Voivod – Infini (Relapse) ****

This release comes sort of as a surprise. After the sad passing of Piggy (Denis D’Amour) and the release of Katorz in 2006, I didn’t think there was anything else left in the vault. When the reports of additional recording being worked on came I was very excited. Voivod was always one of the most original bands to come out of the speed/thrash metal scene.

Infini picks up where Katorz left off. It’s a very solid album, but it takes a while to get used to, like any other Voivod record. Voivod’s music was never meant for an easy listen. It’s a demanding band with a very complicated style. Infini however has many rock parts where the band just jams in their own unique style. D’Amour’s guitar style still sounds very distinctive. There is something very unique about his riff structure, and how he plays them. It only takes few second to figure out who it is playing. I doubt anyone could duplicate that style. He remained himself to the very end.

Voivod as a band sounds really good, but then again they always did. Apart from the somewhat confusing Angel Rat album, this band is just brilliant all the way through. The performance here is very even. Away still plays his drums as if he was some sort of tribal leader announcing a big event. Jason Newsted fills the space effectively, and Snake is still charming the audience with that unusual growl. All of it combined becomes Voivod.

Infini is a great album. It takes a few listens to understand all the little details that happen simultaneously, but the efforts are rewarded. It’s a shame this incarnation of Voivod will never record again. Voivod may continue, but to what effect it remains to be seen.

 

Mark Kadzielawa