Review by JD on February 2, 2012.

Metalcore and its sister style Nu-Metal are genres that I like to a point, but sometimes I hate because of blatant imitators who just copy and never tries to do things differently. What I look for is an original tilt that stretches the boundaries of the style just a little further out with each note that is blasted out. I guess that is what I look for in any band, but this genre I seem to look a little closer than normal, because of the way it is in the first place.

Austrian based Xenesthis (a type of Tarantula) is one of the acts that has fully explored the whole Metalcore/Nu-Metal thing, and has changed it up into there own image. Sounding like a cross between Avenged Sevenfold and Disturbed with heavier riffing and it is a perfect blending of the music end with some clean and very powerful vocals of Alecto. A young woman with and incredibly strong vocals that parts the music.

There are pretty good riffs going on through out the entire CD, just listening to the Disturbed inspired 'Fool' or the limitless attack of 'Raised Fist Armed' and you will see just that. They are not as complex musically like a Dragonforce or Dream Theatre are with the arrangements and shredding power. As a musician myself, I need to say that a good and memorable melody beats out any technical prowess.

Noticeable recording glitches along with the main glaring mistake with just how the mixing was done on Miss Alecto’s vocals make a very good album end up being more average than anything. Perhaps when they record the next album, they will clear these hurdles and show just how great of a band they are but for now, this is one album to listen to despite some small problems.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 7
Production: 6.5
Originality: 8
Overall: 8

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Review by Adam M on October 10, 2018.

Voivod still bring forth a spacey science fiction feel to their latest release.  Their sound is very mechanical and it’s as adventurous as ever on this disc.  The tracks are fairly long and go through a number of twists and turns.  It is progressive, but is held back at times by fairly standard song structures. 

The riffs are razor sharp and make for an exciting listen, but I fear the band wanders into too weird territories at times.  This is a small flaw and their futuristic sound still has a lot of appeal in today’s musical landscape.  How does this compare to the classics like Nothingface and Angel Rat?  The band are able to bring aspects of those albums into play with a decidedly new approach.  I don’t think this eclipses those albums as they had something more original in them at the time.  That’s not to say this album doesn’t try anything different because it often does.  It’s successful in bringing together influences from other albums including the last one Target Earth into a melting pot and creating a fresh new set of songs.  This band is very different than a lot of others and this is part of what makes them so appealing.  I don’t see this music as game changing as a few have, but it’s definitely an enjoyable listen.

The band is appealing because of their weirdness, but I also feel this holds them back from being even better.  Make no mistake that this is more quality material from the band and highly worth checking out.  It brings the space laden style into great effect and crafts some intriguing songs in the process.  Though I don’t believe this topples their classic discs, it is still a highly desirable album.  Fans of the band should have no problem liking The Wake as it resonates with quality Voivod content.

Rating: 7.8 out of 10