Devin Townsend Project - Transcendence (2016)

Devin Townsend is probably one of the most prolific writers in the metal world these days.  Few can boast a discography of his magnitude and what's astounding is the quality of it.  He's release 11 releases as Strapping Young Lad,  who many consider a ground breaking group in the extreme metal genre.  Then he has 23 releases as 3 different iterations of his own bands and countless other appearances including most notably singer on Steve Vai's Sex & Religion.   Devin Townsend has a style that is unique in that he layers many different sounds to give the music a very full and at times ethereal sound. The sound has progressed through each release and at times he's even completely deviated from it by way of an ambient instrumental and country/blues release. By the time Devin did Epicloud he seemed to have found a niche sound and further explored that with the brilliant Z2 release.  Devin continues that transformation with Transcendence.  While not everybody seems to appreciate Devin's direction I feel  he has masterfully blended the lush sounds and choirs backing him into 10 finely crafted songs that take the listener on a musical journey.

Transcendence opens with a remake of Truth which originally appeared on the 3rd Devin Townsend CD. Devin has given it the 2016 treatment with it's lavish sound and is a perfect segue into Stormbending.  Stormbending is an emotionally powerful piece that only has 2 verses but is a rollercoaster of sound that is embellished with beautiful orchestration and choirs.   Failure is a hypnotic follow up to Stormbending and among my favorites.  However top honors in my opinion go to Stars. It is one of Devin's best songs he's written. Brilliant harmonies, catchy and I love the lyrics

 The disc closes with the appropriate cover of Ween's Transdermal Celebration.

Devin Townsend's music is like art and once again he's created an aural masterpiece that stands out among the crowd as one of the best metal releases of 2016.  Transcendence is the type of CD that allows you to close your eyes and get lost in sound and music.  I think people either "get it" or it goes over there head.  If you allow yourself to embrace what is Devin Townsend it will take you on a musical journey few artists dare to go.  Transcendence is one of Devin's most ambitious efforts to date and ranks right up there as one of his best efforts as well.  Rating 9.5/10