Perhaps appropriately, considering the often baffling twists and turns that have dominated his career, I have a somewhat confused relationship with Devin Townsend and his music. On one level I subscribe to the popular view of the times, that the man is a metal genius, on another I find him too prone to silliness for the cynic inside me. With regard to 'Epicloud', the fifth release under the prolific Devin Townsend Project name, I genuinely find it harder than ever to know where I stand.
Honestly, this is a great pop album. Sure, 'Addicted' was packed to the brim with oversized hooky metal anthems, but it was part of a quadrology of clearly thought out records. It made sense within context, and there was that slight wacky Devin darkness as an undercurrent. 'Epicloud' dispenses with that entirely. From the first moment to the last this is Devin as he now is, a man capable of writing enormously catchy and often light hearted bubblegum metal. From start to finish this record is all about the gigantic choruses and the riffs that are so direct that they could send a penguin into headbanging madness. The likes of 'True North' and 'Save Our Now' are perfectly attuned to the wide eyed loon that is within many a metal fan, and for some that will immediately prove to be enough.
The problem that many will have with this album is that it represents very little. All of Devin’s recent musical adventures have, despite their flaws, had one major thing on their side...they have been the work of a man born anew, and they have had true depth as a result. 'Epicloud' lacks that. I think it would be unfair to describe as ‘shallow’, but there is little of the intensity that has been part of the foundations of the previous four Project albums. This album is the sound of a man who is at peace with himself and with his musical ambitions. The most emotional moments are not ones built from madness and despair but from contentment. The man clearly feels good about being able to write tons of genuinely fun songs, and who can blame him? Yes, at times it is just too silly to take at all seriously, but if you can suppress a smile throughout this entire record perhaps you are guilty of taking things a little too seriously…certainly I accuse myself of that upon my initial listens to 'Epicloud'.
How much one gets out of 'Epicloud' is entirely dependent on what your expectations are. If you expect Townsend to remain the troubled nutcase that he has always been then chances are you will struggle with this album. If you are willing to accept that he has now moved on to newer, wilfully less extravagant (emotionally and musically) plains for now then this record will be one to turn to on many an occasion. Quite simply Townsend is the best there is right now at writing hooky yet heavy metal. Joining in may be optional, but giving him the respect he is due is certainly not.
'Epicloud' is out on Monday via HevyDevy Records.
Devin Townsend Project put on ‘The Retinal Circus’ at London’s Roundhouse on 24th October, and will be on tour in the UK with Fear Factory in December.
Tue October 23rd 2012 - Northumrbia University, Newcastle Wed October 24th 2012 - The Junction, Cambridge
Sat October 27th 2012 - The Roundhouse, London
Thu December 13th 2012 - Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton
Fri December 14th 2012 - O2 ABC, Glasgow
Sat December 15th 2012 - HMV Ritz, Manchester
Sun December 16th 2012 - O2 Academy, Bristol
Mon December 17th 2012 - Mo Club, Southampton
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Honestly, this is a great pop album. Sure, 'Addicted' was packed to the brim with oversized hooky metal anthems, but it was part of a quadrology of clearly thought out records. It made sense within context, and there was that slight wacky Devin darkness as an undercurrent. 'Epicloud' dispenses with that entirely. From the first moment to the last this is Devin as he now is, a man capable of writing enormously catchy and often light hearted bubblegum metal. From start to finish this record is all about the gigantic choruses and the riffs that are so direct that they could send a penguin into headbanging madness. The likes of 'True North' and 'Save Our Now' are perfectly attuned to the wide eyed loon that is within many a metal fan, and for some that will immediately prove to be enough.
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