VOIVOD is back with a three song EP featuring two songs played live at the Montreal Jazz Fest in 2019. Arguably one of Canada's most eclectic bands, VOIVOD have a long and storied history of making some extremely odd and interesting music. This is no different, hearing the band use horns and off beat tempo changes to showcase their ability to make music that is more absolutely genre-defying, covering metal to melodic. "The End Of Dormancy" was released July 10, 2020 via Century Media.

Originally on their 2018 release, "The Wake", there are two versions of "The End Of Dormancy" on this EP. The first is the Metal version from the studio. Starting off with a horn section intro, the song delves into a guitar driven piece with a mid-tempo underside, setting the stage for an interesting journey we are about to embark upon. Though nothing changes lyrically for the live version from the Montreal Jazz Fest, the feeling of this performed live is the same, yet different. They stay true to the tune in tone and tempo, but it feels bigger live. I attribute that to the crowd noises and the shift that a live audience creates.

"The End Of Dormancy" is a sonic adventure. With some similar tempo shifts and key changes, this is a fantastic song that highlights the immense creativity this band possesses. "The Unknown Knows" is more of a straight-forward rock tune with a few fun little sections that keep the listener on their toes. Both songs really impress with ability to move along and shift and change and twist through the story the lyrics tell. VOIVOD has delivered a complete package in only three songs.

Lyrically, VOIVOD takes us on an interesting journey with "The End Of Dormancy". This is a story of "something" awakening from under the sea. Have our actions caused this to happen? What even is this? Is this an ancient creature from the bowels of the earth? Or is it an alien group that has been lying in wait for millions of years? Is it even real? Did it happen? In the end, you learn that this is what happens when you know too much. This leads into the "The Unknown Knows", which feels like a continuation and conclusion to wrap up what we learned in "The End Of Dormancy". For only having three songs, there is a lot to digest with this disc. I recommend repeated listening so you can catch all the nuance.