VOIVOD

This is a difficult album to judge. It's not bad, a bit long maybe, with too little variation in both tempo, volume and melodies. Nothing at all like the spaced-out prog rock of vintage years but still, for the most part entertaining.

New bass wielder Jason Metallica adds a nice groove and power that we hadn't heard on previous Voivod albums. It's supported by the drums in a ceaseless 4/4 mid-tempo. The guitars as well are kept straightforward and are mainly reduced to catchy grooves. While all this could still bring about a great rock album, the effect is largely destroyed by Snake's forced and monotonous delivery. He proves to be the biggest disappointment on this record. He had never been much of a vocalist, but the years he spent away from Voivod apparently didn't do no good.

Compared to the outstanding '88-'93 period where they offered consistently frightening, oppressive and overwhelming music, this album is no match. But it's a decent rock album in its own right.