VOIVOD
Something new from Voivod is always cause for celebration! But here we have a sort of side step. Not a new track but rather a different take on a track from their last full length offering, ‘The Wake’. So, is it worth it? Well the simple answer is, yes, it is. ‘The End of Dormancy’ was a highlight on a really strong album (not many bands in their almost fortieth year of existence can say they are still releasing consistently strong albums)! This version of the track is all jazzed up with a full brass section. It’s all Voivod though, in a retro 60s sci-fi movie soundtrack way. It really works, both the studio and live versions of the track.
They are slightly different, by the way. The live version featuring an improvised sax solo which takes the song into a nightmare jazz scenario. This is music that would have accompanied the greatest ‘Twilight Zone’ or ‘Outer Limits’ episodes! Like many Voivod tracks the controlled dissonance is part Thrash Metal, part Venom rawness, part Killing Joke Post Punk, part unhinged jazz avant-gardism and all sci-fi glory. Even then I don’t think that description does one of the most innovative bands around justice, but it gives you the idea. The two live tracks on the EP were recorded at the Montreal Jazz Festival 2019 and, aside from the powerful live version of ‘The End of Dormancy’, is a kicking version of the Nothingface opening track, ‘The Unknown Knows’.
I would like to think that if you’re reading this you are familiar with Voivod but, if not, all I can do is recommend that you start listening to this band NOW. They are the epitome of what it means to be inventive and, with this EP, this is a band that shows it still has what it takes to be at the forefront of both rocking and avant-garde music. It’s also worth watching the sci-fi inspired video on YouTube. It’s kitsch sci-fi heaven straight out of the sixties and one of the more inventive rock videos I’ve seen for quite a while. Also look out for the nods to Voivod instigator and original guitarist Denis ‘Piggy’ D’Amour.
They are slightly different, by the way. The live version featuring an improvised sax solo which takes the song into a nightmare jazz scenario. This is music that would have accompanied the greatest ‘Twilight Zone’ or ‘Outer Limits’ episodes! Like many Voivod tracks the controlled dissonance is part Thrash Metal, part Venom rawness, part Killing Joke Post Punk, part unhinged jazz avant-gardism and all sci-fi glory. Even then I don’t think that description does one of the most innovative bands around justice, but it gives you the idea. The two live tracks on the EP were recorded at the Montreal Jazz Festival 2019 and, aside from the powerful live version of ‘The End of Dormancy’, is a kicking version of the Nothingface opening track, ‘The Unknown Knows’.
I would like to think that if you’re reading this you are familiar with Voivod but, if not, all I can do is recommend that you start listening to this band NOW. They are the epitome of what it means to be inventive and, with this EP, this is a band that shows it still has what it takes to be at the forefront of both rocking and avant-garde music. It’s also worth watching the sci-fi inspired video on YouTube. It’s kitsch sci-fi heaven straight out of the sixties and one of the more inventive rock videos I’ve seen for quite a while. Also look out for the nods to Voivod instigator and original guitarist Denis ‘Piggy’ D’Amour.
LABEL:
FORMAT:
Century Media
EP
THE END OF DORMANCY
Review by Paul Sims
RUNNING TIME:
22:31
RELEASE DATE:
10th July 2020
TRACK LISTING
1) The End of Dormancy (Metal Section)
2) The End of Dormancy (Live Montreal Jazz Fest 2019)
3) The Unknown Knows (Live Montreal Jazz Fest)
2) The End of Dormancy (Live Montreal Jazz Fest 2019)
3) The Unknown Knows (Live Montreal Jazz Fest)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
Canada
"Something new from Voivod is always cause for celebration!"
