Voivod – Post Society EP

A post society in a post Piggy world.

Alas, another release from a former highly touted (at least, in some regards) metal band that flourished in the 80s. While the recent resurgence of metal bands trying to reclaim their once-at-the-top spots is in full force, an honest evaluation of Voivod’s latest EP, Post Society, is in order.

As a group, just like mostly all the rest, changes in lineup and dominant sound have shifted throughout the years. Most specifically notable in Voivod’s case, the loss of guitarist Denis “Piggy” D’Amour back in 2005, was a hard hit for the output of the group, and the receiving ears of fans. Fast forward to present time, where Piggy has been replaced by guitarist Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain, Post Society dropped late last month and promises of another full length Voivod album are in the mix.

Only clocking in at just about half an hour, Post Society features two previously released tracks, a cover song and two new material teasers. Though “We Are Connected” and “Forever Mountain” come from prior Voivod splits with At the Gates and Napalm Death respectively, their sound is revived when placed in the midst of the other Post Society tracks. When compared to one another each sounds vastly different, with “We Are Connected” calling more to progressive metal and “Forever Mountain” remaining straight thrash.

Of the two originals, title track “Post Society” sees vocalist Denis “Snake” Bélanger operating on more of a whinier, raw wavelength, which manages to adeptly couple the deep bass picking of Dominique “Rocky” Laroche. “Fall” brews slowly in the beginning and then hits you fast, scaling in bursts led by Snakes lax vocal take to the track. It’s the album’s closer, and cover, of Hawkwind’s “Silver Machine” that’s easiest to fall for. It’s the most accessible, sounding most “stereotypically 80s” while still doing both themselves and the original justice.

Voivod announced a new tour with the drop of Post Society. If you’ve stuck with them through the long haul, Post Society is a proper appetizer to the meal of their next full length. If you’re just getting into Voivod, consider looking at another chunk of their now 14 album discography first.