It’s hard to talk about Devin Townsend without mentioning the word “prolific”. At this stage it’s almost a cliché to state in regards to him, but it certainly rings true as we seemingly never have to wait too long for a new album or project from the prog maestro. With such a high work rate does come the risk of oversaturation, and despite a mostly stellar cast of albums recently, it hasn’t been entirely smooth; the Sky Blue/Z2 (InsideOut) album especially being patchy and rather samey, particularly considering the modern classic of Epicloud (InsideOut).
With this in consideration, the arrival of a new Devin Townsend Project album Transcendence (InsideOut) comes with not only huge anticipation but with a greater risk of expectations than perhaps many of his/their peers. Fortunately circumstances sit more in the band’s favour this time around, with more downtime between projects and the potential fresh outlook after the markedly different Casualties Of Cool album. Transcendence also sees further growth in the band that have been a solid and strong unit since inception, as an effort which was much more collaborative in the writing stage than in previous.
Album opener ‘Truth’ immediately sets the benchmark for how Transcendence will pan out, with the familiar feel of Epicloud and Sky Blue that has clearly become the band’s more signature sound; replete with an orchestral feel and choir vocals which enhance the song’s bombast. Following this, ‘Stormbending’ continues this trend and further reveals the band’s new trademark blend of uplifting atmospherics, pop sensibilities and huge melodies in what is an instant anthem.
‘Failure’ is based more on chugging riffs and has a touch more menace to it, but still possesses a sense of grandeur in its ranks; whilst ‘Higher’ strikes a resemblance to Epicloud’s ‘Grace’ as it begins with a near ballad like tone and softness before it builds into a more ferocious and energetic number.
Alongside ‘Stormbending’, the title track has an immediacy which should prove it to be a fan favourite in time and is the best example of Townsend and Anneke Van Giersbergen’s vocal harmonies and interplay at work; a combination which has not grown old whatsoever. The proceeding ‘Offer Your Light’ is a stand out in uniqueness as it gives more of a nod to DTP’s Addicted (InsideOut) more straight forward pop rock tendencies and more blistering pace. Finally album closer ‘Transdermal Celebration’ is a much sharper song and culminates in a long, atmospheric and near ambient passage.
Much of Devin Townsend’s works in recent years have had a sense of theatre and wholeness together in a stage production such as The Retinal Circus or the RAH show, or in how an album works at its best as a collection rather than individual songs, and this is certainly the case with Transecendence. Despite some definite highlights, it works best flowing through to one another in a way that proves ethereal and near spiritual in tone.
The Devin Townsend Project may have started as a offering a unique sound and style for each album, and thus those looking for something brand new from Transcendence will be left wanting. But to be honest, that ship clearly sailed with Sky Blue, and instead this reveals that the band have hit upon a more core sound; but one that is still offers huge scope and expansion. This is the sound of the band finding a more strict identity, but offering more refinement in that sound and still pushing boundaries and creating pure joy.
8.0/10
CHRIS TIPPELL
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