Customer Reviews

Accelerated Evolution (Bonus CD)

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

With "Terria", Devin Townsend created an art-rock masterpiece. It's unbelievable depth, emotion, and originality has made it one of my all time favorite albums. With "Accelerated Evolution", Devin seems to be going for a more basic sound, sort of. What we have here is a more basic, hard rock/metal album. Most of the songs follow a basic format, and they're pretty damn catchy too. A few of them feature the wild, emotional guitar solos we heard on "Terria".

Lyrically, like all his albums, it's just about what's going on in his life. Musically, I'd say it's simpler, more straight forward and probably more catchy than "Terria". That's not a bad thing though, at least not in my opinion, as this is undeniably Devin's original work, and no one else sounds like him.

There are lots and lots of heavy riffs on this album. "Depth Charge" and "Suicide" have the some of the most killer metal riffs on the album (the latter has an awesome shred solo too) and "Sunday Afternoon" has a pretty groovy bridge riff. On the other hand, the vocals and some of the more melodic guitar riffs are impossibly catchy. I've found myself humming just about every song on this album. "Slow Me Down" and "Traveller" are particularly melodic and upbeat, and both awesome, rockin' songs.

The song he wrote for his wife, "Storm" is also worth special notice. It's pretty heavy, but melodic and powerful too. He pulls off some pretty extraordinary vocals around 3 and a half minutes in. Emotion!

There is one big epic, called "Away". It's primarily guitar based, there are 2 short vocal sections. The guitar playing focuses, in the beginning, on a arpeggio based riff, with some interesting time changes, and then takes on more melodies and different approaches to the same basic riff. After a few minutes, the band drops out (for the most part, there are various little cymbal hits and bass notes ringing) and Devin lets it all go...Some of the most emotional guitar playing I've ever heard. Definitely one of the coolest moments on the album.

Devin Townsend isn't very popular, which is a shame, because he's an incredibly original and creative artist, and overall, he loves what he does and plays with emotion. Each of his albums offers something different, so it's not quite fair to pick a favorite, but I would say this or "Terria" would be a great introduction to the world of Devin. So yeah, give him a chance, you might not regret it.

In the newest installment of the Devin Townsend story, we find our interpid hero punishing our eardrums with the smoothest, liquid(y) rhythms and soaring melodies that we have all come to know and love through his recordings! Talk about genius. If ever there was an untapped resource in the recording industry, Mr. Townsend would be it. Bands like Soilwork and Stuck Mojo have utilized his services as a producer, yet the true nature and beauty of his art, is obviously the music. Normally, I can't stand people who give up on an artist that finally, afters years of plugging away, starts to get commercial success. With that in mind however, if a label, major or otherwise (ie, Century Media, Nuke Blast) got their mits into Devin and signed him, many disastrous things could take place:

1.) The label wouldn't be able to control him and they'd lose money with all his side projects.
2.) Since Devin is so far ahead of his time, his genius would fly completely over their heads.
3.) The "devy" style would forever be copied, polluting the pond he started with "As Heavy As a Really Heavy Thing".

Anyhow, I just picked this album up and I am listening to it right now. I am utterly amazed. Consisting of a five piece, the music flows from track to track, anger and passion in every breath and talent in every strum of a chord. This limited edition has a bonus CD of previoulsy unreleased tunes, by the name of Project EKO. Killer Stuff! What started on "Ocean Machine" has come full circle. If you have SYL in your collection, do yourself a favor and pick up everything else by Devin that you can get your grimy little paws on, because this is the future of metal!

Chillin' in the middle with the village idiot! Rock On!

I'm not a huge fan of the growl, but when Devin sings for real, he is awesome. This guy has talent to spare, he is by far one of the best composers in this genre that is on the scene today. The musicianship is perfect, composition, arrangement and production is flawless.

And to think that this guy is only 30......

Devin Townsend has quickly become one of my favorite musicians. Just about everything he does is creative, daring, original, and just plain awesome. "Terria" was my introduction to this extremely talented fellow (aside from kinda being familiar with Strapping Young Lad for a while), and it blew me away like few other albums I've heard. So, naturally, I've been eager to buy up the rest of Devin's material. "Accelerated Evolution" was my second step toward completing the catalogue.

Well, to put it bluntly, this album is amazing. It feels like a natural progression from "Terria", while still retaining many of the qualities exhibited in that album. Much of the big, ambient feel, and the odd and captivating dynamics are still there. However, the album is quite different from "Terria" on the whole. It's shorter, heavier, and a bit more to the point. However, it's not to say that the music here is simple. Not at all. There is still plenty of subtle complexity, and the music is as creative and exciting as ever.

This album sees a whole new lineup joining Devin's band, including the addition of a second guitarist. Sadly, drum master Gene Hoglan has departed, but his replacement (whose name I can't even begin to spell) does a commendable job. Not quite as complex as Hoglan, but still tons of energy, and just the right contributions to the song. The musicianship overall is excellent. Devin is an ever-brilliant composer, able to get a tremendous amount of substance from somewhat sparse (or seemingly sparse) instrumentation. Plus, his guitar playing is other-worldly.

The album begins with "Depth Charge", a fast-paced rocker, full of aggression, but still very catchy. "Storm" is an amazing ballad, with overwhelming emotion, and one of the most powerful vocal performances I've ever heard. "Random Analysis" is another heavier track, with kind of odd lyrics, and a pretty catchy chorus. "Deadhead" and "Away" are huge, epic tracks, probably the closest to the "Terria" sound. Both feature somewhat minimalistic but incredibly beautiful instrumentation (especially "Away", which is, guitar-wise, probably the most amazing thing I've ever heard), and truckloads of ambience. "Suicide" is a crunchy riff-monster, with kind of a Tool-meets-Metallica feel. "Slow Me Down" is a really catchy and uplifting song that just never ceases to make you feel good. There's not a bad song to be found here. Each one is distinctive and impressive in its own way.

If you get the special edition, you get a bonus disc, with three extra songs, but it's probably not in the least what you're expecting. All three are instrumental, and straight-up techno. Yes, that's right, I said techno. I'm not sure if it's even them performing these songs, but either way, they're still pretty cool. Surely not everyone's cup of tea, but I enjoy them.

There's really not much else I can say, except that Devin Townsend has the kind of talent and creativity most would kill for. Few have the ability to make such unique and interesting music, that's still fairly accessible. I give this album my fullest of recommendations. Although I still think "Terria" (which is quite simply one of the most perfect albums I've ever heard) is better, this is a definite work of art, and fans of awesome original music should not let it pass them by. Now, I've just gotta get "Ocean Machine". Must...have...now!!!

Immaculate is the first word that comes to mind. The production on this album is flawless and genius. Dispite what an earlier reivewer on here said, this album does have some innovations on it, as far as production. The actual song writing is classic Devin style, but this albums sounds even BIGGER than Terria, and the songs are reminiscent of Ocean Machine's Biomech and Physicist.

At first, you will be awed at the sheer wall of sound that hits you. This is Devin's most orchestral work to date. There are often 3 or more different guitar riffs playing at once, with keys, drums, vocals, bass, and samples all at once, and yet Devin has found a way to fit them all into the mix without making it sound like a mess. In fact, listening to this album with headphones on is a really intense experience because there is so much STUFF going on. I've listened to this album nearly 50 times already this week, and each time I am still picking out something new that I never noticed before.

After the production value gets you, the HOOKS will get you. In my opinion, this is Devin's catchiest album and the one that is funnest to sing along to while driving. Highlights for me include 'the Traveller' and 'Slow Me Down', both of which remind me of old sitcom theme songs.

This album is musically and lyrically intense, and yet, as Devin has explicated, it contains NO anger or hatred. This album has changed the way I look at music, because Devin has created a heavy and rich album without using any anger. Many rock artists rely soley on anger to make thier music effective. Devin has amazingly found a way around it. The songs feel extremely sincere, and all very personal. Listening to this album has really helped me get through some personal problem in the recent weeks. It's my favorite album of all-time (for the time being, at least).

In general, I feel like Devin has evolved a lot as a producer and a singer. The vocals on this album are PHENOMENAL. It's hard to imagine one person being so talented. I listened to Biomech today, and although I love that album, Accelerated Evolution shows Devin's vocal talent in a way that none of his previous albums have. His dynamic control, range, diction and tone are all flawless on this record. On Biomech, Devin has a few different 'modes' of vocals. He now has a much bigger palatte, and he uses it to an extent that the vocal variety energizes the music and accentuates the mood, yet without confusing the listener, or annoying them. Devin moves from crystal clear singing tones to brutal screams in seemless, one-breath phrases. Impressive, to say the least.

If you are reading this review, you must already be interested in Devin's music. If you don't have this album, you need to get it. I highly recommend listening to this record alone, in the dark, and sitting right in the middle of the speakers (or wearing headphones). If you can't do either of these, listening in the car will do just fine. It's important to listen to this album on a good stereo, because there is lots of interesting stuff going on quietly in the background a lot, and you won't be able to hear/appreciate it on a little boombox.

Simply great, like any of the Devin Townsend solo albums.
This is the first from the devin townsend band, so you can hear the freshness and enthusiasm from all the band members.
Great compositions, great riffs, great ambience, great lyrics, and the most important, great display of emotions.

The booklet I received when purchasing a different artist on the InsideOut label described Devin's "Accelerated Evolution" as 'extraordinary and innovative'. Descriptions such as innovative, experimental, 'pushing-the-border' etc are unfortunately thrown at anything Devin produces now due to his previous works (Terria, Infinity), which thoroughly deserve such credentials, quite simply AE is a rather simplistic, dare I say straightforward progressive metal/rock album.

Don't get me wrong though, the album still has its fine moments, but really lacks the coherence and consistency in artistic approach Devin has become renowned for. Songs such as "Depth Charge", "Random Analysis" and "Suicide" are all solid, with typical Devin sounding guitar riffs and the wonderful mixture of melodic and shouting/screaming vocals that lace every Townsend record. "Deadhead" is probably the most progressive piece and certainly has some creative moments, the guitar playing especially shines, which leads me onto "Away". I've read some reviewers slating this as a poor Vai rip-off, personally this is one of my favourite moments on the album, the main guitar theme is fresh and the variations of it are equally compelling.

The rest of the album is rather forgetful to be brutally harsh. The problem is I have to come to expect so much diversity and innovation from Devin's work, and tracks such as "Storm", "Traveller" and "Sunday Afternoon" are just too monotonous and become old quick.

This album will no doubt attract some new fans with its more accessible material, if you are new and you find yourself agreeing with me on the better tracks on the album (dare that happens), I seriously recommend purchasing Devin's earlier solo efforts, most notably his masterpiece "Terria".

THE DTB BAND: Devin Townsend (vocals, guitars), Brian Waddell (guitar), Mike Young (Bass), Ryan Vanpoederooyen (drums & percussion), Dave Young (keyboards). Hailing from British Columbia, Canada.

THE DISC: (2003) 9 songs clocking in at approximately 54 minutes. The disc comes with a 10-page booklet including song lyrics, band pictures, equipment credits and thank you's. Label - InsideOut Music.

COMMENTS: This was my first experience with Devin Townsend. One of my friends in Toronto had raved about this skinny long-haired geeky white kid making some great and original music out of British Columbia. I had no idea what to expect. It's rock and roll, it's metal, it's progressive... all rolled into one. Agreesive and daring... and definitely unique. Tracks 1 and 2 ("Depth Charge" and "Storm") fly out of the gates and the guitars are crunchy and fast. As the album proceeds, dare I say it slows down a bit. Still metal, but slower and perhaps a bit more melodic. "Traveller" is my favorite here... the melody, vocals, crunchy guitars and drumming are simply stunning. "Deadhead" is perhaps the heaviest song on the album - a good one indeed. And, the two songs at the end ("Sunday Afternoon" and "Slow Me Down") are perfect album closers... slow and heavy. Some say Devin is a screamer, but you'll only find 'some' of that here. Less screaming, more singing - I say it works! I love finding new music. After I discovered "Accelerated Evolution", I then went out and found "Terria" and "Physicist"... more brilliant stuff. Great young musicians writing and performing great original songs. Thank you DTB for your energy, dedication and creativity.

Recommended to me from a friend, I picked up this CD without hesitation. I am very pleased, what a nice surprise! DT band reminds me of other albums I have heard in the past like Octavarium and aside from the shredding that goes with this album the singing is to my liking! This is really for the rock or metal fan in all of us that like a lot of electric guitar in the music. Reminds me of the days I used to listen to Passion and Warfare by Steve Vai. Accelerated Evolution is a fine record that hosts a large trough of talent that should not go unnoticed!

I have found "Accelerated Evolution" to be a difficult album to review. I really do find Devin's work in general to be highly enjoyable and wonderfully creative at times. I can also struggle somewhat with his tendencies towards the bizarre, with the "Infinity" album in particular going one step too far from the conservative for me to follow. "Accelerated Evolution" is certainly one of his more accessible releases, concentrating more on progressive rock and emotional epics rather than musical head-trips or Strapping Young Lad type barrages as were found on albums such as "Physicist". But then this holding back of creative juices also leaves me a tiny bit under whelmed. I think the problem I have these days is that I don't feel Devin has ever matched the variety, passion and quality of the "Ocean Machine - Biomech" release nearly ten years ago. Each album since has taken a chosen direction and run with it, whether it be out and out industrial brutality, progressive metal or circus cabaret without combining all of Devin's personas into one wholesome magnificence like that debut album managed. Yes, I'm a fussy fan!

But there's a lot to like about "Accelerated Evolution". Firstly, there's not a bad track on the album. Every song is solid both musically and lyrically and there are no awkward moments at all. "Depth Charge" and "Suicide" are both fantastic with heavy guitars and crushing drums backing up Devin's vocal attacks. Once again Devin utilizes both cleanly sung vocals and his trademark screaming. He never fails to be engaging and his emotional range is consistently awe-inspiring. But it's the moving lead guitar on "Deadhead" and "Away" that really impresses me the most even if the movements overstay their welcome a little. Combining such beautiful stirring melodies with Devin's personal and at times touching lyrics guarantees an affecting experience.

So why don't I absolutely love this album? Well, I guess some of the other sections on "Accelerated Evolution", while being completely solid as mentioned earlier, just don't grip me the way his work normally does. They pass by and I have no real inclination to listen to them again. None of it is annoying or bad, but then none of it is really inspiring or amazing either. It's all just a bit pedestrian, which is not something I would normally associate with this band. I will certainly listen to this album occasionally and recommend fans of his work give it a shot, but in my opinion it's just not the ultimate Devin release that some out there seem to suggest. Dare I say it's a little overrated.