Infini (Reissue)
Voivod
•
December 30, 2014

Next up down the line of classic (even though it was released in 2009?) reissues from Metal Mind is VOIVOD's 2009 release "Infini"; the last album to feature contributions from late guitarist Piggy. A marked improvement on the stale "Katorz", "Infini" is also a much longer album, but has much more to offer in the way of heavy riffing, dynamic arrangements and, well, interesting and engaging tracks.
"God Phones" commences the outing on a rather peculiar note. Coming off as comical, even a little satirical, while it is carried over on a stiff, stocky bed of heavy and chugging riffs. Never a dull moment, I even heard some old NWOBHM creeping through. The album becomes far more interesting by the time "Earthache" comes around; driven by inescapable 'funk' in the riffs, boosted by primary courtesy of Jason Newsted's thrumming bass, come chorus time, the track turns plain weird. I suppose that's why I love it. Hell, that's what this album is: weird. Weird done right, mind you.
By now, it is rather clear that "Infini" is one of the least 'Metal' of VOIVOD's discography, perhaps even veering towards sounding commercial; not that there is anything inherently wrong with that, or with this album, for that matter. Rhythms, riffs and choruses strongly steeped in a base of the heavier forms of Alternative music, perhaps even a little Industrial at times, give the album an almost Indie overtone. The beauty of that is, there are still constant reminders that this is an album put out by one of Metal's greatest veterans, be it the frantic passages of "Treasure Chase", the smoky, Doom-laden psychedelia of the menacing "Morpheus", or the aggressive, MOTORHEAD-like hammerings of "Volcano".
Again, I'm not sure why an album out in 2009 was reissued, but as it stands, "Infini" is certainly a breath of fresh air and a pleasant reminder, hell, even an introspection, following "Katorz".
8 / 10
Excellent

"Infini (Reissue)" Track-listing:
1. God Phones
2. From The Cave
3. Earthache
4. Global Warming
5. A Room with a V.U.
6. Destroy After Reading
7. Treasure Chase
8. Krap Radio
9. In Orbit
10. Deathproof
11. Pyramidome
12. Morpheus
13. Volcano
Voivod Lineup:
Snake - Vocals
Away - Drums
Piggy - Guitar
Jasonic - Bass
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