Creative approach can be one of the most important ingredients for a successful career. Beginning his steps with the unhinged stylings of Strapping Young Lad, Devin Townsend cemented his imprint in the Metal scene. Known for their unrelenting energy the man began to slow down. Crafting more of a therapeutic outlet in the form of The Devin Townsend Project allowed the singer and guitarist to delve into emotions. Extracting various different tonalities each album represented a different stage of the man’s life. Returning in 2014 with bombastic space rock opera that was Dark Matters along with Sky Blue the man was indeed not starved of creative oxygen. Now two years later The Devin Townsend Project are gracing us once more with their metaphysical presence in the form of Transcendence.
[tracklist]
- Truth
- Stormbending
- Failure
- Secret Sciences
- Higher
- Stars
- Transcendence
- Offer Your Light
- From The Heart
- Transdermal Celebration
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]66:00[/length]
[record_label]Inside Out[/record_label]
[release_date]September 9th 2016[/release_date]
[/details]
As the name might suggest Transcendence remains in keeping with Townsend’s style of suspended animation whilst retaining a certain weight. Contrary to the likes of the arid Epicloud here tracks like the weather worn “Stormbending” retain this sense of featherweight whilst also involving a sense of technicality that has been absent from the band for quite sometime. Not ignoring the most important element of The Devin Townsend Project each track is written to perfection with Townsend’s now trademark production style. Walls of noise bathing the listener enveloping them in this world of musical mathematicians. Ten tracks long the record ensures that it keeps your attention with the serenity lathering “Higher” beginning with Townsend’s haunting vocal style. Seamlessly initiating its wormhole conjuring midsection reaching an ecclesiastical chorus section that the man is known for. Before turning the galaxy on autopilot in constellation moving “Stars” seeing the cruise control of Townsend’s voice illuminate the track.
Varying in not only tempo but temperament Transcendence is as an absolute compendium of all Townsend’s multifaceted personas. Schizophrenic personalities peeking out, temporarily tapping into the multiple personalities the man has adopted in his career. The cinematic setting of the scene paves the way for the albums sonic expectations with “Truth” acting as more of a foreword than a song in itself. A positive rollerdex of the man’s infinite ideas in “Offer Your Light” the Metalcore come Pop adrenaline surge would be suitable for any instellar gym session, before returning a coasting altitude once again with the lengthy “From The Heart” seeing us return to the choral based elements of Townsend’s later repertoire. Beautifully put together with an ending that would echo the sonic equivalent of the sunrise. Transcendence sees an amalgamation of the band’s works from the serene new wave Ghost right up to polarising clang of Deconstruction. Yet still Townsend’s insatiable thirst for creativity is evoked on the new record leading into a completely new, streamlined chapter in the man’s career.
Tailing off with the “Transdermal Celebration” brings to mind a space age American Idiot style Green Day with a focus on songwriting right up until the Tangerine Dream-esque denouement. The futurist sound of “Secret Sciences” bring us hurtling both metaphorically and literally with The Devin Townsend Project into the future. With less of an agenda Transcendence has given The Devin Townsend Project room to breathe, experiment with more technicality, different melodic colour hues to create a truly enlightening experience. Tethered to the material yet bountifully spiritual Transcendence sees veritable smorgasbord of talent brought to the fore. A bountiful space age feast for the ears ranging from atom zapping speed to truly transient bliss making Transcendence potentially one of Townsend’s most accomplished works to date.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]Known for his eclectic releases it can often be hard to pin down the man’s style but with Transcendence The Devin Townsend Project have come together to Fuer their most complete instalment to date and will have you transcending space and time.[/why]
If you like what you read / heard then you can pick up the record here!
