Review by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
3 stars out of 4
I have many thoughts about the new Devin Townsend Band CD Accelerated
Evolution. My first impression was Why does this guy have to scream
instead of sing? Well, I had to be patient and let this CD play out.
I found out that he does his share of both actually, and at times
reminded me of Alice Cooper. Townsend has a great voice and
I think if he exercised a little more restraint he would master his
capabilities as a singer.
He proves to be nothing short of splendid towards the end of the album
on Away, Sunday Afternoon, and Slow Me Down. All three songs have
their lighter moments and periods of pop lushness if you will. Do
not be dismayed at the reference to pop or lushness, for the most
part this is anything but. Those three particular songs happen to
highlight the many abilities of this talented group of men. The lions
share of this recording is straight ahead head slammin rock and prog-metal.
With tracks like Depth Charge, Storm, and Suicide, you certainly do
not conjure up images of a lovely walk along the beach while plucking
petals from a rose. This CD is all about high-energy music that keeps
you buzzing for a long time.
Devin Townsend is the master of his universe and he is in some fine
company in that realm. Brian Waddell (guitar, arranger), Ryan Vanpoederooven
(drums arranger), Dave Young (keyboards, arranger) and Mike Young
(bass, arranger) form a unified and lethal unit around Townsends earth
shattering vocal style. The one thing that struck me with accuracy
right between the eyes was the consistency of this album. Everything
about it is goodthe musicianship, production, sound and engineering.
Yes, this is an all-star cast performing on an unforgettable session
and anyone that digs rock, metal, or progressive music, will surely
agree once they hear this CD.
1. Depth Charge (Townsend) - 6:04
2. Storm (Townsend) - 4:38
3. Random Analysis (Townsend) - 5:59
4. Deadhead (Townsend) - 8:05
5. Suicide (Townsend) - 6:45
6. Traveller (Townsend) - 4:12
7. Away (Townsend) - 7:49
8. Sunday Afternoon (Townsend) - 6:20
9. Slow Me Down (Townsend) - 4:35
The Band:
Devin Townsend - Lead Vocals, Choir, Chorus, Producer, Engineer, Mixing
Brian Waddell - Guitar, Arranger
Ryan Vanpoederooven - Drums, Arranger
Dave Young - Keyboards, Arranger
Mike Young - Bass, Arranger
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