Album Review: Voivod – Synchro Anarchy

Album Review: Voivod – Synchro Anarchy
Reviewed by Robbie Maguire

Quite how Voivod were going to follow the progressive and ambitious masterpiece that was ‘The Wake’ has been a question asked by critics and fans of the progressive metal pioneers countless times. Always met with a clamour of anticipation and intrigue new Voivod material habitually excites yet equally confounds. Few bands are lauded quite so much yet derided by those who simply don’t ‘Get’ the unique style of experimental thrash infused metal. Will ‘Synchro Anarchy’ be the album that draws in and retains those who’ve tried, and continue to try with Voivod?

First up and clearly apparent is the ease with which the band deliver these complexly adventurous songs in a manner which still makes them accessible and immediate. This is what Voivod are so adept at and what sets them apart from those who very much try to imitate. The unnerving doomy intro to ‘Mind Clock’ gives way to blistering prog thrash fusion. Pit inducing and frenetic, this adrenaline infused sucker punch is a surprisingly easy listen. Just shy of seven minutes it’s the albums longest track but as with all nine songs they fly by in no time. In spite of this they all play their part in ensuring a very definite impact has been made. Each song feels very much part of the overall adventure. Such is the imagery they conjure not only from the absorbing structures and riveting tempo changes but also in the running commentary from Denis ‘Snake’ Belanger. With a commanding albeit acquired voice he spits and sneers tales inspired by space, mental illness, the advancement of technology and more. Dry and with a characterful monotony that he has made his own he plays with his delivery all over the album none more so than in the potent thrasher ‘Quest For Nothing’. Shifting from relaxed to more theatrical his ability to enhance feel and atmosphere cannot be underestimated.

Carrying this ambience and feel is a trait that all members thrive in. Injecting a sound he has truly made his own Dan ‘Chewy’ Mongrain respectfully acknowledges and builds on the creative template and influence laid out by the late great Denis ‘Piggy’ D’Amour. The innovative guitar work of Chewy dazzles as jaw dropping and startling time changes leave you thinking ‘Did that just happen?’ Well, yes, it did. Countless moments of surprise and awe continue to announce themselves. With a vintage feel running through but very much continuing the slicker more modern sound they have perfected with unparalleled vision, ‘Synchro Anarchy’ bridges the gap between prog and thrash and the result is a magical communion where they meet. The imposing riffs keep coming from the hulking thrash of ‘Holographic Thinking’ to the ascending and more lead based riffage in ‘Memory Failure’. Chewy shifts effortlessly between solos and absorbing soundscapes within the tightly honed and streamlined songs ensuring a gripping listen is guaranteed time and time again.