions - we'll see what happens. Cheerz...

Keep It Metal, J.

Friday November 15, 2002
NO REST FOR THE WICKED COOL
Posted by Jasonic

This post is one day late. We've been spending as many hours as our ears will allow us to play all of the parts together. This morning at about two we finished that stage. On to the mix... Holy Crap! C-Ya in a minute...

Keep It Heavy, J.

Thursday November 14, 2002
GRINDSTONE
Posted by Jasonic

...Full metal tourniquet. The tunes are loud and ugly. My head is spinning round. A new set of ears would be nice, and if a new spine could be found...??? We are busy making metal (short scrawl today). I hope that y'all are moving forward too! VOIVOD LIVES!!

Keep It Metal, J.

Wednesday November 13, 2002
AND ON THE THIRTEENTH DAY
Posted by Jasonic

The Gods of Metal created a cool-ass band called VOIVOD, and made it possible for much fun to be had, and volume to be administered to those fortunate enough to get in the way. Today has been long and productive - we're getting a handle on the mixing processes for this music. I'm diggin' life!! C-ya...

Keep It Metal, Jasonic

Tuesday November 12, 2002
INTO THE MULTIVERSE MIX
Posted by Jasonic

AAAAHHH...yes, Sunday (11/10) and Monday (11/11) off from this place after many long back to back marathon sessions. Alright...so everyone's rested now? And we're diving headlong into piecing the puzzle together! We heard the first overall rough mixes last night for the first time with full vocal and guitar solos, theremin, etc. Awesome...very metal. Some long days ahead; wish us luck!

Keep It Heavy, Jasonic

* What I learned from my dog Kaya over the weekend: "Don't stick your face in a skunk's ass... ever. (Especially when your master is screaming multiple, identifiable warning commands.)"

Saturday November 9, 2002
PIGGY'S THROW DOWN
Posted by Jasonic

YYYYEEEEEEHHHHAAAAWWW!! Bass recordings are done...theremin recordings are in place!! I have a day off tomorrow!! Amazing!! Unbelievable! Our dudes (Brian Joseph Dobbs - Engineer; Enrique Gonzalez Muller - Second Engineer and Javamaker; Leff Lefferts - Digital Editing Master; Kent Matcke - Digital Editing Duder; Steven Pennington - Chophouse Overseer; Chris Roberts - Chophouse Metal Specialist), have really rocked! This record will kick your ass! Talk to yooz on Monday. Until then...

Keep It Metal, Jasonic

Friday November 8, 2002
MORE OF THE BASS FREAKONESEES
Posted by Jasonic

Big day for me today. Lots of loud cool bass...full on distortion tones on every song! And... Piggy asked me to do a bass solo on one track too! F**king amazing! I've been looking for that for a long time! Snake headed out today, after doing an outstanding job of singing. This VOIVOD fan is happy.

Keep It Metal, Jasonic

Thursday November 7, 2002
THE SNAKE IS LOOSE!
Posted by Jasonic

Last day of Snake singing. He did really well. It was a great recording experience for all of us. So...a bit of bass and guitars over the weekend, and on to the mix next week. Metal is boiling in the crucible of VOIVOD - you will dig this music.

Keep It Heavy, J.

* Late night log in: Power outages from severe winds in the Bay Area tried to stop Snake from finishing his screams...to no avail. The Snake is back.

Wednesday November 6, 2002
VOIVOD CRUSHES YOUR CRANIUM
Posted by Jasonic

We've been blasting the new VOIVOD tunes the entire day...we heard all 13...we're out of our heads right now!! Everyone seems to be happy at this state of development. A bit more guitars and sounds over the next days, and then we're on our way to the mix! This has been a good day! VV KIXYERASS!!

Keep It Metal, J.

* What I learned from my dogs today: "Learn to enjoy the wind in your face."

Tuesday November 5, 2002
I CAN'T BELIEVE THE COMPS ARE DONE!
Posted by Piggy and Snake

Man, I'm so happy. Vocal comps are complete, thanx to Jasonic and Brian. I haven't been really in there for the comps, since I used that time to get some air out of the studio, going out in San Francisco. But I'll be back tomorrow for some more vocal tracks, bass, guitars, and a fresh headroom.

Piggy

The worst part in studio is waiting while somebody else is working. These guys have been really patient hearing my voice over and over again. But the result is there. And I am enjoying myself hearing the whole thing. It's great!

Snake

Monday November 4, 2002
STAND UP AND BE HEARD
Posted by Jasonic

VOTE !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday November 3, 2002
SNAKE IN THE GRASS
Posted by Jasonic

Tons o' metal tracks to listen to now and for the next few days. We're finishing up with the Snake and some guitar pieces, and then on to the mix. Two weeks to go...lots of work to do.

Keep It Heavy, J.

* What I learned from my dogs today: "Let others know when they've invaded your territory."

RealVideo | Day Twenty One - VOIVOD : VID No. 104

Saturday November 2, 2002
SLITHER, COIL AND STRIKE
Posted by Jasonic

More serious vocalizing!! Snake showed up a bit fuzzy from a fun night out with Piggy and the gang. He proceeded to surprise us again with his ideas and crazy, unique vocal approach. One of the 13 songs that I was a bit apprehensive about was turned upside down by Snake today and now it's my new favorite! This is a blast - y'all are gonna love it.

Keep It Metal, J.

* What I learned from my dogs today: "Be obedient and/or agreeable when it is to your advantage."

Friday November 1, 2002
THE SNAKE RIDES AGAIN
Posted by Jasonic

Last night we rocked until 3:30AM. Long days and short nights = BIG METAL SOUNDS !! Snake is lining em up and knocking em down. He will be finished with his lead vocals by Saturday night! His unorthodox yet professional ways have produced some amazing music thus far...a great experience for all!!!

Keep It Heavy, J.

Thursday October 31, 2002
HAPPY HEAVY HALLOWEEN
Posted by Jasonic

Busier than ever...Snake is singing again today - and crushing these tunes, one after another. The new VOIVOD is going to surprise a lot of people - old fans will love it and new fans will be abundant!! So...have a happy, crazy, scary day and night!

It's a good day for Metal - J.

* (16 years ago today was my last gig with the original Flotsam & Jetsam!! Whew - what a great strange trip it's been so far...)

Wednesday October 30, 2002
SNAKE THE STAMINANIMAL
Posted by Jasonic

We've all been hugely inspired today by Mr. Snake and his kick ass vocalizing. The songs are taking on a whole new life now. It's amazing! (A singer that's prepared, doesn't talk s**t, and ain't afraid to put in some heroic hours!) We've got a great team together here. Today is our 17th day concentrating on this project. (Approx. 250 hours so far; we have 17 days remaining; I predict 300 hours more to go.) I can't wait to share this with all of you!!

Keep it Metal, Jasonic

* One of the things I learned from my dogs; "If what you desire lies buried, dig and dig until you find it."

Photo | What Up Dogs?!

Tuesday October 29, 2002
THE SNAKE STRIKES
Posted by Jasonic

Snake is singing. I am going crazy. I am busy. Hi-bye Sessioneers for today.

C-Ya, Jasonic

RealVideo | Day Sixteen- VOIVOD : VID No. 91

Monday October 28, 2002
ARRIVAL OF THE SNAKE / BASS AMPIN'
Posted by Jasonic

Mr. Snake showed up today with a notebook full of lyrics and a brain filled with ideas - excited to share in the new tunes! A big day today! We started full listening on bass tracks - I'm feeling great about the huge ugly sounds! (LATE NIGHT) Snake does his microphone tests - screaming through a dozen different cool devices...the voice weapon has been chosen.

Sunday October 27, 2002
DAY OF REST!?
Posted by Jasonic

We thought about taking a day off, but that's for the weak. Instead, we had a meeting of our Chophouse crew to start assembling a plan of attack for the new VOIVOD. We're gonna kick ass! I'm headed into the room now to start working on my bass stuff...

Countdown to Snake = Tomorrow

Keep It Heavy - Cheerz, Jasonic

VOIVOD LIVES !!!!!!!!!!!!!

RealVideo | Day Fourteen- VOIVOD : VID No. 78

Saturday October 26, 2002
PIGGY ROCK IV
Posted by Jasonic

Sounds and chords from Piggy were completed tonight. Lot's of listening and review. Stayed at The Plant til 1:00AM working on some rough mixes. Piggy RULES !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Countdown to Snake = 2 Days

RealVideo | Day Thirteen- VOIVOD : VID No. 65

Friday October 25, 2002
PIGGY ROCK III
Posted by Jasonic

Eight more hours of Piggy noise recording, followed by road trip to The Metal Zone - 107.7 The Bone with Billy Steel, where we played five old VOIVOD tracks on the air to remind people what VOIVOD is all about. Played "Panorama" and "The Outcast" from Angel Rat. Played "The Unknown Knows" and "Astronomy Domine" from Nothingface, and "Thrashing Rage" from RRROOOAAARRR!. Billy Steel's Metal Zone airs every Friday night from 9:00PM to 12:00 Midnight PST. Returned to the studio for late night listening...about a half a days work to go until Piggy's main guitar tracks are done.

RealVideo | Day Twelve - VOIVOD : VID No. 52

Thursday October 24, 2002
PIGGY ROCK II - THE SKY OPENS
Posted by Jasonic

Hugely productive day with Piggy on guitar. Crushing through song after song, building the VOIVOD soundscape. The unique Piggy noises of old live again!

Countdown to Snake = 5 Days

"There is no telling what will happen tomorrow, so we gotta rock today." Jasonic 2002

RealVideo | Day Eleven - VOIVOD : VID No. 39

Wednesday October 23, 2002
PIGGY ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Jasonic

At noon today, Piggy started recording his chords and sounds. It is beautiful and amazing. The compositions are really beginning to take shape. 6 days left in the countdown to the Snake. Extra bonus today - Government Mule performed for a live radio show across the hall in Studio B this evening - AWESOME!! Huge Inspirado! VOIVOD RULES!

Art  |  Proto Galaxy Six

Art  |  Proto Galaxy Six

Photo  |  Piggy Rocks

Tuesday October 22, 2002
ETM (ESTIMATED TIME OF METAL)
Posted by Jasonic

Finished drum listening and tweaking - Away is a happy percussioneer. The moon is bright and the sky is ready to part from the sounds of the mighty Piggy!! Metal is alive and well in VOIVODLAND! Snake starts in one week from today - we are all looking forward to his new lyrics. (Those that I have seen and read so far are brilliant!!)

Art | Proto Galaxy Five

Photo | The Final Stroke of the Stick

Monday October 21, 2002
FULL MOON DRUMONSTER
102102
Posted by Jasonic

Tonight, Away heroically completed tracking drums...13 tracks + in 4 days!...so, now we're fine tuning while Piggy is preparing guitars and amps for his solos and sounds. (As a fan of VOIVOD, I have to say this is so f**king cool! I can't wait for other fans to experience this music!!) - VOIVOD LIVES !

RealVideo  |  Day Eight- VOIVOD : VID No. 26

Photo  |  Full Moon Madness - One

Photo  |  Full Moon Madness - Two

Thursday October 17, 2002
INSIDE THE MULTIVERSE - AWAY
Posted by Away

I like to hit flying saucers in front of my eyes. I usually play a Ludwig set that is a reissue of an old sparkly silver drum kit from the '70's. However, for the recording of this new album, I am playing a Gretsch kit that is three times louder and more musical than all of the drums that I've ever played before. Also, I play Sabian cymbals and I use Vic Firth American Classic Extreme 5B sticks.

RealVideo | Day Four - VOIVOD : VID No. 13

Wednesday October 16, 2002
UP AND AWAY
Posted by Jasonic

Away continues to kick maximum ass tracking drums, laying down the foundations of The Multiverse. We're all really excited about hearing the beginnings of the new VOIVOD sound. It was another 13 hour day...maintaining the daily working schedule that starts at 11:00AM and finishes at 12 MIDNIGHT.

RealVideo | Day Three - VOIVOD : VID No. 3

Tuesday October 15, 2002
...THAT'S WHAT WE SAID AT THE BORDER...
Posted by Mastor P

Piggy and Away arrived at The Plant Recording Studios today from Montreal, Canada. The two of them were minutes away from missing their flight when Snake's car broke down and almost caught fire along the motorway. A local metal shop offered them a telephone and a cab got them to the airport just in time. Caught in Customs at the border, they were quickly let through when they told the official they were on their way to make a Heavy Metal/Hard Rock record!!

Away will get things started by tracking drums first. Then Jasonic and Piggy will lay down their bass and guitar tracks, with Snake arriving on October 28 to begin tracking vocals.

RealVideo | Day Two - VOIVOD : VID No. 1

Wednesday October 2, 2002
MULTI-VERSE / MULTI-TRACKING
Posted by Jasonic

Last day of pre-production before entering The Plant to record the new album, slated to begin October 15th. The fascination is real again. Stay tuned to these Session Diaries for daily updates from the studio. Check out Away's latest sketches.

Art | Proto Galaxy Four

Tuesday October 1, 2002
10 + 01 + 02 = 13
Posted by Jasonic

Today, we fully developed song number 13 of our 13 song track list for the 13th album from Voivod. Multi-track pre-production recording will continue into the late hours, and plans have begun taking shape for the official new Voivod line-up press release.

RealVideo  |  Voivod at The Chophouse One - 10-01-02

Photo  |  On the Grass One

Photo  |  On the Grass Two

Monday September 30, 2002
MULTI-VERSE TRACKING
Posted by Jasonic

Voivod spent the hours of the last day of September multi-track recording in pre-production of Voivod Mark III for the first time. The direction is clear...this is Voivod...this is the new Voivod!! The warriors of ice are alive and loud!!!

The latest Away artwork was also created on this day. See for yourself the revived spirit of the old roots.

Art  |  Proto Galaxy One

Art  |  Proto Galaxy Two

Art  |  Proto Galaxy Three

Sunday September 29, 2002
BURRN !!!
Posted by Mastor P

Voivod is burning it up at The Chophouse, working on new songs and getting primed to go into the studio in mid-October. Check out the following video clips and photographs of the action happening tonight at The Chophouse.

RealVideo  |  Voivod at The Chophouse One - 09-29-02

RealVideo  |  Voivod at The Chophouse Two - 09-29-02

Photo  |  Voivod Mark III

Photo  |  Snake

Photo  |  Away

Photo  |  Jasonic and Piggy