"Accelerated evolution" CD by Devin Townsend

We were first introduced to Devin Townshend in 1993 when he played with Steve Vai. Back then he contributed the vocals for the "Sex & Religion" album. Meanwhile he's become known not only as a singer, but also as guitarist, producer, engineer and keyboarder and worked with Frontline Assembly, Strapping Young Lad, Stuck Mojo, Skinny Puppy or also Paradise Lost in front of and behind the mixing desk. As a solo artist he released 4 albums so far, "Accelerated Evolution" now is his fifth. The 9 songs are very atmospheric, sometimes pompous and bombastic ("Storm"), but at the same time also rough and rocky. In "Random analysis", however, the sound even reminds me of Industrial in Krupps- or Fear Factory-vein. In these moments, also the vocals are a bit different, more unclear. This variation brings a high tension to the material and proves Devin Townsend¦s diversity. Again, he's delivered his own thing far from any commercial paths, creating his own little sound universes. (Lothar Landt - 02/03)