Empath Live In America, the third release in the Devolution series from Devin Townsend, will he the shops on 4 August 2023. The Devolution series has undeniably showcased some extraordinary live performances, and the latest one is absolutely no different. Empath Live In America distinctly captures the tour that was regrettably cut short in early 2020 due to the pandemic.
“Hello, everyone,” Devin said, smiling. “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.
“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.”
You can hear the band run through the Casualties Of Cool track Forgive Me, below.
The line-up for this album saw Devin joined by Mike Keneally, Nathan Navarro, Diego Tejeida, Morgan Ågren & Ché Aimee Dorval.
Devin is currently playing live as part of this Summer’s hottest progressive metal ticket in North America, the DreamSonic tour headlined by Dream Theater and also including Animals As Leaders. You can read our report from Hartford Amphitheater, Bridgeport, on 30 June 2023 here.
He also recently announced Australian headline dates for November 2023. Empath Live In America can be pre-ordered from here.
