Epicloud

There must have been at least 2 kitchen sinks thrown at this one. Not being familiar with Devin Townsend's output I find myself strangely drawn to this album though. The choir on the opening track almost suggest we might be in for a Stevie Wonder sort of thing, but oh no. This is Pomp/Prog/Heavy/melodic rock of very high standard indeed, and I believe the word "Epic" has been bandied around in relation to this album and never has it been more deserved. Tracks like "liberation" are like Alice Cooper meets the Rocky horror Show and then the volume gets turned up to 11. Brilliant! There are some more mellow moments on here though. "Where we belong" is a traditional prog accoustic number, but even then they can't resist finishing on majestic choruses. Other slower numbers such as "Divine" and "lessons" give you a break from the onslaught and then we get the last 2 tracks which start off slow, build to the most amazing climaxes and then the last minute or so of the album fades out with a return of the choir, gently easing you home. Listening with headphones is a fantastic, thrilling experience and also eerily scary. I will need to now check the back catalogue to see what has led up to this album. In one word? WOW!

This is Devin's catchiest, simplest and probably his most personal record. It is also epic as hell (the title is supposed to be a not-so-subtle hint of what the record is - epic & loud). There are some genuinely heartstring tugging & goosebump inducing moments on this record. If you don't get goosebumps at the beginning of 'True North' then please go get your pulse checked! Anneke is back for this one and her stunning voice adds to much to these songs.

I won't break it down by song but there aren't any that I would actively skip (though I am not too crazy about 'Liberations', 'Where We Belong' and 'Divine' at the moment). The entire gamut of song styles are covered here from acoustic ballads to fast paced catchy numbers to slow building epics. A special mention must go to 'Grace' & the re-recorded 'Kingdom' (check out the brilliant live version on 'By A Thread') which are my highlights of this record and an unbelievable showcase of heavy, epic, beautiful and soul piercing music. The songs in the end do tend to blur into each other which is a shame because there are some real gems here. I wish there were fewer but longer songs on this one but hey, I'm just nitpicking.

The bonus disc 'Epiclouder' also has some great songs that wouldn't be out of place on the main record (with 'Believe', 'The Mind WASP', 'Whoah No!' & 'Socialisation' being my picks). There is nothing really 'Demo' when it comes to the quality of these songs. I therefore urge you to get the deluxe 2-disc version as it is fantastic value for money. Devin's liner notes (in which he discusses these bonus songs and also talks about how 'true metal heads' will probably not like this record) are insightful and funny and give the whole package a very personal touch.

If you are new to Devin's music then this is probably the best place to start (along with Addicted!) in his rather large discography. If you are looking for uplifting, honest and melodic metal/rock music played with passion and integrity then you could do a lot worse than check this out. Certain not his best by a long shot but it is the easiest to digest and get accustomed to his unique brand of music that so many of us have come to appreciate and love.

He's come a long way since the chaotic days of 'Infinity' and 'City'. This is a happy, sober and settled down Devin and it shows. Personally I am glad he has moved on and is still making strong music this far into his career. I await his show (w/ Fear Factory) in December with bated breath!

I do not like all of Devins stuff. But when he gets it right, he gets it very right. Strapping young Lad are way to heavy for me but this album shines with polished pop gems. Think Queen and The Darkness but with balls. Sing along and dance to Lucky Animals or be laid prone by the power of Grace. My album of 2012 by a long shot.