Customer Reviews

City (Reis)

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4 star:		(1)
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A sense of humor has always been kind of taboo in extreme metal because it's just something that so few bands dare to have. But Canadian frontman Devin Townsend stands out from the rest of the crowd because he -- and the rest of his industrial-thrash/cyber-grind outfit Strapping Young Lad -- are definitely an exception to this rule. Townsend's mad-scientist-style of metal is so funny, unique, intricate, creative, well-detailed and out-of-control that the most appropriate and justifiable label for it would be, well, "Devy metal."

Nothing is better proof of this than SYL's second album, 1997's "City." Case in point: humorous song titles (e.g.: "Velvet Kevorkian," "Oh My F'ing God," "Home Nucleonics," etc.), tongue-in-cheek moods/atmospheres, maniacal vocal styles, pervasive profanity, positively bizarre subject matter, and (most importantly) satyrical, bombastic, self-parodying, irony-packed, and often borderline non-sequitur lyrics that would often make even a dead guy crack a smile (for a few examples, see tracks one, five, and six).

The album is also really remarkable and amazing from a musical standpoint. Devin's voice is in top form here, and he turns in an all-around tour-de-force behind the microphone. His vocals (which are primarily delivered in the form of skin-crawling shrieks, angry yells, proper singing, and occasional death growls) do battle against an extremely dense, cluttered, frenzied, and cacophonous instrumental backdrop. The rest of the band provide more than ample propulsion with massive death/thrash riffs, meaty bass lines, and behemoth-sized beats that spit sparks and debris like shrapnel from drummer extraordinaire Gene Hoglan (previously of Death and Dark Angel fame).

If there's one thing you WON'T find on "City," then it's filler material. Each one of these nine song has its place, is different from the others, and brings something new and interesting to the table. Opener "Velvet Kevorkian" is a chillingly atmospheric and foreboding intro that intertwines orchestral backing vocals with samples, layered, harmonized singing, angry atonal screams, and pounding guitars. "All Hail The New Flesh" effortlessly flattens the listener's skull with a beastly, adrenalized riff backed by vicious, booming, rapid-fire blast beats (this is the first of Hogan's many mind-blowing moments in the spotlight). Chunky, needle-and-poke riffs bob and swoop in and out throughout the verses, which seamlessly flow into a beautiful, clearly defined, and blissfully-sung chorus (a perfect way to come down from the adrenaline rush). Next up, "Oh My F'ing God" begins with a swift drum solo and a blood-curdling, larynx-shredding scream. Devin repeatedly gets sick on the mic throughout the remainder the song (he probably wasn't able to use his vocal chords for at least a weak after he recorded it!), including tossing out plenty of frantic, rapid-fire vocals (in the verses), yelps, gargles, and hilarious chants of the title phrase in the choruses. Combine this with plenty more terrifically deft double bass slamming that evokes a herd of stampeding elephants, and the end result is sure to beat you into a bloody pulp.

"Detox" is substantially more mid-tempo light-hearted, and normal-sounding, and has some chugging riffs that are even fairly catchy and groovy at times. To counteract "Detox," though, the band storm back stronger than ever with the monstrously heavy and powerful "Home Nucleonics." It is bolstered by driving, crunching guitar leads, more insane, vigorous trapkit annihilation, breakneck tempo changes, and vocals that are just all over the place (i.e. low bellows, demonic shrieks, snarls, and the ever-present "tooth-pulled-without-novocaine" screams). "AAA" is, for all intents and purposes, an interlude track, and since it is very melodic, open, restrained, and non-threatening, it also serves as a nice oasis (of sorts) from the rest of the album. It is also of note for its depressing, thought-provoking lyrics which seem to recall Devin Townsend's tough teenage years.

"Underneath the Waves" is, more-or-less, a straight-forward thrasher, but it is not without some melody (it utilizes well-placed, symphonic-sounding keyboards to excellent effect, and Devin's impressive proper singing really helps to carry the tune.) "Room 429" is a synth-driven cover of a song originally written by a Nineties industrial/experimental group called Cop Shoot Cop. Since it is just a cover, is obviously doesn't have the Strapping Young Lad stamp/trademark and is not a classic, but it should have many listeners rolling on the floor laughing. Finally, "Spirituality" is a superbly gloomy, tranquil, ambient, and pretty set closer with minimal noise, and gobs of harmonized vocal lines that highlight Devin's good, warm, mesmerizing clean vocals. It might not be an instantly likable (or even listenable) track, but don't overanalyze it -- if you just let it wash over you, it could become very enjoyable and soothing.

On its surface, "City" may appear to be nothing more than a very noisy onslaught of disturbing, unorganized sonic violence. But, with further insprection, there is a heck of a lot more going on here! It will probably take some time to get used to and absorb fully, but it is worth it, because only then will one uncover all of its delicious nuances, details, depth, nooks, and crannies. And only then will it become obvious that this album is an utterly fascinating, inventive, original, enthralling, meticulous, nightmarish, multi-faceted, and genius mindtrip from front to back. Essential listening.

Oh my f***ing god! Most extreme metal is utter tosh, so it is a rarity to hear an album like this, which is both heavy and doesn't have embarrassing grunt/screech vocals. When you add fantastic melodies and rhythms, it is clear that this in a very rare album indeed. This album rates way up in my best albums of all time (most of which aren't even metal) and is one of the most extreme metal albums that I own (I can't believe the crap that some people buy just because it is extreme or heavy). This album is incredible. High points for me are All Hail The New Flesh and Underneath The Waves. The vocals on Room 429 sound a little out of place since it is a cover version, but I can't fault anything else. Not heard the added demo tracks but Centipede was tagged onto their live album and it is great. Just buy it!

N.B. I don't really rate any other SYL albums; while they all have a few good songs, they aren't as consistant and none can hold a candle to this album. Devin Townsend's solo albums are generally quite good (although I can't see why there would be a quality difference between his solo stuff and SYL)

Strapping Young Lad's City is the most extreme a metal album can get.
Devin Townsend unleashes this wall of sound that just overwhelms you upon each and every listen. Strapping Young Lad is like a high-performance tank that has the ability of going 200-miles an hour, yet can also turn on a dime. From top to bottom it is a masterpiece. I still remember getting a demo copy of this disc after following Devin's work with Steve Vai. About seven seconds in - BOOM - I was floored. This disc single-handidly changed the way I looked at music. It's just a brilliant and brutal piece of work. My favorite album of 1997... and outside of maybe Pride & Glory's debut Pride & Glory, the best debut disc/and band of the 1990s.

This is my favority album from SYL, I was think the remaster will be better but is almost the same, justa have new artwork and the bonus songs like the demo version are so good! are another view from the same songs! but if you are a brutal fan of SYL i recomend buy this album!

SYL's 'CITY' is a pummeling ultra fast metal masterpiece now remastered with bonus tracks, xtra picks and an introduction by Dev himself. Expertly put together remastered edition that sounds truly awesome. This is Devin Townsends (first)defining moment. Each track burns with so much intensity that your ears could melt. This is the classic line-up with J. Simon providing extra guitar work, B. Stroud providing the low end and ofcourse G.Hoglan as the atomic clock. The album is also laced with beautiful keyboards and samples(provided by Devin) that just adds to the sound that has now become Strapping Young Lad. A must for any metal fan.
There are also bonus tracks that round of the disc. Most of which are '96 demos, but there is one special track that had only been found on the Japanese orignal version of 'CITY'. The blistering and experimental track named 'Centipede'. A big bonus that rounds out the album really well.

I'm sure that it's been said before, but for an album so complete it bares repeating. This album is superb.
I can't really give a review that would do the album justice. It's loud and abrasive, it captures the feelings of an angry 20 something and it throws it at your ears. It's a sonic masterpiece that has far too long been ignored by metal fans.

Being a huge Dethklok fan, I had to check out SYL. Needless to say, I had really high expectations and at first I was a bit let down. I just couldn't really get into it, and most of the songs sounded too similar. Despite first impressions, I would still play it with headphones while playing video games. Not necessarily listening to it, but trying to absorb it (if that makes sense). After awhile I started to understand it and I liked it alot, but I still didn't think it was as epic as most other reviewers seemed to. I'm glad I didn't review it then, because a few days ago I popped it into my CD player again and GOD is it delicious. Gene's drumming is so beastly, and he has a GREAT drum sound. So effing heavy. Honestly, I think this may be one of the heaviest CDs I own. I love Devin's voice too, as well as his lyrics. It's hard for me to say which songs I like best, because they're all so good. I was kind of disappointed when I realized there was another version with bonus tracks a little while after I had gotten it though. I'd love to hear Centipede. This CD kind of reminds me of Fear Factory's Archetype, which I never really got into either (despite absolutely loving the title track). Makes me want to dig that out again.

...and anyone aware of SYL will understand...

...Devin Townsend has such an amazingly versatile voice that seems to fly in every direction from random gurgling noises to insane screams of terror...the brutality and intensity is overwhelming and absorbs you...it will turn what is short long and make bizarrely twisted and cruel acts seem funny...the instruments are fast and most of the time very percussive but has some very nice breakdowns and solos thrown in to create such an amazingly dark atmosphere you will never want your head to stop shaking...

...I should probably go into a very long detailed reveiw (that of which there is already one of) but it is very simply this...if you like experimental and insanely intense music...buy now...I can't recommend this enough for anyone's collection...

There is no doubt that "City" remains the strongest and most memorable CD that Strapping Young Lad has issued in their career. In 1997, it blew away minds with its dynamic sound and unique personality. A decade later, Century Media decides to re-release the album and "Heavy As A Really Heavy Thing", with slightly altered artwork and plenty of bonus features.

This album also marks the beginning of the stable lineup of Strapping Young Lad, with Jed Simon on guitars, Byron Stroud on bass, and the infamous drummer for Dark Angel, none other than Gene Hoglan. Each member provides an important role behind this album, and the result is like none other.

"Mindblowing" or "impressive" are understatements when it comes to "City". This is Devin Townsend and his bandmates when they are angry, yet they pull it off in such an intelligent way. "All Hail The New Flesh" and "Detox" both represent pure speed and aggression, yet they keep interest by changing the pace at parts. "Oh My F***ing God" starts off with a dynamic note played by the band, then some fitting samples, and then Devin and the crew just play a pummeling assault while Devin just gives it his all! "Home Nucleonics" is yet another brilliant lesson in speed. "AAA" is one of the songs that's not at a high tempo, but it flows brilliantly with the rest of the album to show that not just speed is needed for SYL. "Underneath The Waves" kicks off with such a riff, and it never fails to lose interest. The cover song, "Room 429", may seem a bit out of place to those who may be new to the band, as it is another slow paced song and a cover of Cop Shoot Cop full of synths. It's my least favorite track, but it is, of course, forgivable. The closer song, Spirituality, is a perfect closer full of dynamic riffs at a slow but epic tempo, grabbing your eardrums and refusing to let go.

But wait, let me mention the bonus material that comes along with this as well. "Centipede" was originally a Japan bonus track, as well as an added on studio track on the live album "No Sleep 'Til Bedtime". This track gives off more of an atmospheric feel than what'd you'd normally expect, but it still retains that SYL sound with its powerful riffs. Alongside that, four demo tracks are included, three demo tracks on this CD from 1996 and a short Gunt demo track. Along with that, the promo video for "Detox" is included in the multimedia section! Isn't that a splendid bonus?

Anyways, this album is an essential for any fan of metal, as it breaks barriers and flows fluently throughout its running time, and the bonus material is also worth listening to as well. Get this and prepare to headbang along with Devy, Jed, Simon and Gene!

On one of those VH1 shows where they talk about the "greatest 20 metal bands of all time" or whatever, there was a mention of Soundgarden. They interviewed the almighty Bruce Dickinson, who said that Chris Cornell could do anything he wanted to on vocals. Oh please.
My point in relaying that story is that when I heard this album, I instantly thought of those words as they relate to the immortal Devin Townsend. This was not my first SYL or DTB album, so I had already been familar with some of his work and had loved it.
Here, he added new dimiensions to what I already knew he could do. Namely, on Oh My F-cking God, he manages to do that rapid fire vocal thing that some of the nu-metal bands did in the mid-90s. For some reason, Static X is the name that comes to mind. But, in addition to this ability, Devin can do so many more things. He is obviously a great thrash singer (all over this album), but that is just the start. He can sing clean (Detox) and can do some pretty mean growls (Home Nucleonics).
Honestly, I have a hard time deciding if I like City or Alien better. I think Alien is a scarier and more adventurous album, but I find myself listening to City more.
Velvet Kevorkian has to be one of the coolest intro tracks I have ever heard. I remember hearing the line "hey man, I'm gonna f--k this sh-t up" for the first time in my car, I just yelled out "F-ck yeah!!!". If you are a metal fan at all and do not get fired up by this line, you might want to check to see if you have a pulse.
I do also enjoy the extra tracks that are added here. You can hear the basic song structures, but there is clearly a difference between the demo tracks and the finish products. When you are a Devin Junkie, seeing that progression is pretty cool.
Anyway, I cannot recommend almost any of Devin's work highly enough, be it in SYL (pure modern underground metal) or his solo stuff (which is more along the lines of progressive hard rock, in general....I recommend reading the specific reviews of those other albums to get a more specific idea, because Devin is all over the place in his solo stuff). Having said that, I think City is one of the better things that he has done. Considering that his work is generally on a much higher plane than most anything else in music today anyway, that is a pretty high compliment for this particular album. Pure genius.