Album Review: Voivod – Synchro Anarchy (Century Media Records)

Synchro Anarchy is the upcoming 15th studio album, and 19th release overall, from Canadian progressive metal band Voivod, due for release on February 11, 2022 via Century Media Records.

If there is one thing this new record from Voivod proves it is that the group are as creative as ever. Something that has even more weight when you consider that the band is nearing 40 years of existence.

As progressively interesting as always, as abrasive as always and as exceptionally clever as expected. Voivod continue to move forward in their musical career with an album that feels as fresh as the very first album they released. Few bands could claim to be still capable of challenging themselves and their fanbase this much.

From the start, it’s a coarse chorus of guitars and heavy, pounding drums that greets. With the arrival of the vocals, Paranormalium cuts through the malaise of a slow 2022 with a sharp showcase of progressive groove and a complex heavy metal soundscape. It’s downright wild as it changes like a chameleon constantly.

Whereas that was a more ‘serious’ track, it almost seems like Voivod are having some fun with the title track. The jarring guitar tone has a playful jabbing quality and the vocals are much more laid back. It’s dynamic, groovy, and energetic.

Keeping that same vigour alive, Planet Eaters is a cosmic listen with some gigantic riffs and vast hooks. The cut and thrust of this track hits hard. Mind Clock is a progressive behemoth, Voivod going further and further to display just how imaginative they currently are. A track that is the encapsulation of moody genius and cathartic madness combined. Where there is no line Voivod won’t cross to deliver unique metal music.

The mid-point is then reached with Sleeves Off. A more traditional Voivod head-banger with rumbling bass lines and chunky riffs. Before Holographic Thinking comes along with tight, wild and bad-mannered rhythm that soars through the ether in style. The old-school guitar solo is a welcome touch too.

A continually evolving album, there’s no question that the latter portion of it will have just as much unique characteristics as to what came before. So, unsurprisingly, The World Today brings some eclectic instrumentation to the party but keeps the tempo hot for something that remains rooted in Voivod’s groovy metal sound.

Quest for Nothing, the penultimate track, then sees Voivod bring some meaty percussion, something that has been prevalent throughout. However, is more notable for the frantic technicality of the guitars. There’s a red-hot sparkle to this one. Before the album wraps up with Memory Failure. A track that compliments everything heard so far with a dirtier vocal touches and scornful, abrasive progressive groove. A fitting finale.

Voivod never fail to impress and seem to be getting stronger and stronger as they go on. It’s a truly spectacular accomplishment to see them releasing something as strong as Synchro Anarchy in 2022.

Voivod – Synchro Anarchy Full Track Listing:

1. Paranormalium
2. Synchro Anarchy
3. Planet Eaters
4. Mind Clock
5. Sleeves Off
6. Holographic Thinking
7. The World Today
8. Quest for Nothing
9. Memory Failure

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