Townsend, Devin, Project: Z2

Ever since the first Ziltoid album, the strange alien being/puppet/online video host with a fixation for coffee and evil doings, has grown a life of his own, the man behind the 'toid (that'll be Devin Townsend then) promising a whole host of multimedia extravaganzas to keep Ziltides happy. However first up we have the small matter of the second Ziltoid album, Z2, to contend with, as everyone's favourite Devin decides to go the whole hog and present the untrustworthy being from another planet with his very own, heavily narrated concept album. In fact, Dark Matters, or as we like to know it, disc one (or at least it was, a late change makes it disc two, so is this a Ziltoid album with bonus disc, or a Devin Townsend album with added Ziltoid, or both, or neither.....?), is as much tongue in cheek, science fiction space opera as it is Progressive Metal workout – something which proves an initial boon, Townsend's wacky humour coming across magnificently through some ridiculous set plays and genuinely funny dialogue. However great though tracks like "March Of The Poozers" and "Ziltoid Goes Home" are, repeat listens over a short period of time find me yearning slightly for more of the music and less of the dialogue. That said, in the same way that even the best of comedies can wear thin if over indulged in, I can't help but think that a period of abstinence will suddenly find me chuckling at the little asides and one liners that had me guffawing first time round, as I revel in the trademark mix of bristling riffs, full on vocals and synthesized mayhem that most recent Townsend (Casualties Of Cool excepted) has provided. Don't get me wrong, Dark Matters is a really good album, just not maybe one I'll reach for often when I'm in the mood for a DT fix.

However what will give Z2 the opportunity to regularly come down from its place on the shelf (if it wasn't a download of course!) is disc two, that's actually now disc one...I think. For Sky Blue is another matter entirely, being a full blown Devin Townsend Project release where once again Anneke Van Giersbergen almost has equal vocal billing as Towny himself. Basically if you liked Epicloud, and can imagine it with a slice more of Ghost, then Sky Blue is for you. Stomping anthems jostle keenly with electro beats and synthesized vocals, while AvG adds an airy feel to some muscular outings. "Silent Militia" thumps into view, hook laden, perfect for punching the air to and at the correct volume (which is LOUD) a wonderful antidote to another boring day. Add in the expansive and undoubtedly more restrained "Rain City", which is captivating in the extreme, "Universal Flame", which is bombastic in feel and approach and the exuberant "Warrior", where bleeps and bloops combine with a serious chugga-chugga-chugga via banks of vocals quite superbly and there's something here for lovers of everything and anything (maybe not Strapping Young Lad to be fair) Devin.

In truth, Z2 is more two separate albums packaged together, then it is one cohesive double, but that's no bad thing. If I was rating these discs individually then Dark Matters would be ***1/2, while Sky Blue would be ****1/2, making the neat score below. Either way there's much to enjoy and much to be impressed by and much to (in a good way) laugh along with. Oh and I suggest you hide your coffee, unless you want a visit from a certain alien...

Track Listing
Disc 1: Sky Blue
1. Rejoice
2. Fallout
3. Midnight Sun
4. A New Reign
5. Universal Flame
6. Warrior
7. Sky Blue
8. Silent Militia
9. Rain City
10. Forever
11. Before We Die
12. The Ones Who Love
Disc 2: Dark Matters
1. Z²
2. From Sleep Awake
3. Ziltoidian Empire
4. War Princess
5. Deathray
6. March of the Poozers
7. Wandering Eye
8. Earth
9. Ziltoid Goes Home
10. Through the Wormhole
11. Dimension Z

Added: November 4th 2014
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Devin Townsend online
Hits: 2910
Language: english

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