Is Target Earth a good place to start with Voivod?

Yes, Target Earth is recommended as a starting point for new Voivod listeners. A blistering fusion of progressive and thrash metal, weaving complex rhythms with dystopian themes and relentless energy. Released in 2013, Target Earth marks Voivod's first studio album since the passing of guitarist Denis 'Piggy' D'Amour in 2005. This album also represents a significant return for the band after a hiatus, showcasing their evolution while remaining rooted in their signature sound. It was well-received as a revitalization of their legacy in the heavy metal scene.

Who is Target Earth for?

Target Earth works well if you're into steady progression with resolution, sci-fi narratives that provoke thought and complex rhythms for focused listening.

How many songs are on Target Earth?

Target Earth has 10 tracks, running approximately 56 minutes.

Target Earth

Voivod · 2013

56 min · 10 tracks · progressive metal

A blistering fusion of progressive and thrash metal, weaving complex rhythms with dystopian themes and relentless energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Target Earth Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's overarching themes with its intricate instrumentation and lyrical focus on dystopian realities, setting the tone for the entire record.
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Empathy for the Enemy — This track stands out for its dynamic shifts between aggressive thrash elements and more melodic sections, reflecting the band's ability to blend genres seamlessly.
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Mechanical Mind — With its complex rhythms and thought-provoking lyrics about technology's impact on human consciousness, this song exemplifies Voivod's progressive metal roots while pushing sonic boundaries.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

65 /100

Treeline

Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

Target Earth showcases complex compositions and thematic depth, solidifying Voivod's unique sound in progressive metal.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features rapid tempo shifts and intricate guitar work, setting a complex tone for the rest of the record.
The lyrics explore dystopian themes, often reflecting on technology's impact on humanity, which is consistent across multiple tracks.
The final track concludes with an extended instrumental section that gradually fades out, allowing for a reflective ending.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

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

steady progression with resolution
sci-fi narratives that provoke thought
complex rhythms for focused listening
immersive experience for deep dives

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer standalone singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return after a hiatus, showcasing continued vitality and ambition.
Themes: dystopian realities· technological alienation· post-apocalyptic landscapes
Career context: Released in 2013, Target Earth marks Voivod's first studio album since the passing of guitarist Denis 'Piggy' D'Amour in 2005. This album also represents a significant return for the band after a hiatus, showcasing their evolution while remaining rooted in their signature sound. It was well-received as a revitalization of their legacy in the heavy metal scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Meshuggah· Gojira· Death