Summary:The latest solo release for the Canadian metal artist features contributions from Morgan Ågren, Ryan Dahle, Ché Aimee Dorval, Mike Keneally, Samus Paulicelli, Steve Vai, and Anneke Van Giersbergen.
Empath is another fine addition to the ever-growing / never-ending Devin Townsend discography, and shows that Townsend should one day also be enshrined into this elite “musical chameleon” category, as well.
Empath is by no means a shortcut to deciphering all of Townsend's output, but its incredibly hard not to marvel at the way in which he wields these influences to exceed the confines of his "progressive" qualifier--not to mention the sheer enormity of it all.
It is an album that refuses to confine to a single vibe or genre and can thus be seen as inconsistent. ... But further listens and history will show “Empath” to be an incredible neuro-spazzing journey into the mind of a musical master.
Empath is extreme in ways that extend beyond aggression or distortion. It’s melodic to the point of overload, layered to the point of obsessiveness. Conventions are disrupted in unexpected ways. ... Which is ugly to you? Which is beautiful? Townsend’s music urges both a thoughtful re-examination of these criteria and a long overdue redefinition of sonic extremity. [May 2019, p.56]
I began listening to Empath with preconceptions of what I could expect from Devin. That was a mistake and made Empath hard to digest. All theI began listening to Empath with preconceptions of what I could expect from Devin. That was a mistake and made Empath hard to digest. All the usual components were there in varying degrees but there was definite dissonance in theme and structure. Devin won't be constrained by our ideas of what a song should be and leaves it to the listener to keep up. Or not. Empath is a journey worth taking without the baggage of past musical experiences. Go in with an open mind and enjoy the ride. It may change you.…Expand
I mean, this isn't fair to the other artists. The guy has been active for more than 25 years, and while guys like Dream Theater, Beck andI mean, this isn't fair to the other artists. The guy has been active for more than 25 years, and while guys like Dream Theater, Beck and anyone who can artistically be compared to Devin are still releasing good albums (but not their best work), it seems that only Devin's career is not in decline. I'm not sure there is a single musician who has released a true masterpiece after releasing so many great albums throughout the years, with so many different lineups and bands. Only Michael Gira and his Swans, and maybe Bowie or Wu-Tang come to mind. Still Swans have Soundtracks, Bowie has a tonne of classics, and Wu-Tang Clan has Enter The Wu-Tang. All of those arguably beat all the great new releases by respective bands, but I can't think of a single Devin Townsend album that is better than Empath. What a masterpiece, what a guy!…Expand
I'd argue this is the absolute pinnacle of Townsend as a songwriter and the most coherent he's ever been while exploring complex emotional andI'd argue this is the absolute pinnacle of Townsend as a songwriter and the most coherent he's ever been while exploring complex emotional and musical themes. To refer to this as a pastiche or "franken-album" does the album a true disservice. Where Townsend previously made awkward missteps, or had odd vocal phrasing on Empath he delivers work that feels truly cared for, nourished, and grown to completion. Is the album schizophrenic? Only as much as the human experience is. And certainly not because Townsend is throwing things at the wall to see what sticks. Everything here feels done with purpose. It brought me to tears.…Expand
This album is really a 'franken-album' of all of Devin's previous works, new influence, and ainsightful, powerful and strikingly crazy
This album is really a 'franken-album' of all of Devin's previous works, new influence, and a little bit of crazy at the same time. The music on this record is highly produced and serves modern ears well. Throughout the album motifs and vocal lines from previous albums can be heard which allows the listener to reference back to how they felt on first hearing said idea.
Typical Devin features can be heard throughout, every thing from angular mega arpeggios to Devin's striking use of appoggiatura, this album is an instant classic and easily the best album Devin has ever produced.
For theory Nerds we can see that Devin is becoming even more manic than usual on this one. Poly rhythmic ideas and motifs that just seem to fit perfectly are scattered throughout as well as a more present choir and orchestra.
I recommend this album to all fans of Devin Townsend as it serves as a perfect amalgamation of all his previous works, providing an adrenaline fueled hit of nostalgia as well as an insightful view of whats to come in the future.
However, I cannot say that I recommend this album to just anyone. For all who have never heard of Devin Townsend, I recommend they steer far and wide of this one as I feel it would be easy to become overwhelmed.
10/10 insightful, powerful and strikingly crazy…Expand
Had to go through a couple of listens but now I am absolutely hooked. Amazing, daring , chaotic, deafening and gripping. I simply can't stopHad to go through a couple of listens but now I am absolutely hooked. Amazing, daring , chaotic, deafening and gripping. I simply can't stop listening now.…Expand
This album can be described as a showcase of Devin Townsend's mastery over all genres of music, seamlessly blending death metal growls withThis album can be described as a showcase of Devin Townsend's mastery over all genres of music, seamlessly blending death metal growls with Disneyesque show-tunes; or the mindful merging of prog guitar and full stage orchestras.
After early snacking of its first two showy singles, "Genesis" and "Evermore", the real entree begins with "Hear Me", a throwback to Strapping Young Lad (SYL) days, followed by, "Why?", which is echoed as "WTF?" by rabid fans of the aforementioned SYL. "Why?" is a quirky little song you'd expect to hear on Broadway, but fits completely within the context of Empath.
Devin then switches gears into the highly praised Borderlands that starts with a country jaunt and finishes with a killer chorus that grooves as well as anything Devin has ever produced. We're given a reprieve from Devin's metal flexing with Requiem, which sounds exactly as it's titled, before the 23 minute finale, "Singularity", demolishes any reservation about this album's point and direction. As I don't write music reviews and lack the verbosity to adequately describe what I hear, all I can say is that it appeals to my inner, lost, teenage self looking to shine light on all the dark things I don't understand. That, and it rocks hard, sounds fresh and provides the most head banging moment in the whole album during the chorus of the subtitled, "There Be Monsters".
This is an absolutely must-listen album. If you've never heard Devin Townsend before, I guarantee you will find something in this masterpiece that will speak to you. If you're a Hevy Devy fan, then, high five, buddy. He knocked this one outta the park, eh?…Expand
I am a big Devin Townsend fan, but I did not like this release.
From the first singles, i felt this was a bit too preachy or religious.
OnI am a big Devin Townsend fan, but I did not like this release.
From the first singles, i felt this was a bit too preachy or religious.
On top of being to religious for my tastes, the album is lacking the metal feel. Yes Devin is known for using all kinds of different generes and types of music, but this is missing the heavy devy feel.…Expand
