Description

Voivod – Killing Tehnology – Compact Disc

Voivod’s Killing Technology, released in 1987, is the third studio album by the Canadian progressive thrash metal band Voivod, and it marks a significant shift in their musical style. Moving away from their early punk-infused speed metal sound, Killing Technology introduces elements of progressive rock, science fiction themes, and complex song structures. This album is often regarded as one of Voivod’s most influential works, laying the groundwork for the unique style that would become their signature—a fusion of thrash metal, avant-garde, and progressive influences.

Killing Technology represents Voivod’s embrace of futuristic themes and dystopian narratives, blending heavy riffs with off-kilter rhythms and dissonant, experimental guitar work by Denis ‘Piggy’ D’Amour. His innovative use of unconventional chords and progressive elements reshaped the band’s sound and introduced a darker, more cerebral tone. Michel ‘Away’ Langevin’s drumming adds to the album’s chaotic energy, punctuating complex time signatures and abrupt tempo changes. Frontman Denis ‘Snake’ Bélanger brings an intense vocal style that complements the album’s themes of technological dystopia, alienation, and paranoia.

The lyrics explore science fiction concepts, with stories of human-machine conflict, advanced technology, and existential crises. This thematic shift was a departure from the typical thrash metal lyrics of the time, making Killing Technology stand out not just musically but also conceptually.

Notable Tracks

‘Killing Technology’ – The title track sets the tone with ominous guitar riffs, intricate drumming, and lyrics about the dangers of technology taking over humanity. It introduces listeners to the album’s sci-fi themes, showcasing the band’s unique sound evolution.

‘Overreaction’ – This track combines aggressive thrash elements with technical guitar work, featuring Piggy’s sharp riffs and Away’s intricate drumming. The song’s chaotic energy reflects the lyrical theme of panic and losing control.

‘Tornado’ – Known for its relentless speed and intensity, ‘Tornado’ is one of the album’s most straightforward thrash tracks, yet it still incorporates unconventional riffs and timing that hint at the band’s progressive leanings.

‘Forgotten in Space’ – A highlight of Voivod’s sci-fi storytelling, this track follows a narrative of isolation and drifting through the void. The eerie guitar tones and atmospheric elements add a sense of cosmic despair, making it one of the album’s most immersive tracks.

‘Ravenous Medicine’ – This song delivers both technicality and aggression, with lyrics that critique the medical and pharmaceutical industries. It’s a standout for its intense riffing and social commentary, which add a unique angle to the album’s futuristic themes.

‘This Is Not an Exercise’ – The album closes with this chaotic, high-energy track, which serves as a warning about nuclear disaster and the horrors of warfare. It ends Killing Technology on a powerful, apocalyptic note, underlining the album’s anti-establishment and cautionary message.

Recorded at Musiclab Studios in Berlin and produced by Harris Johns, Killing Technology features a production style that balances raw intensity with clarity, allowing each member’s contributions to shine. The album has a cold, mechanical sound that enhances its futuristic themes, with Piggy’s dissonant guitar tones cutting through the mix. The production captures the energy of thrash while adding atmospheric touches that underscore the album’s sci-fi aesthetic.

Killing Technology was a game-changer for Voivod and for the thrash metal genre as a whole. While initially met with mixed reactions from traditional thrash fans due to its experimental approach, it has since been recognized as a groundbreaking album that helped expand the possibilities of thrash metal. The album’s influence can be seen in later progressive and technical metal acts, as well as in the growing popularity of science fiction themes within metal.

This album marks the beginning of Voivod’s journey into progressive territory, a direction they would continue to explore in later albums like Dimension Hatröss and Nothingface. Today, Killing Technology is celebrated as a classic, appreciated by fans and critics alike for its innovative sound, complex structures, and bold thematic choices. It remains a must-listen for fans of progressive and thrash metal, as well as for anyone interested in metal’s evolution beyond genre boundaries.

Track Listing

1. Killing Technology
2. Overreaction
3. Tornado
4. Too Scared To Scream
5. Forgotten In Space
6. Ravenous Medicine
7. Order Of The Blackguards
8. This Is Not An Exercise
9. Cockroaches