JK Reviews: Devin Townsend - Deconstruction & Ghost

[Julianking93]

[HEADING=1]The Devin Townsend Project
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.

Spoiler: Rating

[HEADING=1]Four and a Half Stars[/HEADING]​

Spoiler: Recommended Tracks

-------------------------------------------------------------------------​

[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.

Spoiler: Rating

[HEADING=1]Five Stars[/HEADING]​

Spoiler: Recommended Tracks

Spoiler: Other JK Reviews

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]

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.

 

[Outright Villainy]

Ghost was a really surprising one for me. I knew I'd like it a lot, but I certainly didn't expect to like it more than Deconstruction. Which I did. It's utterly fantastic, and the most relaxing music I've ever heard.

He's really had an amazing fucking run with his last 5 albums in general though, all of which are his strongest stuff since Ocean Machine and City.

Furthermore, I'm gonna see him live in November. Squeeeeeee.

 

[KaWaiiTSuKI]

Very good review. As you know, I'm a huge fan of Townsend but for some reason, I've yet to pick these up. After hearing this, I'm definitely going to do that this evening. :3
As for the review itself, I must say it was very good. Loved your take on Ghost. There aren't many reviews of that one for some reason. Can't wait for your Catherine review next like you promised ;3

 

[Zeromaxx]

I just have to sit back and agree with your review, so I guess I can only say that it's very well written and formatted.

 

[Aggressor and Usurper]

Furthermore, I'm gonna see him live in November. Squeeeeeee.

We.

Well, if you've read my Deconstruction review, you know how much I fucking love Devin so I approve of everything in this review. And you've calmed the monkey on my back about reviewing Ghost, so thanks for that.

 

[Julianking93]

Furthermore, I'm gonna see him live in November. Squeeeeeee.

We.

Oh you bastards -_-
I got to see him with Bodom about a month ago and not surprisingly, his 40 minute set completely destroyed Bodom's 2 hour one. I really need to go see him at his own headlining tour.... please come back Devin!!!

Anyway, thanks for the positive comments ^_^
I'd still like to see you do a review of Ghost as no one really seems to be reviewing that one too much.

 

[Outright Villainy]

Furthermore, I'm gonna see him live in November. Squeeeeeee.

We.

Oh you bastards -_-
I got to see him with Bodom about a month ago and not surprisingly, his 40 minute set completely destroyed Bodom's 2 hour one. I really need to go see him at his own headlining tour.... please come back Devin!!!

Anyway, thanks for the positive comments ^_^
I'd still like to see you do a review of Ghost as no one really seems to be reviewing that one too much.

I'll probably do a review of ghost myself actually. I'm planning on reviewing all 4 DTP albums for my 5000th post, why not!

 

[Julianking93]

I'll probably do a review of ghost myself actually. I'm planning on reviewing all 4 DTP albums for my 5000th post, why not!

Ooo, very nice! I look forward to reading those. Curious about the various opinions on Ki mostly, to be honest. A lot of people really didn't like that album and the more die-hard fans of Strapping really didn't like Addicted either but... I think that was mostly because of the more poppy direction. Still brilliant though

 

[MiracleOfSound]

Very nice - Decon is too much even for me sometimes, have to be in the mood for it. But there's no denying it's a work of fucking genius. Fave track = Stand (at the moment)

Ghost - yeah, just like you said. Massage for the ears, especially great just after being molested and beaten up by Decon, as Unable said to me in a Skype chat.

 

[4173]

So I read this, go to buy it, and find out iTunes Canada doesn't have it.

Thanks a lot

 

[Julianking93]

Very nice - Decon is too much even for me sometimes, have to be in the mood for it. But there's no denying it's a work of fucking genius. Fave track = Stand (at the moment)

Ghost - yeah, just like you said. Massage for the ears, especially great just after being molested and beaten up by Decon, as Unable said to me in a Skype chat.

Aye, thanks for the comment! Glad you enjoyed it. Didn't even see this comment until just now but... yay

And yeah, Decon can get pretty heavy but I still love it. It isn't quite as heavy as it was to me when I first heard it but still, Poltergeist and Pandemic are some of the heaviest songs I've ever heard.

So I read this, go to buy it, and find out iTunes Canada doesn't have it.

Thanks a lot

Wait WHAT??
Glad you liked to review and all but why the hell wouldn't they have it?
Devy's Canadian!!! >.<
Still, get it wherever you can. They're well worth the time :3

 

[MiracleOfSound]

And yeah, Decon can get pretty heavy but I still love it. It isn't quite as heavy as it was to me when I first heard it but still, Poltergeist and Pandemic are some of the heaviest songs I've ever heard.

The heaviness is fine, it's the insanity and constant schizo switching of the whole thing that can be overwhelming... in particular the title track, Planet Of the Apes and Mighty Masturbator... those songs are just too crazy for words to describe!

Still one of my fave Dev albums though. I think only City pips it. And maybe Ocean Machine. And Ziltoid. I DONT KNOW

Cheeseburger.

 

[Julianking93]

The heaviness is fine, it's the insanity and constant schizo switching of the whole thing that can be overwhelming... in particular the title track, Planet Of the Apes and Mighty Masturbator... those songs are just too crazy for words to describe!

Still one of my fave Dev albums though. I think only City pips it. And maybe Ocean Machine. And Ziltoid. I DONT KNOW

Cheeseburger.

Hm... interestingly enough, that's why I like Planet of the Apes and Mighty Masturbator so much. Same with Colour Your World and Solar Winds from Ziltoid. I love the switching of genres in the middle of songs from the heavy Meshuggah style of Planet of the Apes, then suddenly to the softer scales of the interlude.

And yeah, it easily ranks up with Dev's best work. Favourites would have to be Infinity, Synchestra, Terria and Accelerated Evolution.... goddamn it, they all have differences that make them great. >.>

It's absolutely impossible to settle on just one XD

 

[MiracleOfSound]

Hm... interestingly enough, that's why I like Planet of the Apes and Mighty Masturbator so much. Same with Colour Your World and Solar Winds from Ziltoid. I love the switching of genres in the middle of songs from the heavy Meshuggah style of Planet of the Apes, then suddenly to the softer scales of the interlude.

And yeah, it easily ranks up with Dev's best work. Favourites would have to be Infinity, Synchestra, Terria and Accelerated Evolution.... goddamn it, they all have differences that make them great. >.>

It's absolutely impossible to settle on just one XD

Yeah they're all so different, it's hard to pick even a few songs that are faves... though I will always have a special soft spot for 'Detox' and 'Om', the first two songs I heard by Strapping and Dev solo.

Was listening to Decon today on the bus home... it actually get easier to listen to with more listens. Once you get to know the song structures they don't feel as random and all over the place and start to kinda make more sense.

The electro techno mindfuck part in Mighty Masturbator is so damn awesome

 

[Julianking93]

Yeah they're all so different, it's hard to pick even a few songs that are faves... though I will always have a special soft spot for 'Detox' and 'Om', the first two songs I heard by Strapping and Dev solo.

Was listening to Decon today on the bus home... it actually get easier to listen to with more listens. Once you get to know the song structures they don't feel as random and all over the place and start to kinda make more sense.

The electro techno mindfuck part in Mighty Masturbator is so damn awesome

OM was the first Dev song you heard? That's interesting. I didn't hear that until I saw him play it back in June. Have to admit though, after listening to some of his bonus tracks and demos, those can be just as good as his regular albums. I just love how he incorporates bits of older songs into his new stuff. Like how Soft [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aswlAYeIgO4] became Ki later on or how The Infinite Waltz [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ECZEj-mRGI&feature=related] was used at the end of The Mighty Masturbator. I guess that's just how Dev makes the songs more personal.

Heaven Send was the first track of his I heard when someone posted it here about... a year or so ago and I was hooked since.

Yeah, you start to anticipate and expect the changes in tone and that's personally my favourite part of the songs here. And yeah, they do make a lot more sense on later listens when hearing the lyrics more clearly.
And that was possibly the best moment of that song. Just the endless and seemingly random speeches of the origins of the universe... at least I think that's what they were talking about XD