The Devin Townsend Band
Accelerated Evolution (HevyDevy/Inside Out)
by Eric Chon
We all know and love him from Strapping Young Lad; Devin Townsend is back once more. This time with his OTHER (other) band, aptly named The Devin Townsend Band. If it looks and smells like a side-project, it usually is. But then again, Devin is exactly the opposite of usual (that would be “unusual”) and The Devin Townsend Band is anything but a side-project to his bigger, heavier project.
Accelerated Evolution is a testament to Devy’s creativity. It certainly defies categorization, balancing thick, chunky riffy metal with synth-pop keyboards and majestic sonic landscapes. In fact, it’s almost a complete turnaround to the apocalyptic death metal that SYL has made its own: Music that embraces rather than punches you in the face. It’s still emotional and vibrant, but it never pummels you with angst and foreboding.
As always, Devin’s genius in the production chair is clear as crystal. Layer upon layer is heaped onto the sound, creating melodies and subtleties that need constant replaying to catch them all. It all fits perfectly for that “futuristic pop-metal” that Devin has claimed for his own.
If you’re seeking SYL-level aggression, you’re in the wrong place. But any fan of his solo work, or progressive music in general, will find copious reasons to love Accelerated Evolution.
(1601 Banksville Rd. 2nd Fl. Pittsburgh, PA 15216)