Voivod - Katorz

A fitting tribute to Denis "Piggy" D'Amour.

This is a difficult CD to review. The tragic circumstances of Piggy's death and the cobbling together of his tracks into a finished album are very emotional. A review has to take the music on its own merits, regardless of the circumstances or emotional attachments. In the case of Katorz, I am happy to say that it stands on its own musically and is an excellent CD.

This album has a nice combination of Voivod's trademark chaotic and unusual riffs and more traditional and simpler thrash metal compositions. Bassist Jason Newsted was given complete freedom to crush the bottom end, and that's exactly what he did, coming up with some really creative fills. Michel "Away" Langevin is a superior drummer who is able to add a lot of texture and bombast with his unique style. Piggy's guitar work is as distinctive and skilled as ever, but it's Snake who really shines. His vocals are some of the best he's done, and delivered with range and emotion.

Piggy used an electric guitar his entire life and didn't pick up an acoustic until near the end, and it's fitting that the album ends with acoustic guitar. It's sad that it took the death of Piggy to bring this criminally underrated band the attention they deserve, but as long as there are CD players or MP3s Piggy will be with us.