KRONIK

Well, what can be said about this. First, I should get this much out of the way; Voivod's 'Kronik' has one of the worst album covers I have ever laid eyes on. I cannot see anyone in their right minds thinking that making an album cover with what for all intents appears to be Microsoft Word clip art was commercially, nevermind artistically acceptable. In any case, I will do my best to redirect my attention towards the actual music on 'Kronik'. Most Voivod fans will know that the band has gone through quite a few eras in its time, from speed metal to a more progressive thrash outfit, to a stint where they sounded quite a bit like Pink Floyd. After seven albums of great metal however, there were line-up changes, and this led to what's generally considered to be the weakest part of Voivod's career. Comprised primarily of the albums 'Negatron' and 'Phobos', Voivod transformed from a progressive thrash band into some sort of strange electronic or industrial lo-fi metal, a move that most all Voivod fans don't look kindly upon, but some can at least respect and appreciate. I am someone who has found little to no interest in the Voivod fronted by Eric Forrest, and the compilation of outtakes and 'best' tracks from this era naturally does not spark my interest much either. 'Kronik' is a varied compilation of electronic remixes, uninspired studio material, and to round it off, some live material. Overall, someone who particularly likes what Voivod did on their 8th and 9th albums might find something to appreciate here, but it's difficult to call this Voivod without Denis Belanger fronting them.