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The Gauntlet: Devin Townsend Band, The |
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Devin Townsend Band, The Album Review
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Tracklist
1. Let It Roll
2. Hypergeek
3. Triumph
4. The Baby Song
5. Vampolka
6. Vampira
7. Mental Tan
8. Gaia
9. Pixillate
10. Judgement
11. A Simple Lullaby
12. Sunset
13. Notes From Africa
14. Sunshine & Happiness
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Hevy Devy uses this solo project to work all of the trippy creativity that he has pent up inside after bashing listeners over the head with pure overpowering sonic antagonism in his primary outfit, Strapping Young Lad. Perhaps more musically relevant than the latest offering his primary outfit, 'Synchestra' ebbs and flows across the boundaries of sonic emotion, brandishing complex, Queen-like arrangements and a plethora of diversions in musical texture.
From the majestic, almost operatic qualities of 'Triumph' to the warm dancing tones of the introduction of the schizophrenic 'Hypergeek', it remains obvious that Townsend is an artist with a great many colors upon his musical palette. He draws from each color complex musical interludes rich with vibrant dynamic structure, resulting in what can be considered to be an honest display of compositional adeptness.
In leading his group through a twisting adventure of stylistic acrobatics, Townsend showcases an ability to fuse varied elements in flux, delivering an experience that might be progressive in nature, yet stands as being aurally invigorating, never boring and surprisingly well-versed. 'Babysong' arrives as one of the most surreally bizarre of the lot, with the guitarist's association with Steve Vai coming to mind as a possible cause of such eclectic songcrafting, while 'Vampolka' achieves Danny Elfman-like strangeness before launching into the driving, metallic anthem 'Vampira.' Townsend wears many hats along the course of 'Synchestra', but it is this track that will be most appealing to metal fans in general, with it's spooky keyboard accompaniments and slick, steely chugging.
Being as Townsend is the bearer of Metal's most popular skullet, the brief, ethereal 'Mental Tan' inspires a smile but it is 'Gaia' that perhaps best proves Townsend's ability as a songwriter. Using this track as a vehicle to take metal into a whole new realm, Townsend shows himself to be very much a leader in producing music that is abreast of the norm yet fully memorizing.
Although the album lacks the sort of major breakthrough strength to hail it as an all-time landmark, there is certainly enough great material to sink your teeth into if you are the sort of music fan that seeks a high degree of creative maneuvering in your music. Certainly not the type of album that will appeal to Strapping Young Lad fans across the board, 'Synchestra' still stands upon its own merits as being a vital part of the musical puzzle that is Devin Townsend.
Review by: Erin Fox
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Comments
storm - 2006-04-11 22:25:37
Vampira is Campy Ed Wood style cheese feast, yet so cool haha.
Devy is a true gifted madman haha. | caz0616 - 2006-03-09 03:31:38
this album is one of devy most crazyest album so buy it now and listen to vampolka bitch
p.s devy f**king rules |
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