CD Reviews
The Devin Townsend Project – Transcendence (review)
The Devin Townsend Project – Transcendence
Reviewed by George Archibald
Metal mastermind and producer Devin Townsend is back with his band The Devin Townsend Project on the new album Transcendence, which was released on September 9th. Devin Townsend is best known for the vast number of projects and acts he is associated for including; Steve Vai, Strapping Young Lad, Casualties of Cool as well as serving as a producer on many other metal albums. This crazed Canadian is known for his outrageous stage antics, and being able to belt out beautiful choruses and then hit the jugular with a death metal scream. The Devin Townsend Project is an extension of Devin himself, where the band performs a mix of different musical styles, but the listener is engulfed in a wall of sound on every track.
To promote the album, The Devin Townsend Project released the single Secret Sciences, a seven minute opus which starts off with Devin’s trademark clean vocal styling, where he likes to carry the end notes to a higher register to add emphasis. The band kicks in thick and full around the chorus filling every inch of the track. The centerpiece of this track is Devin’s solo, which kicks in around the four minute mark. It is a tasteful and beautiful addition to the song and definitely showcases his talent and abilities which have grown from his days of playing with Steve Vai.
Transcendence is another gem to the Devin Townsend Project catalog balancing heavy and lighter songs throughout 21 tracks if you listen to the deluxe edition. The album is an amalgamation of everything the band is known for. The production quality is top notch, with clarity and the ability to fill all the gaps with sound making for a listeners’ paradise. The album is full of personality and energy which will keep you coming back for the repeat listens. Transcendence is out now and you can also catch the band as they are currently touring the US with Between the Buried and Me and Fallujah.
About Author
CD Reviews
ALICE IN CHAINS “BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE” VINYL REVIEW
Alice In Chains have Re-Released the 2009 album on vinyl. This album was the first Alice In Chains in 14 years and the first album with guitarist/singer Willam DuVall after Layne Staley passed away in 2002.
I was a huge Alice In Chains fan and was a big fan of both Layne and Jerry. When this album first came out I remember sorta pushing it the side only cause of sadness about Layne but after hearing “Check My Brain” I gave it a chance and was so glad that I did. This album is amazing and really put Alice In Chains back into the mainstream.
The vinyl not only looks super awesome but sounds amazing. If you’re a fan of Alice In Chains and into collecting Vinyl, this album is a must in your collection. It’s a great packed vinyl with 2 vinyls included.
Side A: All Secrets Known, Check My Brain and Last of My Kind. Side B: Your Decision, A Looking in View. Side C: When The Sun Rose Again, Acid Bubble, Lesson Learned. Side D: Take Her Out, Private Hell, Black Gives Away To Blue
About Author
CD Reviews
VENDED: Album Review
9/20/24 sees the independent release of the full-length, self-titled debut album from Des Moines, Iowa natives Vended. Featuring vocalist Griffin Taylor, Simon Crahan on drums, Jeremiah Pugh on bass, Cole Espland on lead guitar, and Connor Grodzicki on rhythm guitar.
On this album they have taken more abrasive elements of nu metal as seen in the late 90s from bands like Slipknot and Soulfly and utilized elements of metalcore to slap a fresh coat of paint on the style. There are elements that remind me of the more modern and spastic styles of nu metal, similar to a band like Tallah.
Griffin’s vocal styling showcases mid-range screams as the main driving force bending the vocals. True to the nu metal elements, the rage and anger perceived from the screams are offset by the occasional catchy riff or fast talking, almost rapping stylized lyrics.
Crahan shows an impressive command of rhythm with his double bass drum. Driving each track forward with a machine gun-like purpose, which makes the more groove-oriented parts hit much harder. Crahan, in addition to the rest of the rhythm section (Espland and Pugh), all really work together well to keep the momentum moving forward while not sacrificing said groove.
While I wouldn’t call it album of the year or anything. It’s definitely worth checking out. Standout tracks: “Nihilism” and “The Far Side”.
Vended can be found on the usual socials. And the album is available on all streaming platforms. And physical copies can be purchased though https://www.officialvended.com
About Author
CD Reviews
DevilSkin “Surfacing” EP
It’s been 4 years since Devilskin’s last album, “Red.” The New Zealand band has followed up with their new EP, “Surfacing.”
This 6-song EP starts off with “Whale Song,” which just rocks and puts you right in the mood for what Devilskin is going to bring. I love Jennie Skulander’s voice; it works perfectly with the tone and grittiness of the album.
The EP has two covers on it. “Barracuda,” which we reviewed before and is a great cover song. The band also takes a swing at Dio’s “Holy Diver.” I am pretty critical about anyone covering Dio. Most bands try too hard to sound like Ronnie, which doesn’t always work out. However, I like this cover because the band takes their own path when covering it and makes it their own.
“Let Me Breathe,” “Insects,” and “Unborn” round up the rest of the EP. Which makes the EP a great listen from beginning to end. There has been a great resurgence of bands coming from New Zealand that kick ass. DevilSkin is on top of that list of bands. I hope that they make it over to the US soon so we can get a chance to check them out live. If you’re into a great rock EP and want to listen to something new and fresh, I recommend checking out this EP.
THIS IS A SPONSORED REVIEW BROUGHT TO YOU BY TAG PUBLICITY
About Author
-
Concert Reviews1 year ago
Cradle of Filth/DevilDriver Baltimore Show Review
-
Empire Interviews1 year ago
Psychostick Interview w/ Matty J “Moose”
-
Concert Reviews1 year ago
Thrill Kill Kult: Soundstage Show Review
-
Concert Reviews1 year ago
Static X/Sevendust Lancaster Show Review
-
Concert Reviews1 year ago
UnEarth/Revocation/Entheos/High Comand Show Review
You must be logged in to post a comment Login