Voivod - Target Earth (2013)

Voivod are one of the hardest bands to review. Over the years since the metallic fury of 'War And Pain' the more surreal, later albums, Voivod have taken their fans on a very unpredictable yet always intriguing journey. Of course, since the passing of Piggy the band have been a shell of their former selves to a certain extent, but their recorded output has still been impressive. Even so, with Blacky back on that nuclear blower bass and Daniel Mongrain (formerly of Gorguts) on guitar this could well be the return to actual form that real Voivod fans have craved since the spiky days of 'Killing Technology.' 'Target Earth' has more connections to the ground between 'Klling...' and 'Dimesnsion Hatross' than any of the last batch of albums. Maybe the band have felt its time to resort back to those jarring dynamics which made Voivod so alien in the first place. Of course there is still the schizophrenic melody in Snake's voice, but on the title track he barks and spits over those discordant drums of Away as Blacky's bass shudders the bones. 'Kluskap' is equally innovative, clattering in on a drum stampede and harsh Gothic bass and guitar assault, the structure hints at the era of'Nothingface' whilst the stark raving weird jerks of 'mechanical Mind' are just as stirring, hinting at the primitive ramblings of 'Dimension...' Clearly Voivod are back in the right frame of mind, possibly perked up by the sinister metal revivals taking place within several sub genres. Voivod have always been awkwardly progressive, doing whatever they chose and gettinga way with it because of their staggering originality, but it's great to hear the rusty thrash revived in the form of 'Corps Etranger' and the bewildering 'Artefact.' There's so much going on here, and Daniel has fitted in with ease, paying respect to the legend of Piggy. Some fans may still argue that 'Target Earth' is not classic Voivod, but if you want classic Voivod then go and play their first handful of albums and shut up. Voivod have progressed unlike any other band within the metal genre, often tripping the light fantastic with Pink Floyd and the likes to create a devastatingly surreal landscape. However, 'Taregt Earth' is a band back on form, but then again, it depends what you can call form within the Voivod cauldron of oddness. it wouldn't surprise me if they released a jazz metal album because with their innovation they have the right to. I see 'Target Earth' has a nod of appreciation to the fans, a record that attempts to bridge the gap between the more recent yet more tepid albums and the jarring sonics of the mid to late '80s. I don't see how anyone can complain about Voivod, they are still the extraterresrtail posse that never made it back home, and even when they are average they are better than most, but 'Target Earth,' based on my rating system is ' a really good record with some superb moments.' In other words.... 8/10