Empath
by Devin Townsend
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. Consequence
    Mar 29, 2019
    83
    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.
  2. The Wire
    May 7, 2019
    80
    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]
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  3. Classic Rock Magazine
    Apr 4, 2019
    80
    All bets are off, all doors open and consciousness is expanded. [May 2019, p.86]
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  5. AllMusic
    Apr 1, 2019
    80
    Though it's wildly excessive and indulgent, it's also inarguably among the most inspiring, thought-provoking, and accomplished of his works.
  6. Kerrang!
    Mar 29, 2019
    80
    Remaining as distinctive, unique and bloody brilliant as ever. [30 Mar 2019, p.55]
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  7. Exclaim
    Mar 29, 2019
    80
    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.
  8. Glide Magazine
    Mar 29, 2019
    80
    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.

Awards & Rankings

60
#60 Best Album of 2019
38
#38 Most Shared Album of 2019

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 39
  3. Negative: 3 out of 39
  1. Cavernous
    Mar 29, 2019
    10
    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.… Full Review »
  2. urch
    Apr 2, 2019
    4
    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.
    On    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.
    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.    … Full Review »
  3. Baalzevuv
    Mar 29, 2019
    10
    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?    … Full Review »
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