After the strange plateau of 'Dimension Hatross' comes another slice of Voivodian freakiness. 'Nothingface' continues in the vein of the previous record, the inclusion of Pink Floy's 'Astronomy...', an inkling as to what world's these band are aiming to conquer. How Voivod have evolved is truly incredible, their punky brash thrash now morphing into a weird psych machine. The clattering, jerking groove of 'Unknown Knows' has a funky flavour, and the robotic spasms of of the title cut will leave the headbangers retiring to their bedrooms defeated. Immense, cutting, shifting awkwardness, making Voivod one of metal's most original acts of violence, easily able to create bizarre soundscapes and concepts which in our reality have no right to exist.
'X-Ray' is film noir meets techno suspense, these guys were alterno-metal even before Faith No More decided to rip up the rule book. Soaring choruses portraying purple clouds of Lovecraftian monstrosity. Voivod, one moment punky, the next funky with a blend of '60s surrealism, and that shuddering bass of Blacky still evident as Away patters the skins. If you were there back in the thrash days, you'd appreciate Voivod's alarming progression...no such form could stand still or remain within a genre, but in doing so they've constructed a weird planet for themself, and although many have attempted to take the ride, it remains the most awkward of journeys for those not in the Voivid bubble. It must be said also that Voivod boast possibly the best album covers in metal...created of course but drummer Away.
8/10
1 comment:
Totally agree with your comments - this is a masterpiece and doesn't sound dated even in 2011. Along with the successor "Angel Rat", Voivod had a truly unique sound which somehow sounded like a much less commercial version of Blue Oyster Cult. Beautiful record.
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