With Target Earth, the veteran Canadian thrash metal band Voivod faced the daunting task of replacing its original guitarist, the late Denis D'Amour. Daniel Mongrain is clearly up to the task, and he does a particularly impressive job on the time-shifting, over-complicated riffing madness of "Kaleidos" and the equally intense, compressed craziness of "Mechanical Mind," the album's obvious standout. He's working overtime here with original bassist Jean-Yves Thériault, who returns for his first Voivod album since 1991's Angel Rat. Yet it remains to be seen where Mongrain can take the group. Target Earth does an excellent job at maintaining the status quo, providing assurance to Voivod's fans that the group can keep up with its familiar ways. "Corps Etranger" has enough speed to keep the band moving for years ahead. "Kluskap O'Kom" gives Denis Belanger his best vocal showcase and proves that the rhythm section is tuned up and ready for more. "Empathy for the Enemy" sets things up perfectly for a power-chord explosion. If this album is a test of sorts, Voivoid passes with flying colors and guitar picks.