Anyone familiar with progressive thrashers Voivod will be fully aware of the Canadian quartet’s leanings towards the surreal and strange world of science fiction, so the Ultraman EP (Century Media Records), a short-form tribute to cult Japanese TV icon Ultraman, should really come as no surprise.

Having recorded the theme tune to 1960’s TV show Batman as a cheeky bonus track for their classic 1988 release Dimension Hatröss (Noise Records), this isn’t even the first time the absurdly innovative act have dabbled in the world of superheroes but it is the first time they’ve based an entire release around one.

 

Running for forty episodes, the show (itself a spin-off from Ultra Series) followed the adventures of the Science Patrol, a special team who battled aliens and men in kaiju costumes repurposed from old Godzilla films. Unbeknownst to the rest of the team, however, one member, Shin Hayata was able to conveniently transform into giant alien superhero Ultraman in order to fight whichever rubber clad menace was causing havoc that particular week.

 

Leaving quite the impression, especially on drummer/artist Michel “Away” Langevin, the band decided a special tribute was required and the EP was born. Containing uniquely and immediately recognisable Voivod interpretations of the ‘Opening Theme’, ‘Closing Theme’ and ‘Victory Theme’, the EP is also notable for featuring vocal contributions from guitarist Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain who sings the Japanese parts.

 

While the vinyl release is comprised of nine different versions (English, Japanese, French and instrumental etc.) and live versions of ‘Overreaction’ and ‘Voivod’ (both cuts part of the lost encore from the band’s Return To Morgöth – Live 2018 Anniversary show), the digital track listing is more streamlined featuring one version of each theme plus the two live tracks mentioned above. A brief but fun little interim release, Ultraman EP is sure to bring a smile to the faces of fans of the band and TV show alike.

 

But the EP here: https://voivodband.lnk.to/Ultraman-EP

 

7 / 10

 

GARY ALCOCK