Synchro Anarchy

While I instantly liked the brilliant predecessor The Wake (although it's only my second favourite album called The Wake - fav is by IQ), this one initially left me underwhelmed, and was only getting occasional listens. But now that I've had it for a few months I'm hearing things I didn't before, really enjoying it and give 5*. Voivod is unique. Their diminished tonality & vocal style is not for everyone, even for those who like progressive metal, but it makes them unique. And they continue to be very creative. Like the last 2 albums the guitar sounds amazing; in fact all 4 band members sound good here - I'm noticing Rocky's overdriven bass more than before. Thanks Voivod for keeping the drive to create and be unique.

After "The Wake", possibly the strongest release of the current line-up, Voivod return with another technically impeccable album, which unfortunately leaves me completely flat after repeated listens. A few cuts aside (“Mind Clock”), most of the songs leave the impression that lyrics were forced onto the chord progressions, rather than integrated into the music. There was a sense after “The Wake” that the band might head into a more experimental (dare I say non-metal) direction, especially with “Sonic Mycelium” and the EP version of “End of Dormancy”, but I have a feeling they’re still scarred from the aftermath of “Angel Rat”, which seemed to follow the natural path of their musical growth at the time, but which the metal audiences reacted to very strongly for its psychedelic elements. Always on the fringes, this is of course a band that cannot afford to lose any of their fans. In my view, their growth has been stilted ever since (consider the giant leaps between “Killing Technology” to “Dimension Hatross” to Nothingface” to “Angel Rat”!). It's funny how the hype sticker describes the band as "one of the most fervently creative bands in the Universe" - we know how creative Voivod can be, this album doesn't scratch the surface of their inventive vigour.The playing and the production on the album are what keeps me coming back; Chewy still uncannily channels Piggy’s dissonant brilliance, Rocky’s playing is solid and his bass always strong in the mix, and the overall production rocks. The cover is a massive improvement on the cartoonish silliness of the last few albums. Being a fan since 1986, Voivod is one band whose releases I always look forward to with excitement; this one though I’m slightly less excited about.

In short and for me Voivod continue to make great albums... a couple along the way to this one not quite there, but still good... if I could I'd give it 4 1/2 stars!

The album itself is excellent. The songs are generally shorter than on their previous album 'The Wake' from 2018. However the musicanship, song writing and musical variation is even better in my opinion on this album. The production is excellent too. My only slight criticism is that the album is slightly too short.

This is easily the best album by the Chewy era Voivod and is a fantastic album for any point in a career, let alone nearly 40 years in. For me it's my favourite since Nothingface and I can't wait to see them on tour soon.

Another stunning album. Chewy brings his own style whilst staying true to the Voivod legacy. If you love Voivod...well you've probably already got this.

Voivod are masters of mini prog epics. A contradiction, I know, but how else does one describe a collection of sonic master pieces each of which are packed with such a wide range of engrosing twists and turns? With each repeated listen, 'Synchro Anarchy' reveals rich strata upon rich strata of exciting musical ideas, with the band masterfully marrying the melodious with the discordant, sometimes disorienting (such as the gloriously gnarly title cut). There is so much to enjoy on this album, it is impossible to pick out any one singular moment of sonic glory. The opening salvo of singles 'Paranormalium', the title cut, and 'Planet Eaters' all captivate the listener; Snake's wit and expressionate vocal delivery is deftly underpinned by Rocky's solid, funky bass, Chewy's atriculate guitar lines and Away's masterful time keeping. But the quality of songs remain consistent throughout the course of the album's forty-eight minutes. 'Mind Clocks' is equal parts haunting, quirky and melodious - a challenging listen to be sure, but a truely satisfyjng journey through a range of moods. With 'Sleeves Off', the band generate a punk infused, syncopated tour-de-force, which includes a couple of delightfully bizarre guitar solos courtesy of Chewy. 'Holographic Thinking' is another fine example of how effortlessly Voivod bring together seemingly disperate sounds and make a gloriously hook-laden racket. In no way marring the overall impact of the album, a minor quibble exists: the ending to 'Mind Clock' is faded which to me is a shame as I so enjoy the sound of the band's jamming. One thing of particular note is Away's drumming which has never sounded so good as on this collection of songs. As he has stated in a recent interview, lockdown has afforded him the time to really hone and nail the tones he felt each song demanded. Some forty years into their strange musical journey to the outer limits of avant-guard heavy music, Voivod may well have released their best album yet.

40 years in Canada's progressive thrash sci-fi innovators deliver 15th studio album and cement their reputation as one of the most creative bands on the planet. Bizarre riffs, changing tempos, complex chord progressions and chaotic arrangements make it undeniably Voivod. Genius.