[1][2] This is the first Voivod studio album to feature Daniel Mongrain on guitar (replacing the late Denis D'Amour) and the only one since 1991's Angel Rat with Jean-Yves Thériault on bass.

"[4] Langevin also specifically references the "progressive thrash metal" sound of Target Earth, which he contrasts to the "stoner-punk-metal" approach of the previous three albums that Voivod completed with bassist Jason Newsted.

[6] AllMusic proclaimed that "older fans can breathe a sigh of relief: Target Earth is not only better than we had any right to expect, it's relentlessly creative, inspired, and manic.

praised Dan Mongrain's ability to play in Piggy's style without being merely imitative and noted that fears that Voivod would be unable to recapture the classic magic were "shattered within moments of the title track.

"[11] Popmatters opined that, "were it not for the modern production you would be led to believe Target Earth is the natural successor to Nothingface in terms of being more rhythmically complex, forceful and lively than Voïvod have sounded in an age.

"[12] However, The Quietus criticized the album for failing to connect with the listener, speculating that fans of War and Pain and Killing Technology "may find Target Earth laborious, even alienating in its prog meanderings and long running time.