Review by Rexorcist for Voivod - Killing Technology (1987)

One can't deny that there's a punk factor in thrash, as much as some purist metalheads might want to.  Voivod, however, celebrated that fact by pumping it up.  In some ways this is practically a crossover thrash album, and a major step forward for metal inventiveness.  Maybe this is largely neglected because the album is so complex?  Either way, this is the personality the band has chosen, and it actually helps a lot.  Now their technical abilities are quite impressive, but it's the inclusion of the punk factor that keeps the album from degenerating into guitar wankery.  While a little samey, the crossover aspects allow the band to display an incredibly unique personality for the time, and just allows the band to have a lot of fun.  Hell, the singer Denis Belanger knows it, and boasts his hardcore punk style vocals proudly and loudly.  And that's not all: they found a way to include the sci-fi experience here, the whole mechanical, cyberpunk, anti-dystopia vibes both lyrically and musically.  As well, the punk factor gives it quite a bit of replay value as well.  Now personally, I'd say the sameyness keeps this from a total five stars.  But if you said this was your favorite thrash album, I most certainly would never, ever, blame you.

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