Angel Rat (1991)

Voivod have earned a strong cult following among thinking thrash-metal followers, thanks to their shrieking, dissonant chords and sci-fi-style lyricism. But Angel Rat, their sixth LP, takes a strong U- turn toward normality. ''Clouds in My House'' uses Voivod's usual swooping riffs and bizarre time changes, and ''Best Regards'' uses their coldly fascinating mechanical approach. Other tracks, however, such as ''The Outcasts'' and ''None of the Above,'' have the groove and simplicity of Top 40 hard rock, and this highly intellectual band even waxes emotional on the title track and ''Panorama.'' Nevertheless, Voivod may still be too alien for all but the most adventuresome fans of mainstream rock & roll. B+