SYNCHRO ANARCHY

"Synchro Anarchy" is the 15th full-length studio album by Canadian progressive/thrash metal act Voivod. The album was released through Century Media Records in February 2022. It´s the successor to "The Wake" from 2018, although the two full-length studio albums are bridged by several minor releases (an EP and a couple of singles) and a live album ("Lost Machine - Live" from 2020).

"Synchro Anarchy" is a self-produced release and Voivod have managed to produce a well sounding album, featuring a both warm, heavy, and organic sounding production. It´s not terribly different sounding from "The Wake" (2018), and that can also be said about the compositions. Stylistically the material is psychedelic tinged, sci-fi themed, progressive metal with the occasional thrash metal and hardcore punk influence thrown in. So the atmosphere of the album is close to the psychedelic leaning early 90s Voivod releases, but with a slightly harder edged riff- and drum style and with less accessible melodies and more challenging song structures. Lead vocalist Denis "Snake" Bélanger sounds as unique as always and his voice and singing style is probably still an aquired taste. It doesn´t sound pretty, but it´s arguably an original and instantly recognisable vocal sound. The riffs are twisted, dissonant, and generally very creative.

Listening to a new Voivod release it always takes some time to get into the right mood and mindspace and truly listen and appreciate the brilliance of the weirdness. It´s like experiencing an acid trip with an alien friend. Things are distorted, dissonant, and twisted, but also warm, pleasant, and occasionally beautiful (in its own unique and spaced out way). No one sounds like Voivod, who are truly progressive and distinct sounding, but that of course always means that they are very much an aquired taste. They are generally well respected on the scene, but I can understand why some listeners don´t find their adventurous sound appealing (or simply find it inaccessible).

Quality wise "Synchro Anarchy" continues the high quality of "The Wake" and those who enjoyed that release, will find just as much to appreciate on "Synchro Anarchy". So upon conclusion Voivod have created yet another high quality release and the adventure just seems to continue...a 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)