Search - The Devin Townsend Band :: Accelerated Evolution (Bonus CD)

Great New Album From Devin.

Dan | 09/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With "Terria", Devin Townsend created an art-rock masterpiece. It's unbelievable depth, emotion, and originality has made it one of my all time favorite albums. With "Accelerated Evolution", Devin seems to be going for a more basic sound, sort of. What we have here is a more basic, hard rock/metal album. Most of the songs follow a basic format, and they're pretty damn catchy too. A few of them feature the wild, emotional guitar solos we heard on "Terria".Lyrically, like all his albums, it's just about what's going on in his life. Musically, I'd say it's simpler, more straight forward and probably more catchy than "Terria". That's not a bad thing though, at least not in my opinion, as this is undeniably Devin's original work, and no one else sounds like him. There are lots and lots of heavy riffs on this album. "Depth Charge" and "Suicide" have the some of the most killer metal riffs on the album (the latter has an awesome shred solo too) and "Sunday Afternoon" has a pretty groovy bridge riff. On the other hand, the vocals and some of the more melodic guitar riffs are impossibly catchy. I've found myself humming just about every song on this album. "Slow Me Down" and "Traveller" are particularly melodic and upbeat, and both awesome, rockin' songs.The song he wrote for his wife, "Storm" is also worth special notice. It's pretty heavy, but melodic and powerful too. He pulls off some pretty extraordinary vocals around 3 and a half minutes in. Emotion!There is one big epic, called "Away". It's primarily guitar based, there are 2 short vocal sections. The guitar playing focuses, in the beginning, on a arpeggio based riff, with some interesting time changes, and then takes on more melodies and different approaches to the same basic riff. After a few minutes, the band drops out (for the most part, there are various little cymbal hits and bass notes ringing) and Devin lets it all go...Some of the most emotional guitar playing I've ever heard. Definitely one of the coolest moments on the album. Devin Townsend isn't very popular, which is a shame, because he's an incredibly original and creative artist, and overall, he loves what he does and plays with emotion. Each of his albums offers something different, so it's not quite fair to pick a favorite, but I would say this or "Terria" would be a great introduction to the world of Devin. So yeah, give him a chance, you might not regret it."

All Hail the New.....Devin Townsend CD!

Robert C. Latko | Hoffman Estates, IL USA | 04/01/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the newest installment of the Devin Townsend story, we find our interpid hero punishing our eardrums with the smoothest, liquid(y) rhythms and soaring melodies that we have all come to know and love through his recordings! Talk about genius. If ever there was an untapped resource in the recording industry, Mr. Townsend would be it. Bands like Soilwork and Stuck Mojo have utilized his services as a producer, yet the true nature and beauty of his art, is obviously the music. Normally, I can't stand people who give up on an artist that finally, afters years of plugging away, starts to get commercial success. With that in mind however, if a label, major or otherwise (ie, Century Media, Nuke Blast) got their mits into Devin and signed him, many disastrous things could take place:1.) The label wouldn't be able to control him and they'd lose money with all his side projects.
2.) Since Devin is so far ahead of his time, his genius would fly completely over their heads.
3.) The "devy" style would forever be copied, polluting the pond he started with "As Heavy As a Really Heavy Thing".Anyhow, I just picked this album up and I am listening to it right now. I am utterly amazed. Consisting of a five piece, the music flows from track to track, anger and passion in every breath and talent in every strum of a chord. This limited edition has a bonus CD of previoulsy unreleased tunes, by the name of Project EKO. Killer Stuff! What started on "Ocean Machine" has come full circle. If you have SYL in your collection, do yourself a favor and pick up everything else by Devin that you can get your grimy little paws on, because this is the future of metal!Chillin' in the middle with the village idiot! Rock On!"

I'm not insane, I'm just smarter than you.

The Wickerman | Austin, TX | 01/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Devin Townsend has quickly become one of my favorite musicians. Just about everything he does is creative, daring, original, and just plain awesome. "Terria" was my introduction to this extremely talented fellow (aside from kinda being familiar with Strapping Young Lad for a while), and it blew me away like few other albums I've heard. So, naturally, I've been eager to buy up the rest of Devin's material. "Accelerated Evolution" was my second step toward completing the catalogue.Well, to put it bluntly, this album is amazing. It feels like a natural progression from "Terria", while still retaining many of the qualities exhibited in that album. Much of the big, ambient feel, and the odd and captivating dynamics are still there. However, the album is quite different from "Terria" on the whole. It's shorter, heavier, and a bit more to the point. However, it's not to say that the music here is simple. Not at all. There is still plenty of subtle complexity, and the music is as creative and exciting as ever.This album sees a whole new lineup joining Devin's band, including the addition of a second guitarist. Sadly, drum master Gene Hoglan has departed, but his replacement (whose name I can't even begin to spell) does a commendable job. Not quite as complex as Hoglan, but still tons of energy, and just the right contributions to the song. The musicianship overall is excellent. Devin is an ever-brilliant composer, able to get a tremendous amount of substance from somewhat sparse (or seemingly sparse) instrumentation. Plus, his guitar playing is other-worldly. The album begins with "Depth Charge", a fast-paced rocker, full of aggression, but still very catchy. "Storm" is an amazing ballad, with overwhelming emotion, and one of the most powerful vocal performances I've ever heard. "Random Analysis" is another heavier track, with kind of odd lyrics, and a pretty catchy chorus. "Deadhead" and "Away" are huge, epic tracks, probably the closest to the "Terria" sound. Both feature somewhat minimalistic but incredibly beautiful instrumentation (especially "Away", which is, guitar-wise, probably the most amazing thing I've ever heard), and truckloads of ambience. "Suicide" is a crunchy riff-monster, with kind of a Tool-meets-Metallica feel. "Slow Me Down" is a really catchy and uplifting song that just never ceases to make you feel good. There's not a bad song to be found here. Each one is distinctive and impressive in its own way.If you get the special edition, you get a bonus disc, with three extra songs, but it's probably not in the least what you're expecting. All three are instrumental, and straight-up techno. Yes, that's right, I said techno. I'm not sure if it's even them performing these songs, but either way, they're still pretty cool. Surely not everyone's cup of tea, but I enjoy them.There's really not much else I can say, except that Devin Townsend has the kind of talent and creativity most would kill for. Few have the ability to make such unique and interesting music, that's still fairly accessible. I give this album my fullest of recommendations. Although I still think "Terria" (which is quite simply one of the most perfect albums I've ever heard) is better, this is a definite work of art, and fans of awesome original music should not let it pass them by. Now, I've just gotta get "Ocean Machine". Must...have...now!!!"