|
TERRIA
Well I've sat on this one for some time, listening to it over and over and
over. Everytime I listened, I heard something new, something different,
and something totally refreshing and crushing all at the same time. Rarely
does an album do this, and finding music that is intense in both a
musical sense as well as an emotional context is extremely hard to do. Once
you find something of this value, you must not only treasure it,
but RESPECT it to the fullest intent in order to truely understand an artist
of this magnitude
Devin Townsend, whom has been involved with different bands/projects since
his debut some 10 years ago as the lead singer for Steve Vai's ill-fated,
yet brilliant 'Sex & Religion' album (which failed miserably, but was WAY
AHEAD of it's time in style and songwriting) all the way to his shockingly
brutal Strapping Young Lad projects. Townsend has maintained an edge to his
music that is rarely found in the heavier music genres of today. His
vocal stylings are intense and beautiful at the same time, able to scream
like a wailing banshee to layering gorgeous harmonies over musical
landscapes
that range from brutal death metal to mellower progressive strands, usually
all within the same track. Townsend also proves that he is one hell of a
guitarist, composer, arranger, and most importantly an amazing songwriter
and this disc is chock full of some of the prettiest material he has ever
composed. The material ranges from the intense 'Mountain' to the viseral
'Canada' and 'Down and Under'. The music is arranged in a seemless pattern
where songs drift in and out of each other and subtle nuances are abundent
throughout making this disc an exceptional experience with headphones.
There are some serious layers happening here and each one brings us closer
to Townsend's wounded and tortured soul. This music is not for those who
want to hear singles or even a catchy tune, instead, you will here a true
artist, a true genius at work and you will come closer to the realization
that there are people out there making music that not only inspires but
changes the way we perseave music in general.
I simply cannot say enough about Devin Townsend in one review, nor do I plan
to. My only suggestion is that you discover this amazing artist for yourself
and immerse yourself into his world. It's a beautiful, strange, and scary
place to be at times, but in the end, your journey will make you
ENLIGHTENED.
|
