THE DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT : DECONSTRUCTION
A master of the bizarre, strange and downright mad. This week we see one of the manifestations of metal’s mad scientist garner the title of a Metal Masterpiece. First exhibiting his own brand of madness in the fierce cacophony of Strapping Young Lad, later on down the years the man decided to create a concept of sorts, The Devin Townsend Project. Formed of Ki,Addicted,Deconstruction,Ghost and Epicloud the five albums, echo the various emotions felt by the front man throughout his musical career.
Although all of the albums retain their own tricks and treats one album stands tall. Deconstruction. The absolutely manifestation of anger,madness and well, experimentation. From the piston like thump of “Planet Of The Apes” to the theatrical circus that is “The Mighty Masturbator“. We’re treated to some of the heaviest material Townsend has ever put out. Contrasted perfectly with the front man’s hypnotic supernatural crooning. Crafting a sense of tension felt only in his uncompromisable style of metal. Deconstruction is truly an experience, peppered with guest appearances from members of bands lauded and loved. From Akerfeldt’s serenade in “Stand” to Isahn‘s frost ridden growls in the train driven “Juular“. Not forgetting Greg Puciato‘s pantomime singing in “The Mighty Masturbator“, guest solo’s from Meshuggah‘s Fredrik Thordendal in title track “Deconstruction“. The robotic soothing of Paul Masvidal and finally the bellow of Gojira main man Joe Duplantier in “Sumeria“.
An all star cast to this metal musical. Never before has metal been this theatrical, after last years War Of The Worlds homage Z2 it seems that Devin Townsend has plenty left in him. The theoretical side of the album dealing with the idea of the essence of life itself in a Hitchikers Guide To The Galaxy tongue in cheek style it is an absolute pleasure. An acquired taste, certainly, yet an unmistakable achievement.
