The Devin Townsend Band - Synchestra
Inside Out

file under prog / sympho metal

Ralph: Devin Townsend is known as a madman and a musical genius for decades already. The only way to label this guy would be by saying he’s ‘schizophrenic’. Townsend feels at home in almost every musical landscape and as a result he is productive as well as extremely varied in what he does. After the release of ‘Alien’ with Strapping Young Lad, it’s Devin Townsend Band time now. ‘Synchestra’ marks the sixth release under that moniker.

Everybody should know this already but just to be sure I am telling you again; don’t expect Strapping kind of stuff here. Although I have to say that the killer riff of ‘Hypergeek’ would prove differently. The serenity of opener ‘Let It Roll’ gives this musical journey (that’s what it is) a very relaxing vibe from the start. ‘Hypregeek’ has the killer riff as I mentioned but develops into a great progressive epic that flows into the following ‘Triumph’. This track marks a guest appearance by guitar master Steve Vai of astonishing beauty. ‘Babysong’ is the next station and again he finds perfect balance between symphonic atmospheres and progressive parts. Townsend explains in the biography that he wanted to make something that makes people (as in his family) happy. No violent lyrics or metal macho stuff but a happy, interesting and fascinating musical story. After the thirteen tracks that were promised by the inlay, there’s the secret track ‘ Sunshine and Happiness’. A cheerful rocker that makes you move whether you like it or not! Bluesy riffs, the piano and a great chorus. It’s all there. People might see this song as weird but it illustrates the meaning of the whole album. It’s like the signature under a painting. A great album that sounds good, period.

Rating: 87/100 (details)

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