Customer Reviews

Physicist

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Physicist has always been voted the least favourite Devin Townsend solo album among the fans on both the official DT and SYL boards. Although very strong in its own right, I guess I can see why it is not right up there with the likes of Ocean Machine, Terria and Infinity. The core SYL fans, however, seem to lean towards this disc more than any other solo material from Devin.

Basically on Physicist Devin, for the first time, did not experiment with as many new ideas and push his music in more unexplored directions. This album kind of sounds like a lighter version of Strapping Young Lad but still has the ambient and classic Townsend vibe to it. Overall it's very speed metal oriented with slight modern touches thrown in. Devin himself agrees that Physicist is a stripped down version of something that was already there, but for someone who's never heard any SYL before, it is safe to say he's in for a treat because in the end Physicist does sound different from Devin's other albums. It's faster, angrier and more in your face.

This was also the first album where Devin was able to reach a wider fanbase due to the widespread distro support. The album still presents Devin's body of work with more accessible sensibilities. It's like if someone has never heard any Devin Townsend stuff before and picks up Infinity or Terria they may be shocked. Physicist isn't that way. That's what sets it apart from the rest of Devin's catalog. It has the potential to click with you right from the start.

To be honest I listen to this album the least often because every other solo album from Devin is more appealing to me. They're more experimental, more progressive and offer more depth. When I'm in the mood for some heavier stuff, I usually prefer SYL's City or their last one. Also of note is that Devin was going through a very hard time writing this album. It got to the point that releasing the disc turned into a real big mess. And I believe all of this has reflected on the record. I'm not putting Physicist down or anything because it's still 100% Devin Townsend and a very deep album, just not on the same level as Terria and Ocean Machine to me.

However, this isn't his best CD. It's a terrific listen, with Dev's trademark chords, humour, intensity and general epicness, but it isn't "special" in the way Biomech and Infinity were. He put an ungodly amount of work into making those albums; here he is more relaxed (so to speak). Devin has described it as an "in-between record", and this seem appropriate. Buy the Ocean Machine disc before getting this one if you are new to the Devin catalogue.

This is a very consistent, no-nonsense sort of album. All the songs are great, the standouts being Kingdom, The Complex, and in particular the towering Planet Rain. Jupiter is the weakest track, but it's still catchy and highly listenable (nice "clean" guitar sound). A definite must-have for fans.

After listening to this album in full less than an hour ago, I can safely say that this is one of those albums that is so under-appreciated that it almost makes my stomach turn (that, and a whole lot more). I hear even Devin himself doesn't hold this album up too high, or as high as his other monsters, Biomech and Infinity, and I think that's a shame. I figure when Dev said that this record would be a cross between SYL and Ocean Machine, people expected something like "City" mixed with "Biomech" (obviously). This is way too different, I can't even begin to compare it to any of Dev's past projects. That being said, this album just plain rules.

1. Namaste: This is an interesting introduction to the insanity you will experience in the next 40+ minutes. Devin screams into the verse with, "follow the way, follow the way, holding mother..". Although I can imagine this track anywhere on the album (It lacks that "first song on the album" feeling for me), and It's inability to stand alone as an incredible track, I give it a 3.5/5

2. Victim: another absolutely insane track. Not an especially memorable track, except for that verse riff. 4/5

3. Material: this is where the phrase "pop-speed metal" starts to make sense; this is single 'material', indeed. "Material" is drowned in synths, so for all you solid metalheads out there, it will probably take some time to grow into. The chorus is a nice treat. 4.5/5

4. Kingdom: Great track, you'll notice this is where the shredding starts to take over ;). The pre-chorus and chorus are incredible. 5/5

5. Death: The first real SYL-ish track. Starts off sounding like something out of a sci-fi, futuristic horror flick. Gene really shines on this track. One word can describe the verse: Brutal 5/5

6. Devoid: Short, nice little treat. Fun to listen to, and although no lyrics are posted anywhere, i swear i can hear Dev saying "No one left no one behind.." (Centipede, anyone?). 5/5

7. The Complex: Awesome track, Starts quickly, progresses quickly, shows no mercy, great guitarwork and the chorus make it one of the best and most memorable tracks on the album. 5+/5

8. Irish Maiden: Fun to listen to, fun to play, and I can't help but headbang in the intro, even though this isn't your typical heavy metal track (same can be said about the rest of the album). 5/5

9. Jupiter: Another track that's (surprise) fun to listen to. Devin really shows off some vocal ability on this track, and there is quite a lot of melody in the guitar department. 4.5/5

10. Planet Rain: Nice album closer. It's a slow-paced, 'space-man' type song. It's only flaw is that it might be a little too long and slow for me. 4/5

There you have it, Physicist in all it's glory. If you're a devy fan who's been reluctant to buy this (as i was), just give in and give it a shot. I can almost guarantee you'll be punching yourself for almost letting this one go.

This was one of last Devin Townsend albums I purchased along with Ocean Machine. I had just recently gotten into Devin Townsend at the time and I loved Synchestra and Terria to death. Accelerated Evolution was cool and Infinity was epic, but when I was listening to the 30 second clips on amazon, the intensity, the in your face kind of music that Strapping Young Lad would perform but it had the melodies and effects of an Infinity, I drew a big liking to it right away.

I've been listening to this album on and off for about two months now and this album is great. While it is not the most well crafted album of his work, and it doesn't even come close to comparing to albums like Ocean Machine or Synchestra, the concept of Strapping playing their version of Devin's solo material is great. The best tracks are "Namaste" and "Material", and the album does have a bit of adjusting to enjoy, since almost every track is screamed out by Devin, and songs like "Death" and "The Complex" would be something that Strapping would put on there album as a hidden track. But if you like Strapping Young Lad and Devin Townsend, this is a perfect album to try out because it is a great mixture of both.

I checked the other reviews and nobody mentions that this disc's musician line-up is indeed Strapping Young Lad. This disc more than any other "solo" Townsend disc sounds closer to syl.. Now you know why.. Anywho..to keep this short and sweet: Buy this...it's great just like every other project he's done..

I'am a big fan of DT and I think this album is just another surprise for me. I agree is not as "experimental" as the rest, I'm always going to thank Devin for his tremendous talent and music.

While other reviewers statements that this album is essentially like a lighter, more positive Strapping Young Lad are generally true, I feel saying such things is overlooking a lot the depth and individual character this album has. "Physicist" has grown on me a lot over the years, and while it still may not quite equal absolute masterpieces such as Infinity, Ocean Machine or Terria, it's beautiful and just about flawless in its own right.

"Physicist" was created directly after the manic period of "Infinity", the spiritual revelation turned god complex that ended up "nearly killing poor Devy" (as he says), and was followed by hospitalization. "Physicist" is an album of recovery, new motivations, optimism, and a new outlook on life. Though every album Devin has made is full of unbelievable, irrepressible energy, here Devin seems to have finally learned how to focus his creativity in ways that are not destructive. Anyone who has experienced something similar (and I feel I have) will relate with this album. To all introverted, depressed, unstable, undiagnosed bipolar souls who are in still in the middle of the hardest times, this album can be a balm, shouting loudly, triumphantly, not only "you are not alone", but "change is possible, and one of your kind can recover and become truly at peace with the world and reality".

Devin Townsend is a shining example for anyone who's ever been damaged by their own creativity, been driven mad by a spiritual or philosophical idea, felt like they were somehow special and destined for greatness in some intuitive, indefinable way, felt like a demon in human form, felt like an alien from the rest of humanity, or felt they had no idea where or how to focus their seemingly endless, restless energy. This man has found the path.

As we find out in Devin's descriptions of the songs that come with the special edition, this album is basically a flowing piece and a concept album about these themes, and while many of Devin's more recent work express these same sincere positive sentiments, with "Physicist" it feels fresh and new; still close to the time of crisis. There's a very real sense of discovery in it. The individual tracks are generally either triumphant assertions of unity with the universe and humanity, or imitations of past destructive mindsets, followed by reassertions of a new attitude.

"Death" begins as an absolutely relentless track, one of the most distorted and violent in Devin's whole career, but completely turns on its head for a final, classically inspired flourish and refrain of "What's your hurry?". The wonderful stop-start "Kingdom" speaks of the resurgence of a dried up sexuality before ending with signature beautiful, peaceful ambience. Devin describes it as 'love'. The dense, driving "Irish Maiden" sums up the album by saying "The pain is here, but still we carry on". The album proceeds to end with "Planet Rain", which is pretty much the best song ever... I can't even describe it.

Stylistically, Devin's music has never been more of a wall of sound, from which individual parts are hard to distinguish. Thick, low guitars, synths and layers of vocal harmonies form most of the sound, as usual. The sound is fairly uniform, more so than usual for Devin, but every song has great vocal melodies and is easily memorable. The whole album is really anthemic, and is fun to sing along to.

It may be that few people relate with this music. It may even be that some people would find the Eastern zen philosophy this album contains in high doses cheesy. However, for those who understand and take it seriously, there's really nothing better for cheering you up. Devin's work has literally saved my life multiple times, and there is no exaggeration there.

As far as people looking for their first Devin experience, I'd recommend "Ocean Machine", since "Physicist" is likely to sound repetitive initially. Also, it's probably enhanced by hearing "Infinity" first so that you have some idea of what Devin was recovering from.

5 stars.

"You're not the only one, child
Many battles have been won, child
When the seed is in the ground,
You will see what you have found."

- The chorus to "The Complex".

This review is directed primarily at those fence straddlers out there who might have heard about Devin Townsend, but haven't brought themselves to check out any of his stuff yet. For anyone new to SYL and the Devin Townsend band, this album makes a good starting point. (Although if you're really pissed off in general, I'd check out the first two SYL albums)

While not all of the songs are perfect, and the album certainly has some "fat" on it, all of the best features of Townsend's work are encapsulated in the high points of this album. As an example, the first song, "Namaste", is both really happy and melodic, but very angry at the same time. It's comparable to the work of Andrew WK: it's heavy but there's always a vocal hook in what he's singing. "Kingdom" is another noteworthy song that stands out amongst the bunch.

My personal favorite of his is Ocean Machine, but this album is better on those days when I don't feel like being a sad-sack and moping around. It's heavy, intense, and very often, catchy. It makes for a unique blend of elements that are conventional enough to be interesting but strange enough to satisfy even the most drastic of non-conformists.

Of course, those of you who might own Infinity or Ocean Machine but haven't yet picked this one up, it's definitely worth checking out.

Just when I'd almost given up on The Devin Townsend Band ever releasing anything that came anywhere close to the heights of "Ocean Machine - Biomech", the year 2000 saw "Physicist" released. While 1998's "Infinity" album displayed an immense amount of experimentation and originality, I could never relate to it in the way I had with the debut. There was just too much craziness and not enough metal for my liking. Then this baby came out and blew me away!

This album has more in common with Strapping Young Lad than any of Devin's other aliases. There's a much more metallic edge, a brutality and aggression that he'd normally set aside from his self titled band, and replace it with a more controlled progressiveness. Not here though! From beginning to end, "Physicist" batters the listener, while still containing the harmonies and flourishes that have always been associated with this band.

The almost insane sounding lunatic Devin personality was set aside for this recording while the angry, passionate Devin personality had a turn at the microphone and his performance is impressive to say the least. There are not many vocalists in extreme metal that are as talented as this guy, and when you add the fact that his guitar abilities are also awesome, it's difficult not to be filled with admiration for the guy. Whether he's screaming his guts out or harmonising cleanly, he's simply captivating. But I'd have to say that this is where the real Gene Hoglan stood up with this entity. With a license to rock out, his drumming on this album is outstanding. He's a mechanical genius and it's great to hear him in such good form.

If I had to pick highlights, I'd go with the massive sounding epic "Kingdom" and the simply rocking "Jupiter" with it's in your face variational anthems. But there is no filler material here and the entire 47 minutes are totally well spent. I still don't think it's as good as "Ocean Machine - Biomech", but that's mainly due to the originals 73 minutes running time spoiling me entirely.

If you're into Strapping Young Lad and don't know much about The Devin Townsend Band, then this is the album you're most likely going to enjoy. But it's the least progressive of them all, so some of the normal fans of this band may not find as many variations on here as they're used to. As for me, I love it entirely!

After you experience the explosive energy, depth, and creativity shown on this album, you may find it difficult to appreciate your old favorites like you once did. I know I have.

Why an artist like Devin remains relatively obscure is beyond me. All I can say is, please buy his albums so he can afford to go on making music for us.