Devin Townsend / Canada’s mad musical scientist releases beautiful solo acoustic album

Devin Townsend wanted to do something a bit different with the ‘Empath’ touring cycle and broke it into three separate entities. This solo acoustic tour was Volume 1 of the cycle. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the full cycle was not completed.

Devin Townsend – Devolution Series #1, Acoustically Inclined, Live In Leeds (Inside Out)

Release Date: 19 March 2021

Words: Robert Adams

If you bought the ‘Empath Ultimate Edition’ box set, then this show will be familiar to you as the video was featured on the second Blu Ray disc contained in the box set. This is a remastered audio version of that show.

What we have here, is a quite beautiful solo acoustic performance which showcases Townsend’s amazing vocal range perfectly.

Cover of Devin Townsend – Devolution Series #1, Acoustically Inclined, Live In Leeds

Hella Rock Festival

In his intro to this show, Townsend informs the audience that his intention for these shows is to strip the songs right back to the acoustic guitar, some effects and his voice, which is how most of his songs are written in the first place.

After some bantering with the crowd as he tunes up, the show proper starts with an ethereal version of ‘Let It Roll’ which really sets the tone for the entire performance.

Devin Townsend’s vocal ability is simply staggering!! Going from a whisper to full on guttural Death Metal roars, not one note or subtle nuance is lost. ‘Funeral’, from Devin’s first solo album ‘Ocean Machine’, lends itself beautifully to an acoustic makeover.

‘Ih Ah’ is no stranger to the acoustic version and this one is wonderful. The one that seems to stop everyone in their stride though (apart from a few diehards in the crowd who recognise the opening few bars, even though it is drastically different from the original) is an acoustic version of Strapping Young Lad’s ‘Love?’.

This version has everything, including the kitchen sink thrown at it using nothing more than an acoustic guitar, some effects and Townsend’s voice.

This acoustic album proves just how good a songwriter and raconteur Devin Townsend really is.

His typically self depreciating Canadian humour is never far from the surface and, at times, he has the audience in fits of laughter.

Couple that with a voice that is a 50/50 split between demon and angel, and you have a magnificent performer.

I think you have already guessed that I rather like this album? You would be wrong – I LOVE IT!!

More information at https://devin-townsend.lnk.to/DevolutionSeriesOne-LiveInLeedsQR

Devolution Series #1

Intro
Let It Roll
Funeral
Deadhead
Ih Ah
Love?
Hyperdrive
Terminal
Coast
Solar Winds
Things Beyond Things

Sleeve Notes

Sign up for the MetalTalk Newsletter, an occasional roundup of the best Heavy Metal News, features and pictures curated by our global MetalTalk team.

More in Heavy Metal

Comments

Search MetalTalk

MetalTalk Venues

MetalTalk Venues - The Devil's Dog Digbeth
MetalTalk Venues – The Green Rooms Live Music and Rehearsal
The Patriot, Crumlin - The Home Of Rock
Interview: Christian Kimmett, the man responsible for getting the bands in at Bannerman's Bar
Cart & Horses, London. Birthplace Of Iron Maiden
The Giffard Arms, Wolverhampton

New Metal News