Accelerated Evolution - Devin Townsend Band

Advantages: Everything
Disadvantages: Babysong

...The man has done it again, Devin Townsend is a genius. It's official. As probably the most prolific rock artist around at the moment, Townsend has created an album that while it still has his trademark sound, is musically much more diverse than his last offering "Accelerated Evolution". The production is stunning and allows the thickly layered music to become completely absorbed by the listener. Synchestra oddly begins with a frankly brilliant acoustic number called "Let It Roll" which doesnt take long before it transforms into Townsends wall of noise approach. "Hypergeek" is almost an extension of the first track and starts to hint at the quirkiness that will rear its head futher on in the album. Then comes the first OH MY GOD track. A wonderful piece of work on any level called "Triumph". Its even got a hoe-down in the middle of it... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Superb Prog Metal
Disadvantages: Cheesy Subject Might Put Some Off

...It's Devin Townsend but not as you know him. Ziltoid The Omniscient is a concept album, and Townsend provides everything, he's done the vocals, the music, played everything, and the story start with Ziltoid, a 4 dimensional alien hovering 5 miles above Qatar demanding he be brought the best cup of coffee the Earth has to offer. Disappointed in the cup that he's given he sets out to destroy the planet with the 6th Dimensional Planet Smasher. Suffice to say things just get weird and amusing from here on out, with the hero of the story Captain Spectacular set out to expose Ziltoid as a nerd! The music is great, and unless you really have a problem with the somewhat cheesy or should that be tongue in cheekness of the lyrics your going to love this album. At times it shows some almost Dream Theater like sounds, and that's never a bad thing... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: a relaxing and deep album, where theres always something new to hear
Disadvantages: Can be hard to understand for those unfamiliar with Townsends style

...A vibrant tour of perhaps the most insanely creative musician around mind. Devin once again opens us up to his world of insanity through deep soundscapes and intriguing lyrics. The gentle 'let it roll' beautifully puts the listener at ease and relaxes them for whats to come thought its simplicity. before you know it songs develop into a world of sound that with each listen grows, typical of Townsend. The mix of genres provides a fresh look on the album, drawing on more directions than previous work and the samples add to the albums depth. the next song, 'hypergeek', as a curious feel to it, drawing the listener in before exploring in a colorful world. and this general feeling continues throughout the album, one of curiosity and intensity. compared to previous releases this album is not as straight rock, but fan will not be disappointed... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful