Album Review: The Devin Townsend Project - "Z2"
“There's a fine line between genius and insanity. I have erased this line.”
― Oscar Levant
The album I'm reviewing this week is a great example of what an artist can accomplish with talent, dedication, pushing the boundaries and just a wee bit of crazy. It's the latest offering from the Devin Townsend Project, a two disc set called "Z2". Devin Townsend's new adventure is metal to be sure but it's oh, so much more. Metal doesn't truly begin to describe what's happening on this record. It's exciting, complex and difficult to describe, but I'll give it a shot.
If the name Devin Townsend sounds familiar to you, it may be that you've heard his vocal work with Steve Vai. Or perhaps you've heard his band Strapping Young Lad. Maybe the IR8 demo he did with Jason Newstead. Possibly, you've heard the Devin Townsend Band or one of the previous Devin Townsend Project releases. Suffice it to say, Devin Townsend is a prolific writer who's work falls somewhere between genius and insanity.
Townsend's production style has been compared to that of Phil Spector and Frank Zappa, the former famous for his "wall of sound", a multi-layering technique that incorporates many, many sounds on top of one another, creating thick, deep and interesting songs. The latter is remembered for his quick and unique style changes, the intricacy of his songs and the humor within his lyrics and music. Townsend uses similar methods but with heavy metal music. The results are fascinating.
There are 12 songs on the first disc and each of them is a multi-layered experiment in musical madness.
The opening cut "Rejoice" is a labyrinth of sounds that somehow stay clean and work together rather than muddying up the track. As the title indicates, it has a hopeful, uplifting feel that is melodic and accessible to both metal-heads and the average listener.
Ever changing while staying true to their style, the Devin Townsend Project's "Midnight Sun" incorporates an acoustic guitar to great effect, layered with keyboards, harmonies, drums, bass and electric guitars with an incredible sound.
Adding even more to the intricacy of the record, the cut "Silent Militia" begins with a female singer before exploding into one of the coolest riffs I've heard in quite a while. This song is a great example of the fantastic job Townsend does by bringing a song down to just one element, in this case the female vocal solo, before unleashing an onslaught of rhythm and sound on the listener. "Silent Militia", by the way, takes the lead for my favorite song on this disc.
The last couple of tracks on the album, for the most part, include a more ambient sound with more keyboards and organ sounds mixed with a haunting choir. The metal is still there and somewhat resigned to the background. There are just so many layers.
The creativity found on disc one is a mesmerizing example of an artist pushing his musical boundaries and creating songs that are both interesting and exciting to hear.
Disc two is another story... literally. It is essentially a sequel to the Devin Townsend Project's 2007 release "Ziltoid The Omniscient", a tale about and alien named Ziltoid who comes to Earth in search of the ultimate cup of coffee.
This latest chapter tells the story of the continuing adventures of Ziltoid The Omnicient here on Earth. It's a heavy metal opera complete with the deep voiced narrator and a cast of characters including Captain Spectacular, the War Princess and her Poozers.
I won't spoil the story for you but it's something you should hear at least once. And it's quite funny.
Again, Townsend's work on this second disc is genius riding the edge of insanity. The music's complexity can be overwhelming at times but is consistently enjoyable and entertaining. And, for my money, "March of the Poozers", a heavy metal march with demonic choir accents, is one of the top songs of the year.
You can call Devin Townsend's music progressive, experimental, symphonic or a half dozen other labels and it is a bit of all of those. But what it truly is is outrageous.
Townsend's list of influences is as varied as the music he plays. Among them Judas Priest, Frank Zappa, Broadway musicals, ABBA, King's X and, one of my personal favorites, Cop Shoot Cop. With a list like that what else would one expect to hear on "Z2"?
The experience of listening to "Z2" will vary from person to person but one thing is certain, you will be moved. As a fan of music I am pleased to recommend this album to you, gentle reader. Keep in mind the words of Aristotle - “No great mind has ever existed without a touch of madness”. And there is more than a touch of madness on the Devin Townsend Project's new album. Enjoy.
