Synchro Anarchy
Voivod · 2022
113 min · 20 tracks · progressive metal
A complex blend of progressive and thrash metal, intertwining intricate rhythms with themes of societal disconnection and existential inquiry.
Top tracks — play these first
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Paranormalium Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Synchro Anarchy — The title track encapsulates the album's exploration of chaos and order through a series of shifting time signatures and contrasting melodies, exemplifying Voivod's signature style.
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Planet Eaters — This track features a driving rhythm and aggressive guitar work that highlights the band's thrash roots while also incorporating atmospheric elements that reflect their progressive tendencies.
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The World Today — With its thought-provoking lyrics addressing contemporary issues, this song stands out for its lyrical depth paired with an infectious chorus and intricate instrumentation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate compositions and a distinctive sound, though its cohesion is somewhat uneven.
What we noticed
- Each song typically incorporates multiple sections, often transitioning abruptly between melodic passages and aggressive thrash elements.
- Lyrical themes explore societal disconnection and existential questions, with a focus on abstract imagery rather than straightforward narratives.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with peaks
- wave-like pacing for engagement
- dystopian themes to ponder
- intricate musicianship for detail
- long sessions of exploration
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer standalone short tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Continues Voivod's evolution with complex themes and sounds, showing their ongoing relevance.
- Themes
- societal disconnection· chaos and order· contemporary existentialism
- Career context
- Released on February 11, 2022, Synchro Anarchy marks Voivod's thirteenth studio album, following the critically acclaimed The Wake from 2018. At this stage in their career, Voivod continues to evolve their sound while maintaining the experimental edge that has defined them since their formation in the early 1980s.
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Paranormalium Start here 5:34
- 2 Synchro Anarchy 4:25
- 3 Planet Eaters 5:32
- 4 Mind Clock 6:44
- 5 Sleeves Off 4:08
- 6 Holographic Thinking 6:11
- 7 The World Today 4:10
- 8 Quest for Nothing 5:37
- 9 Memory Failure 5:33
Disc 2
- 1 Post Society 7:39
- 2 The Unknown Knows 6:47
- 3 Ravenous Medicine 4:42
- 4 Psychic Vacuum 5:51
- 5 Obsolete Beings 4:51
- 6 Technocratic Manipulators 5:25
- 7 Fall 7:48
- 8 The Prow 4:16
- 9 Order of the Blackguards 6:13
- 10 The Lost Machine 5:40
- 11 Korgüll the Exterminator 6:11
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Magma
Gojira
Explores existential themes with intricate rhythms and a heavy yet atmospheric soundscape.
obZen
Meshuggah
Shares complex time signatures and themes of chaos versus order in a progressive metal context.
Pale Communion
Opeth
Combines progressive elements with introspective lyrics, reflecting on disconnection and existential thoughts.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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