Tracks:

Gasmask Revival
Facing Up
Blame Us
Real Again?
Rebel Robot
The Multiverse
I Don't Wanna Wake Up
Les Cigares Volants
Divine Sun
Reactor
Invisible Planet
Strange and Ironic
We Carry On

When I heard that Jason Newsted formerly of Metallica formerly of Flotsam & Jetsam had joined Voivod I had two initial reactions. One was "weird, what an odd thing to do." But then the second reaction was "Cool! People are going to know who Voivod are now!"

I've been a Voivod fan from way back. I purchased the "RRROOOAAARRR!" album on LP way back in the day! Yeah, most people wouldn't know Voivod from their ass, but I know Voivod. They were always interesting. With their strange sci-fi lyrics and sometimes discordant music. These guys were different, and I loved them for that.

I think their creative genius was best packaged in the classic "Nothingface" album (not to be confused with the crappy band who stole the name). That album totally blew me away. I could not get enough of it. I still remember how well it related to the bizarre events of my life that summer. The follow up "Angel Rat" wasn't quite as magnificent, but it was still pretty damn good. "The Outer Limits" had some good stuff on there too, but it was starting to get a little "out there."

Then vocalist Snake left the band and as far as I was concerned, Voivod was ruined. It just wasn't the same. The disappointment I felt upon hearing "Negatron" is still clearly recalled. I didn't even bother with "Phobos"; they were dead to me at that point.

But now, Snake has returned and along with him the mighty Jasonic (the only one from Metallica cool enough to realize what a joke Metallica has become and leave the sinking ship) has taken up bass duties. When I first heard the news I couldn't wait to hear the new CD.

Now here it is. And I am pleased.

Anyone slagging this disc is obviously not a real Voivod fan. Nothing will likely ever live up to the "Nothingface" album in my mind, but this new CD makes a valiant attempt. And it certainly beats the snot out of the non-Snake albums.

Yeah, Snake has a limited vocal range, and often sounds like he's really straining, but dammit, his voice is just cool. You hear Snake and you know it's Snake. The man has character. This paired with some of the odd discordant chords Voivod sometimes uses makes for a unique and enjoyable sci-fi metal experience. Somewhere in Michigan my friend John Hoskin is reading this and groaning. Sorry John, Voivod rocks!

Now I hear that Voivod is going to be playing on Ozzfest this year. I have mixed feelings about this. I think it's great because obviously this tour and Jason's presence is bringing the band lots of much needed publicity. This tour will introduce lots of new people to Voivod's music, people that likely would not otherwise hear them. And while that is a good thing, it is also what I consider to be the bad point. Much like a parent sending their child off to school for the first time, I worry that my precious Voivod will not be understood or accepted by the masses. They will not appreciate what they are hearing. But then, if the fools don't like Voivod, then that means the band will still be "mine". My own. My precious. But while I like to think of them as my own little secret, I have to wish them the best of luck, even if commercial success makes them a household name. I'll still always be able to say I knew them back when.

Now comes the part where I say this CD is awesome and you should go out and buy it. So why are you still reading this? Go. Buy.