I am stuck. Writer's block? No, not really, but more of a dilemma. How the hell do you review an album by an institute like VOIVOD? These French Canadians have just released their fifteenth full length album and "Synchro Anarchy" is just another piece of evidence that shows how bloody brilliant these guys are.

The music that VOIVOD plays is never the same but always very distinguishable. Not only that, I don't think I ever heard them deliver a bad album. Yes, I admit, the first two albums, "War and Pain" and "Rrröööaaarrr" are filled with a lot more noise and extreme soundscapes than anything they did since then, but even those two albums showcase the brilliance that VOIVOD has always possessed. Even when they made their less metallised records, they still had that very stubborn sound that made them stand out from anyone else.

I'm not even going to try and explain what the sound VOIVOD is, but as a friend of mine pointed out to me, the French band GOJIRA are very much descendant of their peers. Big difference is the way the sound is put together. VOIVOD is less thrashy, more prog meets heavy and alternative, whilst throwing in some thrashy riffs and feelings when asked. The overall sound on any album, but on this one, "Synchro Anarchy" especially, is quite mechanic, but still organic. So please don't go looking in the industrial corner.

The sound of VOIVOD is so unique that nobody I know has ever been able to come within a mile of trying to duplicate it. That does please me, as it makes sure that we're dealing with a one-of-a-kind band. The other thing that pleases me to no end is the quality of the songs. All of them are above average, sometimes leaning on brilliant. And even after all these years I have to let myself get adjusted to the way this band writes, plays and records their music.

Because let's face it, VOIVOD has more depth in its sound than you would think possible. You just need to unravel layer by layer to find out what "Synchro Anarchy" has to offer. And like I said, that is a great deal. Fans and acquaintances of the band will know what to expect (and will already have acquired this release). If you're new to VOIVOD, have a listen, but really take your time to learn and appreciate "Synchro Anarchy". The reward will be more than worth your while.