Maybe I’m one of those kids that just doesn’t “get it” but there is something about Katorz that makes me want to turn it off as soon as I put it in. I’ve always had a great deal of respect for Voivod, continuously sticking with their instincts, and I still consider their first three offerings some of the best thrash around, but, man … what is this? I guess being something like a punky, heavy, slightly progressive/abstract rock album, Katorz seems to lack the genuine desire to experiment as heard on earlier releases like Dimension Hatross and Nothingface, but rather, serves as a failed attempt to recapture olden glory long since past.

Showing little variation from song-to-song, Katorz seems to plod along with absolutely no direction … something similar to that of going in circles, where all efforts are put forth to explore areas already explored, where one is always returning and never leaving. Starting with The Getaway and ending with Polaroids, there is such little variation from song to song that I could very well play The Getaway then play Polaroids feeling as if I’ve heard the same thing twice, not counting the eight songs in between. Making use of chunky, mid-paced riffs with lots of distorted bass and intricate drumming, it’s obvious that these are all veteran musicians playing, however, that isn’t enough to save the overbearing monotony that Katorz is seeped in.

With the recent and untimely death of Voivod mastermind Piggy, I must say that I feel regretful to have disliked all of Voivod’s offerings since Nothingface, however, it seems like Voivod has chugged along far too long, attempting innovation whilst coming up with nothing more than stale album after stale album. Maybe I just don’t understand, and perhaps there is more to Katorz than I could ever see, however, I think I’ll stick with the first three incredible efforts of the band, remembering a day when thrash innovation was defined by Voivod, but, as far as Katorz is concerned … I’d rather be swallowed up by the RRROOOAAARRR!!! beast.