For the people that think that Devin Townsend is not a psycho, I challenge you to listen to “Deconstruction”. If, after the first listening, you still think the same, then I dare say that you are a psycho yourself. The Canadian himself described this album in an interview as “A journey up my own ass”.
“Deconstruction” is the 3rd album of the Devin Townsend Project series and is released with the album “Ghost” on June 20th. Lyrically we are talking about a concept album which tells the story of a man who goes to hell and meets the Devil. The devil’s promises that he will present to him the secrets of the universe and finally gives him a cheeseburger (yup you read right). But(!!) our hero is a vegetarian so his whole journey was pointless.
Musically, things are difficult. Chaotic you could say. Whatever kind of music Townsend likes is in this album. Progressive, heavy metal, extreme metal, atmospheric rock, electro-pop and all this with an excellent and theatrical presentation. Listening to this album is like a roller coaster ride. You should expect the unexpected.
The song “Praise The Lowered” that opens the album begins with electro beats and is really relaxing with Townsend’s calm voice. As the song progresses, the intensity rises and the chaos begins. A symphonic orchestra, black vocals, heavy guitar riffs, a chorus and everything getting more entangled as the track progresses. The song begins calm and peaceful and then it ends really powerfully and creepy. This first song is a good example for what it is to come in the album. The listener will be thrilled for sure.
The remaining songs are characterized by the chaotic component. Different styles are tied together by the theatricality and the strange humor of the Canadian. To understand what I mean by strange humor, I will tell you that there is a song entitled “Mighty Masturbator” and the title track begins with our hero is on the toilet and … (I wont say anything more, I know you got it-beware of the “bombs” throughout the track)
The album becomes even more attractive with the great number of collaborations. Just read: Mikael Akerfeldt (Opeth), Ihsahn (Emperor), Joe Duplantier (Gojira), Paul Masvidal (ex-death, cynic), Floor Jansen (ex-After Forever) Fredrik Thordendal (meshuggah) and many others.
The album is generally very theatrical, so despite the complexity and chaos, it can be heard easily. The downside is that there is not a track that the fans of Devin Townsend will consider a classic.
“Deconstruction” is a very amusing album with the Canadian being in great spirits. It is an album that needs time in the listener. With more and more hears it becomes more likeable and… understood.
