Canadian progressive metal pioneers VOIVOD recently released a video for the song, “Kluskap O’Kom”. The video was directed by Syl Disjonk, known for his short horror film, Ethereal Chrysalis. The director of photography was JP Bernier (Despised Icon). The video originally premiered at Philip H. Anselmo’s Housecore Horror FilmFestival in October in Austin, TX and can be viewed here…
Kluskap O’Kom (Official Video):
When asked about the meaning of Kluskap O’Kom, vocalist Denis “Snake ” Bélanger had this to say:
“Sometimes described as a giant coming out of the woods, sometimes a monster in a lake or sometimes a powerful being that came from the sky, Kluskap is the name for this strange character and O’Kom is the place where he lives. Kluskap is inspired by a legend from a Canadian native tribe called the Micmacs. He once came to earth to kill all the Dinosaurs in order to help the humans to take over the planet. One day Kluskap will come back with another mission to the humans. There are many similarities between the Kluskap story and other legends from tribes all around the globe; stories told of encounters with beings from other worlds. This one is very unique I thought. So here it is; Hear the thunder, it is me, coming back!!!! KlusKap O’Kom!“
Voivod also released a 7″ for the song, taken from their Target Earth, LP, the 7″ features artwork from Voivod drummer Michael “Away” Langevin, is limited to 1000 copies worldwide. The b-side features a live version of Kluskap O’Kom recorded in Berlin on the band’s last European headlining tour. The single comes in black, grey and black and white swirl colored vinyl and can be purchased here (http://www.cmdistro.com/Search/kluskap)
In related news, the band recently partnered with a local Montreal brewery to produce a limited batch of “Kluskap O’Kom” beer. Guitarist, Dan “Chewy” Mongrain elaborates:
“Frederic Cormier , the brewer and owner of Hopfenstark Micro-Brewery, and I had this Idea for a couple years of crafting a Voivod beer. This year, with the new album, Target Earth, and our 30th Anniversary, the timing was perfect to celebrate and brew! So I asked the guys if they were into it and everybody thought it was a great Idea! We sampled different types of ale, lager, stout, IPA, season, wheat etc to come up with the type of beer we wanted to do. We also talked about the concept and decided to associate the Voivod beer not only with the band’s name but with a song from the latest opus. We choose Kluskap O’Kom, which is inspired by American-Indian legends and modern reality. We wanted the beer to have a taste from the woods, the terroir, so to speak. So Frederic had this idea of crafting the beer with Mugwort and Balsam Fir which we ended up picking up in the woods. The beer is made with fresh ingredients; it’s easy to drink yet with complex well balanced flavors. We just invited friends and fans to the release party in Montreal at Station Ho.st (bar owned by the brewer) and it was a complete success! Lots of people celebrating the 30th anniversary of Voivod, making toasts with a Kluskap O`Kom beer listening to some Voivod, watching a 2 hours “making of” the beer, plus we had a surprise when our director friend showed up with a DVD to play the promo video of Kluskap O’ Kom!! It was a perfect magical evening…I ended up going to bed at 6am…smiling, how could life be better than that?“
VOIVOD line-up:
Michel Langevin (Away) – drums
Denis Bélanger (Snake) – vocals
Jean-Yves Thériault (Blacky) – bass
Daniel Mongrain (Chewy) – guitar
The Rock Tribune 