[HEADING=1]The Devin Townsend Project
Deconstruction / Ghost[/HEADING]
Deconstruction / Ghost[/HEADING]
Underground music fans and metal cultists alike recognise one of the more influential and revered artists of the metal scene, Devin Townsend, for the musical genius he is. Even with his extensive back catalog ranging from the more mellow jumping-off point with Steve Vai to leading frontman of Strapping Young Lad, his range of variety and prowess in music has remained as extreme as ever and it shows no signs of stopping.
[HEADING=2]Deconstruction[/HEADING]
One of the most anticipated releases of the past few years for many metal fans, and most anticipated of the year for me personally, has been Devy's third album in a four part project entitled Deconstruction. Described by Dev himself as "the album he couldn't make with Strapping," Decon lives up to the hype and doesn't disappoint to fans wanting something heavy, brutal and completely uncompromising.
The album starts off with Praise the Lowered, setting up the journey with deceptively chill and calm, almost trip hop style drum beats with simple electronic pops accompanied by a melodic and soothing croon with the lyrical content telling the listener to prepare themselves for what comes after. Soon the simple sounds turn into dark guitar riffs and Devin's famous banshee like screech kicks in, raving about drug addiction only to slowly fade back into the same calm from before.
It immediately flows into Stand, which can only be described as a brooding 10 minute slow-burn as the vocals turn from melodic to harsh and eventually to screams from both Dev and Opeth's Mikael Akerfeldt. This shifts again quickly into the much faster and heavier Juular which, while one of the shorter tracks on the album is one of the more inspired efforts as the high pitched shrieks mix wonderfully with not only guest vocalist (and former Emperor frontman) Ishahn's black metal style growls but the Danny Elfman inspired opening march.
Like with most of his previous albums, Deconstruction flows seamlessly from song to song allowing the listener to become completely immersed in the music and even in the concept story it has to tell (one that I'll leave up to interpretation here) which is just as ridiculous, yet meaningful as Devin's Ziltoid the Omniscient. One thing that I would like to make brief mention of is the lyrical content present in most of the songs here. While seemingly chaotic and mostly random, at their heart lie a more positive and inspiring message. One that, while has no particular baring on the quality itself, was something I enjoyed during later listens.
Dev's signature quirky style of metal really begins to shine through with the eleven minute track (and my personal favourite off the album) Planet of the Apes, boasting through with Meshuggah style riffs, keyboards and some of the best drumming from long time DT member Ryan Van Poederooyen. Even through all the intense shifts in tone similarly seen in Color Your World from Ziltoid, it remains as enjoyable and as catchy it can be, perhaps even more so because of this. The following track Sumeria, while not as strong as the rest provides a heavy and satisfying tone later cut in favour of disturbing yet relaxed vocals from Cynic guitarist Paul Masvidal.
However, the hands down oddest and most interesting song I've yet to hear on any album comes after as it fades quickly into the 16 minute disturbing epic The Mighty Masturbator. If not yet, this song will be one to most likely turn listeners off as it fades in and out from simple laments of a feeling of wasted life to... something I can't even begin to describe without my brain turning to mush. Simply put, this is one of the strangest songs I've heard in music, yet while remaining true to Devy tradition of oddities it reaches new heights by incorporating insane sounds of a chaotic trek through a person's mind. Let's just say it consists of a Satanic carnival featuring the most ridiculous circus freaks, a ringleader coming to know his true purpose, "Savin' the World" boots and what I'm pretty sure was bits of the Legend of Zelda theme.
Do you really expect anything else from this genius?
This fades again into the blasting intensity of Pandemic which originally wasn't a favourite of mine but soon grew on me as I listened to it's short but extreme sounds only comparable to that of a stampede matched with ReVamp vocalist Floor Jansen's operatic vocals make it one of the stronger songs. The title track comes after, matching the insanity and silliness of The Mighty Masturbator, only with less talk of circus freaks and more about brains and cheeseburgers with the fast technical ridiculousness of the rest of the album thrown into one song. Unfortunately, this is probably my least favourite song on the album. By no means is it a bad track, but it was even a little too obnoxious for my tastes, though considering that's exactly what Devin was going for I can't really complain.
The closing track Poltergeist may come across as a complete triumph or a lackluster ending due to its abrupt stop and short length for an album with songs passing the ten minute mark, but the song concentrates all the craziness of not only this album, but of all Devin's songs, only being slightly surpassed in intensity by Strapping Young Lad's famous track Shitstorm. The song itself brings the story to a violent and fantastical close.
Deconstruction is a difficult album to review. It's full of the usual (or rather, unusual) offbeat humour, quirky attitude and instrumental complexities of previous albums only taking them to a new extreme. Deconstruction is what Devin promised it would be and more. With numerous guest musicians and even a full orchestra and choir, it's easy to see how much went into the album and it isn't one to be missed by any metal fans. The album can be very hit or miss for some and it's not likely to convert any non-Devin fans but for people who have heard and loved his previous work, you should give it a definite listen so long as you don't take it too seriously.
[HEADING=1]Four and a Half Stars[/HEADING]
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[HEADING=2]Ghost[/HEADING]
Don't look here, I'm so not fucking with this to mess with the layout. >.> <.< ^_^
And again...
And again... YAY FIXED ^_^
Strangely enough, like with Deconstruction, Ghost is just as uncompromising and intense, yet in the complete opposite direction. The four albums of Devin's project have all been perfect for each other. Different yet similar. Whereas Addicted focused on more accessible and pop inspired metal, Deconstruction went all out and like how Ki was dark in theme and sound, Ghost is nothing short of beautiful and vibrant. The music throughout its 72 minute length (surpassing that of Decon) stays soft and relaxing. A perfect yin and yang to one another.
The album opens with Fly, a soft yet somewhat upbeat song setting a nice tone for the entire album. Repeated, calming vocals and acoustic guitar riffs form the majority of songs here but are mostly present upon its opener. Heart Baby continues the theme only turning the tone down even deeper into relaxation. The simple guitar notes work brilliantly with guest Kat Epple's flute harmonies that remain for the entirety of the album.
Following this is the beautifully ambient Feather, which serves as the album's eleven minute epic that rivals even those found on its predecessor. Devin utilises near perfect use of vocal layering and peaceful sounds, making the lyrics "Close your eyes and go to sleep" a perfect fit. It retains the progressive rock feel that Devin is accustomed to while letting it blend seamlessly with new age elements providing a warm feeling for the listener.
This quickly shifts to Kawaii, which plays as an alternative style acoustic/vocal driven track. It feels very reminiscent of similar songs but most notably Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead. Even Devin croaks out the gorgeous lyrics as if he himself is about to burst into tears. This again gently fades into the following song, Ghost which is probably the most catchy of all songs with its groove inspired acoustic session accompanied by drums, backing vocals and piano; ideal swaying music.
What serves as another personal favourite of mine alongside Kawaii is Blackberry, a bluegrass-esque track which feels similar to Ki's Ain't Never Gonna Win. The song is only enhanced by the soft drumming, vocal harmonies that are mostly prevalent throughout the album and some pretty impressive banjo playing from Townsend make it the liveliest track on the album but it still retains the new age feel nicely.
This is basically what Ghost is like for your brain.
From here though, Ghost takes a far more calm and truly new age path by staying mostly instrumental and relying on heavy flute usage and keyboard effects giving tracks like the soft Monsoon an interesting feeling which can serve as a low point for some listeners along with Dark Matters which seems to be channeling a Buddhist style chant behind its synth driven sound. The album reaches a peek again with Texada, an uplifting and heavily multilayered nine minute progressive based track that, while fairly simple, has extreme depth of production captivating vocal harmonies as Devin and Katrina Natale hymn along its upbeat tempo.
To the end of the album, the final three tracks bleed together seamlessly from the dreamlike Seams (go figure), into the mostly instrumental Infinite Ocean and finally to the climactic As You Were which ends the album on the most peaceful note possible; soothing sounds of a rolling ocean and seagulls in the distance.
Delivered as possibly the greatest counter-piece to an album, Ghost is the peace and quiet after the chaotic storm that was Deconstruction. A relaxing brain massage after a brutal beating of chaos. The best way to describe the album is by calling it a "departure." One from the crazy, psychotic humor and obscene metal and into a seemingly more mature, introspective album (not that Deconstruction can't be that as well). While on par with the brilliant insanity of its predecessor, Ghost is something that I personally enjoyed more. It's easier to listen to and far more calming and welcoming. Whereas Deconstruction dares you to listen, Ghost takes you by the hand and offers you a peaceful musical experience.
[HEADING=1]Five Stars[/HEADING]
Movies:
Best Movies of the Decade [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.164045-Best-Films-of-the-Decade-Warning-Extremely-Long-Review] I Inception [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.215806-JK-Reviews-Inception] I Oldboy [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.236848-JK-Reviews-Oldboy] I Thirst [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.238393-JK-Reviews-Thirst] I Noroi [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.258713-JK-Reviews-Noroi] I Ghost in the Shell [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.264848-Poll-JK-Reviews-Ghost-in-the-Shell?view_results=1] I Top 25 Favourite Films [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.273264-JKs-Top-25-Favourite-Films#comment_form] I Kodomo no Jikan (series) [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.283845-JK-Reviews-Kodomo-No-Jikan] I Super 8 [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.291002-JK-Reviews-Super-8]
Games:
Bayonetta [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.169030-JK-Reviews-Bayonetta-Warning-May-Contain-Spoilers] I Game of the Year 2009 [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.163760-Celebration-for-My-5000th-post-Game-of-the-Year-awards] I God of War III [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.182952-JK-Reviews-God-of-War-III] I NieR [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.203204-JK-Reviews-NIER] I Castlevania: Lament of Innocence [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.206361-JK-Reviews-Castlevania-Lament-of-Innocence] I Maximo: Ghosts To Glory [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.212014-JK-Reviews-Maximo-Ghosts-To-Glory] I Kingdom Hearts [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.229506-As-Per-Request-JK-Reviews-Kingdom-Hearts] I Kingdom Hearts II [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.230725-As-Per-Request-JK-Reviews-Kingdom-Hearts-II] I Assassin's Creed Brotherhood [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.248762-JK-Reviews-Assassins-Creed-Brotherhood] I Top 12 Games of 2010 [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.252471-JKs-Top-12-Best-Games-of-2010] I Bioshock [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.262110-As-Per-Request-JK-Reviews-Bioshock] I Fallout: New Vegas [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.266849-JK-Reviews-Fallout-New-Vegas] I Silent Hill 2 [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.270928-As-Per-Request-JK-Reviews-Silent-Hill-2] I Dragon Age 2 [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.276414-JK-Reviews-Dragon-Age-II] I Infamous2 [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.300006-JK-Reviews-InFAMOUS-2#comment_form]
Music:
Equilibrium's ReKreatur [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.204108-JK-Reviews-Equilibrium-ReKreatur]
Best Movies of the Decade [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.164045-Best-Films-of-the-Decade-Warning-Extremely-Long-Review] I Inception [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.215806-JK-Reviews-Inception] I Oldboy [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.236848-JK-Reviews-Oldboy] I Thirst [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.238393-JK-Reviews-Thirst] I Noroi [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.258713-JK-Reviews-Noroi] I Ghost in the Shell [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.264848-Poll-JK-Reviews-Ghost-in-the-Shell?view_results=1] I Top 25 Favourite Films [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.273264-JKs-Top-25-Favourite-Films#comment_form] I Kodomo no Jikan (series) [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.283845-JK-Reviews-Kodomo-No-Jikan] I Super 8 [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.291002-JK-Reviews-Super-8]
Games:
Bayonetta [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.169030-JK-Reviews-Bayonetta-Warning-May-Contain-Spoilers] I Game of the Year 2009 [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.163760-Celebration-for-My-5000th-post-Game-of-the-Year-awards] I God of War III [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.182952-JK-Reviews-God-of-War-III] I NieR [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.203204-JK-Reviews-NIER] I Castlevania: Lament of Innocence [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.206361-JK-Reviews-Castlevania-Lament-of-Innocence] I Maximo: Ghosts To Glory [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.212014-JK-Reviews-Maximo-Ghosts-To-Glory] I Kingdom Hearts [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.229506-As-Per-Request-JK-Reviews-Kingdom-Hearts] I Kingdom Hearts II [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.230725-As-Per-Request-JK-Reviews-Kingdom-Hearts-II] I Assassin's Creed Brotherhood [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.248762-JK-Reviews-Assassins-Creed-Brotherhood] I Top 12 Games of 2010 [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.252471-JKs-Top-12-Best-Games-of-2010] I Bioshock [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.262110-As-Per-Request-JK-Reviews-Bioshock] I Fallout: New Vegas [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.266849-JK-Reviews-Fallout-New-Vegas] I Silent Hill 2 [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.270928-As-Per-Request-JK-Reviews-Silent-Hill-2] I Dragon Age 2 [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.276414-JK-Reviews-Dragon-Age-II] I Infamous2 [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.300006-JK-Reviews-InFAMOUS-2#comment_form]
Music:
Equilibrium's ReKreatur [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.204108-JK-Reviews-Equilibrium-ReKreatur]
Remember, that I am now taking requests for reviews, so any suggestions for future reviews or lists you may have, please let me know via PM or in the replies to this review.