Voivod — Katorz

Voivod's 14th album is a bit of a departure from their older, prog-influenced thrash metal. Featuring the posthumous lead guitar of founding member Denis "Piggy" D'Amour, the album is simpler and more rock-oriented, at least compared to their eclectic back catalogue. D'Amour's strange, technical guitar work stands out, but the song structures are far more radio-friendly. Voivod take a few detours, specifically on the monolithic "After All," where they sound like Kyuss covering Dillinger Escape Plan. As a straightforward rock album, it works, but for a band lauded for their technical ingenuity and progressive experimentation, it fails to live up to their older material.