"The Getaway" is the perfect track to hop into a car and drive to. Taking up residence in some limbo between mid-tempo Motorhead and interstellar spacecraft flying in hyperdrive, the song also has no fear of exploring odd arrangements and dissonant surprises. "Dognation" hinges on a hangnail riff that floats in and just sorts of dies in mid-air; it's an odd effect, and Snake's manic vocals lend even more surrealism to the big picture. The joyously twisted "Mr. Clean" spins a web of tongue-in-cheek mockery, over-the-top theatrics, and deliciously spaced out punk/speed rawk. In my mind, this is one of the more intriguing songs on the album as it really captures all the original aspects of the band itself. "After All" swings in on a jarring, disharmonic riff vaguely recalling one Dillinger Escape Plan breakdown or another, but somehow lacking that band's fiery intensity. The smooth transition to far-out, driving riff-rock helps a bit, but the song doesn't make anywhere near as much of an impression as the ones preceding it. "Odds and Frauds" gets things back on track with memorable, fuzzy hooks and even a freakish guitar solo in there somewhere. "Red My Mind" is laid-back drumming, sinister guitar hums, and (before you know it) crunchy space rock that's pretty fist-in-face.

"Sillyclones" sinks into a buzzing sinkhole of groove that is pretty slick. As weird as it is, chances are this one will be stuck in your head for a couple days. "No Angel" builds an explosive fireball of raw energy from nothing, the song starting with a soft, menacing layer of fuzz before gradually building itself up into a very strong rocker. I hated single "The X-Stream" the first time I heard it, but the more I hear it, the more I like it. The song manages to capture Voivod's eclectic output, thier Motorhead worship, and their thrash/speed metal roots all in one song...and its a keeper for those of you keeping score at home. "Polaroids" is a great close to the album, its off-kilter rhythm providing a mesmerizing backdrop of spaced out groove. With "Piggy" having been such an integral member of the band, no one seems to be sure if another album after Katorz is even a possibility. As for Katorz itself, it is a decent album but not necessarily what I'd call strong swan song material. My one complaint with this album is the fact rarely do the songs tap into the speed, energy, and fire that this band is really capable of; in fact, most of the cuts here showcase a very radio-friendly Voivod indeed, with few songs really hitting you with heavy weight to the guitars or any truly wicked moments. In all fairness, I believe Voivod have always been more famous for their innovative approach to hard rock rather than their ability to play it louder or faster than anyone else. Regardless, Katorz is a solid, well-rounded album that could have used one or two stronger cuts, but is a great listen nonetheless. Will it define Voivod's end, or will it serve as the stepping stone to more albums and maybe even greater things? Only time will tell.