DIMENSION HATROSS

Voivod's fourth album Dimension Hatross is an extravagantly dense and difficult album. Even though I knew Voivod for quite a while, it still took me a dozen listens to get into it. Dimension Hatross purifies the neurotic metal of Killing Technology with improved production values and impeccable song writing.

Every aspect of this album perfects the experiments of Killing Technology, the production is better and the compositions have opened up to let in more variation and that typical uncanny spacey sound. Each band member has grown a lot and performs with stunning confidence and inspiration. The tribal drumming of 'Away' is made more prominent and has become a feature that can not be missed on Tribal Convictions. The unique guitar playing of 'Piggy' has come to full blossoming and covers a wide range of dissonant riffing, challenging time signatures, spacey leads and wild solos. 'Blacky's bass playing is simply gorgeous and much better audible (take the solo sections of Chaosmongers as an example). Last but not least, 'Snake' has extended his biting gruff vocals with more melody and a very original rhythmic delivery.

References to other bands? It's hard to pinpoint. There sure are traces of early Floyd psychedellica and also an influence of the Crimsonesque riffing of their fellow countrymen Rush. Experiment for instance takes the adventurous prog outings of Rush into entirely new galaxies.Especially the opening riff has a very Hemispheres look and feel. It's like Cygnus X1, expanded with dissonance, darkness and a raging punk fury. The energy on this album is what makes me prefer it to the cooler and more detached sound of Nothingface.

Dimension Hatross is one of the most amazing, original and important metal albums. It's not the easiest ride but sure one of the most dazzling trips out there in deep alien space. 5 undisputed dimensions.