Canadian metal innovators VOIVOD have released the following statement:

"VOIVOD has had to postpone any shows for the immediate future as Snake [vocalist Denis Belanger] needs four-six weeks rest due to a procedure for diverticulitis, a common digestive disease. This affects the MS Benefit in Ottawa and the SXSW shows, this should not affect the Santiago, Chile Metal Fest appearance in April. More tour news to be announced shortly."

VOIVOD's new album, "Target Earth", sold around 1,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD was issued on January 22 via the band's own company, Iron Gang Factory, and Century Media.

VOIVOD's previous album, "Infini", opened with around 840 units back in July 2009.

"Target Earth" was recorded in early 2012 at Pierre Rémillard's (OBLIVEON, CRYPTOPSY, KRISIUN, MISERY INDEX) Wild Studio in a small town called St-Zénon in Quebec, Canada and was mixed by Sanford Parker (PELICAN, NACHTMYSTIUM). The follow-up to 2009's "Infini" contains the band's first music to be written with guitarist Dan Mongrain (MARTYR) following the passing of original axeman Denis "Piggy" D'Amour in 2005. The original art was once again drawn by drummer Michel "Away" Langevin and features color schemes from each one of the band's previous albums.