VoiVod
Infini

July 2009
Released: 2009, Relapse
Rating: 4.5/5
Reviewer: Alan Gilkeson

Pioneers, originators, trailblazers! It's sad that Piggy's gone, for Voivod would have went on for years creating Metal that was not only good, but different. Voivod is like no one, and no one is like Voivod. From their first appearance in 1984 with WAR AND PAIN, they never compromised, they made art for the sake of art, and represent what's good and right about Metal. They not only kept the Metal real, they kept it viable, expandable, refreshing.



INFINI is more of the same. Very much in the vein of what's been happening in the Newsted era of Voivod, progressive and otherworldly. "God Phones" repetitively hypnotic, writhes with angst and impatience, as does "In Orbit". "Krap Radio" has that punk vibe Voivod sometimes goes for, but not too far punk that we forget the metal. I love how most of the songs have these strange elongated sound effect intros, then blast into a real tinny guitar sound with drowning vocals. Newsted's bass sound is quite interesting as well, very stringy and downtuned.



Anyone who claims to be a fan of Progressive Metal, and doesn't own any Voivod, just doesn't know what they're talking about. Voivod are definitive progressive metal. Thick, layered, and devastatingly emotional, this swansong is just as desirable as the first Voivod record. They are one of few bands to remain viable their entire career.