Devin Townsend Project: Z2

Devin unleashes a double state of delirium

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Anybody with a nanoscopic awareness of Devin Townsend’s catalogue had to know that the follow-up to Epicloud,

Only in this sense could – two distinct full-length albums pitted against each other in a two-hour saga – be seen as predictable. Side one, Sky Blue, extends Epicloud’s mainstream aspirations, replacing that album’s sugary optimism with a melancholic introversion, as heard in the spectral balladry of tracks like Midnight Sun, but also in the hook-heavy throttle of heavier fare like Fallout and Silent Militia. Side two, Dark Matters, is a full-scale rock musical – the rabidly anticipated sequel to 2007’s Ziltoid The Omniscient complete with campy dialogue and a big-time Hollywood narrator. The thrashy brutality of Ziltoid Goes Home and Deathray’s storming tempos will thrill Hevy Devy’s acolytes, although the momentum stalls during certain meandering interludes. Consequently, Sky Blue is the more consistent, and thus superior of the two sides. The jaw-dropping scope of this double release demands much of listeners, but taken as a whole, offers an eclectic and exhilarating joyride.

Via Inside Out

Joe Daly

Hailing from San Diego, California, Joe Daly is an award-winning music journalist with over thirty years experience. Since 2010, Joe has been a regular contributor for Metal Hammer, penning cover features, news stories, album reviews and other content. Joe also writes for Classic Rock, Bass Player, Men’s Health and Outburn magazines. He has served as Music Editor for several online outlets and he has been a contributor for SPIN, the BBC and a frequent guest on several podcasts. When he’s not serenading his neighbours with black metal, Joe enjoys playing hockey, beating on his bass and fawning over his dogs.