They are now acknowledged as the godfathers of progressive metal, instead of a quirky little metal band from Quebec. This is the band’s 15th studio album released this year. They are truly a great and unique band, as no one sounds like Voivod.
Opening track, Paranormalium, is classic Voivod with the slightly odd riff and quirky groove. The title track is next and is my favourite on the album with a choppy riff and groove. I’m loving the vocal harmonies, and you can see where Mastodon get their inspiration from. Planet Eaters is next and starts with a strummed riff and a groove pattern that is killer. Mind Clock closes out Side 1 and starts with an eerie picked riff and accompanying vocal, then it builds with the riff getting louder and groove becoming killer.
An odd groove and riff is the intro to Side 2 opener, Sleeves Off, and reappears throughout the song with a chugga middle eight. A very Sabbath riff is the opening to Holographic Thinking, before a more technical groove takes over with drummer, Away, giving it plenty. The World Today opens with a killer bass line and grooves along at a fair pace. It has a great hook and chorus, and along with the title track this is killer. Quest For Nothing follows and has a very dramatic opening then leads into some serious double kicking with a choppy riff. The album closes out with Memory Failure, and we are going out with a bang!
Lots of groove and time changes, from old school thrash to Prog metal heaven. A great record by a great band!
9.5/10 from The Grooveman.
