Devin Townsend continues his Devolution series with Empath Live In America, set for release on 4 August 2023. This latest episode is a document of the tour that was cut short in early 2020 due to the onset of the pandemic.
“[In] continuing in the Devolution series of albums, which has been an avenue for us to release cool little curiosities on the side of regular releases, we bring you Devolution #3 – Empath Live In America,” Devin told us.
“This was a very unique tour for me, and one that was regrettably cut short by the pandemic. It was a stripped-back version of the Order Of Magnitude band, without choir and a few other members. But as I try to do with each tour, the goal was to make this a unique and special night.
“Therefore, this tour marked a ‘free form’ version of the material. There were no backing tracks, click tracks, or even a setlist, so every night was unique and different. The audience yelled out requests, and we just rolled with it.
“The material was therefore interpreted in unique ways, and the experience was a very special ‘fly by the seat of our pants’ musical night. It’s a raw and off-kilter performance, and I’m thrilled to have documented it. Until the next ‘real’ release, I hope you enjoy this rarity from a special, albeit ill-fated tour.”
The line-up for this album saw Devin joined by Mike Keneally, Nathan Navarro, Diego Tejeida, Morgan Ågren and Ché Aimee Dorval. The album can be pre-ordered from here. You can listen to the version of Evermore below.