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Last Active 02-25-20 6:45 am
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| Best Devin Townsend records ranked
My first list for Sputnik. I typically like to listen to records while I write about them so I don't forget any points, but I have nothing to do at work today and can't listen to music on the job so I apologize if my descriptions seem basic. Also, I'll only be ranking studio full-lengths because I'm a scrub and haven't listened to the live albums or EPs as much as everyone else. So come on and "HURT MEEEE! I CAN TAKE IT!" | | 25 |  | Devin Townsend
Devlab
Interesting in concept but overall, not a very good noise record. There are very few reasons to go back to Devy's first foray into noise/ambient music other than curiosity. Devy's weakest project only really leaves one almost noteworthy impression: "HOT MELT GLUUEEEEE GUUUUUNNNN"
Rating: 2.1/5
Favorite song: "Devlab I" | | 24 |  | Devin Townsend
The Hummer
Devy's second attempt at a noise/ambient record is certainly a better attempt than Devlab, but that's not saying much at all. While The Hummer is certainly more listenable than Devlab, it also doesn't particularly do anything to stand out in its genre or musically at all. The only time this album is really worth listening to is when you just want something inoffensive and slightly pleasant as background music while you focus on other things. Then again, if that's what you want, you can certainly do better than this.
Rating: 2.3/5
Favorite song: "The Abacus" | | 23 |  | Punky Bruster
Cooked on Phonics
After making the first Strapping record, Devy unexpectedly chose to begin his solo career under the name Punky Bruster and releasing only one studio album under this name. To be honest, I'm kind of glad it stopped here. The sole album from Punky Bruster is a surprisingly somewhat enjoyable pop punk record meant to parody the success of "fake punk" bands at the time like Green Day. It tells a story which is admittedly kind of funny during the first listen, but the novelty wears off fast, especially after repeat listens. Still, it's somewhat commendable that Devy actually created an album with a pop punk sound and some of the songs came off as catchy as they did. If he had seriously pursued a sound like this, who knows what would have come of it?
Rating: 2.4/5
Favorite song: "Fake Punk" or "Picture of Myself" | | 22 |  | Devin Townsend Project
Sky Blue
I'm sure some fans are going to write some horrible stuff towards my decision to put Sky Blue so low on the list. Personally, guys, I think even Epicloud is better than this. I actually struggled to make it through this. Between attempts to interpolate top 40 pop songs into his writing, an over-reliance on choir, and some downright annoying melodies, I really don't care much for this record and truly believe it's the worst DTP album. That's not to say that there aren't some gems on here, though. Overall, I think it's worth trying this album out if you haven't yet. It's not a horrible record, but it's pretty bad compared to the rest of the man's discography.
Rating: 2.5/5
Favorite song: "Universal Flame" | | 21 |  | Devin Townsend
Physicist
Most people would probably rank this as the worst Devy record, especially since its production is muddy and about half the album sounds like Strapping Young Lad b-sides. Devy's attempt to fuse the sound of his solo material with the heaviness of his Strapping material doesn't hold up well over the course of a full album. However, some of his best songs show up on here and, despite the shoddy production, it's strangely pleasant sometimes hearing Devy so raw after listening to over-produced material from later in his career. Just like Sky Blue, while I don't care for this record overall, it's worth giving a chance at least once.
Rating: 2.5/5
Favorite song: "Planet Rain" | | 20 |  | Devin Townsend Project
Z2
Technically Devin Townsend - Z2: Dark Matters.
The second record in the Ziltoid series is an album I actually enjoy listening to more than I'd like to admit. Many fans complain about the abundance of voice samples and the humor taking away from the record with an overall preference for the non-sample version. Personally, I think taking away that part of the record kind of ruins it. The album itself wouldn't sound the same or be as interesting for me without the voice samples considering there really isn't that much happening in the background. Regardless of how you listen to it, Dark Matters is just okay. Some tracks are fantastic while others are fairly forgettable. It certainly beats the first Ziltoid in terms of flow and comedy, but it lacks the strengths in songwriting its predecessor has. I would really only recommend this record to people who are familiar with Ziltoid, but in all honesty, this kicks Sky Blue's ass.
Rating: 2.8/5
Favorite song: "March of the Poozers" | | 19 |  | Strapping Young Lad
Heavy as a Really Heavy Thing
The album that started it all, Heavy as a Really Heavy Thing (from hereon referred to as HAARHT) is a flawed record with a unique sound. Between this and the far superior City, Devy's mixture of cold industrial rhythms and heavy death metal riffs provide for an interesting listen. Devy himself dismisses this record as "only having two good songs," but I personally think there is more to love here than the mastermind himself believes. Though not a very refined record, HAARHT is sure to please the ears of anyone who is a fan of Strapping Young Lad's other records and enjoys heavy music that is sometimes over the top.
Rating: 3/5
Favorite song: "SYL" | | 18 |  | Strapping Young Lad
Strapping Young Lad
Just like Physicist, the self-titled Strapping Young Lad record is plagued with production issues making some drums inaudible and guitars very muddy. The main saving grace of this record comes in the form of its songwriting. There are plenty of bangers with only handful of weaker tracks. Though I don't find myself coming back to this album often, its hard to deny that if this record had received better production and a little more focus, it could easily rival the likes of SYL's other records. However, it lands down here with the constant thought of what could have been lingering in our minds.
Rating: 3.1/5
Favorite song: "Bring Out The Young" | | 17 |  | Devin Townsend Project
Epicloud
Ahh, what a controversial record among fans... Epicloud is the result of Devy's curiosity into what makes pop songs so enjoyable for the masses and attempting to create metal songs based around these theories. While the concept itself is interesting, the execution yields mixed results. The first half can be downright cringe-y with a cheesy choir ("Effervescent!/True North) and awkward for longtime fans to listen to ("Lucky Animals"). However, the second half of the record proves that this new approach to songwriting can definitely work. "Save Our Now", "More!", and "Hold On" are all absolute earworms that will surprise you in their accessibility. Additionally, the re-recording of "Kingdom" from Physicist and "Grace" are tracks that wouldn't be out of place anywhere else in the Devy discog. If you're not into pop, Epicloud might not be for you, but still give it a shot anyways.
Rating: 3.3/5
Favorite song: "Save Our Now" or "Kingdom" | | 16 |  | Devin Townsend
Empath
Hooo... This album is way over-hyped. Despite the deep and personal lyrics that alone make this album worth listening to for the Devy fan, the music can range from being some of Devy's best to over-produced, over-excited clusters of choir, operatic Devy, and way too much attention to songwriting that proves to be more distracting and overwhelming than pleasant and balanced. Despite that, Empath is absolutely worth your time. Some of Devy's most complex and creative works are featured here and could even serve to be a decent entry point into his discography. The purpose of Empath is to reflect on his past works and essentially mixed them all into one modern Devy record and while I think that some songs stray a little too far from that in favor of Devy's perfectionist nature, I think it mostly accomplishes its goal. Though nowhere near Devy's best, but it's far better than everything below it on this list and comparable to the next three records.
Rating:3.5/5
Favorite song: "Singularity" | | 15 |  | Devin Townsend Project
Transcendence
I struggled with not putting this one higher. The last DTP record is sometimes underrated in the discography of Devy. It features a very strong collection of songs including a Ween cover that is surprisingly really good. Although I think the original version of "Truth" is better than the re-recording found here, the rest of the album is damn great. Devy's decision to let the other bandmates in on the songwriting process for the first time really pays off. "Failure" is one of the most epic Devy songs ever while "Stormbending" and "Secret Sciences" also act as major standouts in the tracklist. Of course, there is one song that Devy wrote entirely on his own and that's the insanely addicting "Offer Your Light", one of my favorites. Other than some occasional weak spots during the middle of the record, there really isn't anything to complain about. If you haven't heard this yet, fix that issue right now. You may be surprised.
Rating: 3.8/5
Favorite song: "Failure" or "Offer Your Light" | | 14 |  | The Devin Townsend Band
Synchestra
So admittedly, I didn't care much for this record when I first heard it. But with more listens, it gradually grew on me as one of Devy's most varied and interesting works. Though it pales in comparison to most of what ranks above it, Synchestra is constructed to almost be one giant song with each individual track acting as movements. Most songs are well-constructed while featuring older Devy's down-to-earth delivery and not being overblown with crazy production and choirs (if you can't tell yet, I think less of his 'choir era'). Although the weaker of the two Townsend Band albums, there is something particularly sincere about this album that offers both a sense of fun and relaxation. This could have something to do with Devy slowly calming down from recording SYL's Alien, but it's a characteristic that makes this album so pleasant that keeps me coming back to it from time to time.
Rating: 3.8/5
Favorite song: "Vampira" or "Pixillate" | | 13 |  | Devin Townsend
Ziltoid the Omniscient
Sputnik hates this record. I love it. Devy really did prove he could create an epic all by himself even if the results don't please everyone. Although the story could feel more fleshed out and could stand to make more sense without contradicting itself at times, the songwriting here is fantastic. Yes, it's not as carefully put together as Ocean Machine or Terria, and it's certainly not as ambitious as Casualties of Cool or Ghost. But songs like "By Your Command", "Solar Winds", and "Hyperdrive" are all Devy classics and demand to be listened to. This album isn't for everyone as only some fans will enjoy the silly banter of Ziltoid, but Devy really tried for this one. Some people will hate, but I will appreciate.
Rating: 3.8/5
Favorite song: "Hyperdrive" | | 12 |  | Devin Townsend Project
Deconstruction
Another album that a lot of people here seem to hate, Deconstruction is Devy's massive send-off to his Strapping Young Lad days as most of the album's lyrical content deals with him confronting his inner demons and saying goodbye to producing crushing metal. Before any comments are written about this being too high, I agree that the sillier portions of the album take away from what is intended to be the purpose of its existence. I also agree that the title track, while featuring some technically impressive parts, is a cluster of nonsense and hot ass water. I additionally agree that some of the features could have been used more effectively (they screwed Mikael's feature hard). However, this album balances its crushing riffs with its cathartic concept, especially on the opener, "Juular", and "Poltergeist". I can't really write anymore, but I think Devy went out with a bang on this album. Come at me in the comments for more of my opinions.
Rating: 3.8/5
Favorite song: "The Mighty Ma..." | | 11 |  | Strapping Young Lad
The New Black
Yes, The New Black rocks. You can stop pretending it doesn't. ...Well, I can actually see why some people rank this as the worst Strapping album. There are times where it feels less inspired than most of Strapping's other work. But what it DOES do is offer some of the band's heaviest material while acting as a conduit for Devy's fatigue and anger towards the emotions and pressure he feels from fans to continue writing for Strapping. Similar to Deconstruction, The New Black is a record of catharsis for Devy and I think it's a pretty great way to go about it. Unlike Deconstruction, however, this record doesn't get distracted from its purpose. It genuinely manages to feel like a fuck you to both himself and the people who keep pushing him to do what he has no interest in doing anymore. Some songwriting is lackluster for sure, but when you pair this record with its lyrics, it transforms into Devy's most focused angry project.
Rating: 4/5
Favorite song: "Almost Again" or "The New Black" | | 10 |  | Devin Townsend Project
Ki
This album grew on me heavily and is the heaviest soft album I've ever listened to. It's really strange but consists of material that comes off as Devy challenging his creativity and limiting his songwriting that wound up both creating some of his best material and inspiring the incredible Casualties of Cool project he'd later embark on with Che Aimee Dorval, who also is featured on this record. Some complaints of this record say that it's boring and uninteresting, but personally, I disagree. The results he achieves on songs like "Coast", "Disruptr", "Gato", and "Trainfire" are testaments to the man's talent. The weakest songs don't appear until the very end and the record is a little too long for its own good, but I always notice something new every time I listen to it which only adds to the great songwriting to create one of Devy's most interesting releases.
Rating: 4/5
Favorite song: "Coast" | | 9 |  | Strapping Young Lad
Alien
Ahh, Alien... Probably Strapping's heaviest release, this album will demolish its listener between thunderous drumming, crushing riffs, and Devy's insane vocals. While City is certainly incredibly heavy, Alien is the most manic of the Strapping albums. "Shitstorm" and "Skesis" have to be two of the craziest and heaviest Devy songs I've ever listened to, while "Love?" remains a undeniable classic. The only song that feels completely out of place is "Two Weeks" which comes out of nowhere amongst the chaos that envelops each song on this record. The main criticism of this album usually falls on how the guitar tone is so heavy and sludgy that it can all come off feeling a little same-y at times, which is mainly what prevents this from ranking higher. Fans of Devy's more melodic works also likely won't enjoy this record since it is very devoid of melody except on some songs. But if you like brutal music, Alien is a great addition to your library.
Rating: 4/5
Favorite song: "Shitstorm" | | 8 |  | Devin Townsend
Infinity
Do you like drugs? Then you'll love this album. You might even not like drugs but still love this album, like I do. Despite the insane acid trip-like nature of this record, Infinity goes insane with variety and production making for an experience you won't forget. For some, it might be too crazy, like how the song "Ants" feels like it came out of some hallucinogenic nightmare. But with songs like "Truth", "Christeen", "Bad Devil", and "Noisy Pink Bubbles", you'd be wrong not to check this out.
Rating: 4/5
Favorite song: "Noisy Pink Bubbles" | | 7 |  | Devin Townsend Project
Addicted
Despite Epicloud succeeding more at mixing pop with metal, Addicted is my favorite attempt by Devy at this style. This album is summed up in one word: fun. While Epicloud and Sky Blue are much more grounded in either mimicking or creating metal songs that possess characteristics of top 40 hits, Addicted exceeds both of these albums by daring to be original while not being out of place at a party, particularly "Bend It Like Bender!". "Supercrush!" and "Numbered!" are two epics from this album that stand out the most in terms of quality being both crushing and colorful. Ziltoid the Omniscient's "Hyperdrive" makes a reappearance in the form of "Hyperdrive!" featuring Anneke van Giersbergen on guest vocals and overall making a better produced, more epic version of the song. But the best track would would have to go to "Ih-Ah!", which is as earwormy as it is beautiful, though I slightly recommend the acoustic version of the album version.
Rating: 4.1/5 | | 6 |  | The Devin Townsend Band
Accelerated Evolution
While I originally wanted to place Addicted above this, there is no denying this album is not only equally as fun as Addicted, but it also has top 5 best Devy tracks-worthy "Deadhead". If you're trying to get your friend who likes rock into Devy, you can't go wrong with this one. Every song on this album is a total knockout, but the favorites have to go to "Suicide", "Depth Charge", "Storm", "Sunday Afternoon", and "Slow Me Down". The songwriting on this is Devy in top form, and though it doesn't get points in being ambitious or standout from his more creative releases, it doesn't detract from every song's quality and performance. Actually, this album is one of the three best entry points for Devy's discography, but even with that said, there are a few more Devy records that are even better.
Rating: 4.2/5
Favorite song: "Deadhead" | | 5 |  | Devin Townsend Project
Ghost
This record is seeping with beauty. There is no arguing that this is the most different Devin Townsend record, but what might be even more remarkable is how many Devy fans love this album despite it being his softest record. Ghost is the exact opposite of its predecessor, Deconstruction: its gentle, peaceful nature evokes a multitude of emotions from its listener through its sprawling ambience and carefully constructed songs. "Kawaii", "Heart Baby", "Monsoon", and the title track are all recommendations of what to check out from this album should you not be familiar with it, but honestly, every song on here is just perfect the way it is. The drastic stylistic change into a more folk/post-rock direction can turn off some listeners, especially fans of Devy's heavier material. But if you open up your heart and give it a chance, I'm sure this Ghost will find its way in.
Rating: 4.4/5
Favorite song: "Kawaii" | | 4 |  | Strapping Young Lad
City
The Strapping album to end your life to, City is the masterpiece of the Strapping discography and is one of Devy's greatest achievements. Not only did he expand upon the ideas presented on the first Strapping record, but he refined them to furious, deafening, heavy perfection on City. From the start of the "Velvet Kervorkian" to the ending moments of "Spirituality", this album will slap you up and down before you start it all over again. The main thing that separates City from Alien in terms of quality is that there is more attention to songwriting and melody here, which only adds to its quality. There are many reviews on this website that can phrase why this album is so great better than I can, so I highly implore you look at them if you need more information.
Rating: 4.6/5
Favorite song: "All Hail the New Flesh" | | 3 |  | Casualties of Cool
Casualties of Cool
What an unexpected concoction of inspiration that occurred so late into Devy's career! While no one will deny the man's creativity had been mostly solid until now, the self-titled release of Casualties of Cool is similar to Ghost in how it's unlike anything Devy has ever done and yet still accomplished to wondrous results. Fusing the likes of ambient music with country and blues with a haunting yet unique story concept that the music perfectly encapsulates, COC is one of the top three greatest Devy releases of all time. The amount of risks he and Che take with this album is almost as surprising as their near-flawless execution. The sole criticism I have here is that the vocals could be SLIGHTLY less produced, but that will not get in the way of appreciating and enjoying every aspect of this record. Of course, I can't say this album will please Devy fans who aren't into softer music, but this album is too good to drop just because of that.
Rating: 4.7/5
Favorite song: "Flight" | | 2 |  | Devin Townsend
Terria
Man, I can hardly put this album and the next one into words, so I'm going to keep it brief. Terria is on par with the next record for best Devy album. I prefer the next album only very slightly, but Terria is an album you will emotionally connect with if you let it into your heart. Sure, the same thing could be said about the next album, but Terria is the most open that Devin has ever been with his listeners. Of course, he does inject some of his signature humor into the album too, but it somehow meshes very, very well with the more stripped back and personal atmosphere. Speaking of atmosphere, the atmosphere on Terria demands to be felt with each listen. You can tell how much love and honesty Devy put into this record with songs like "Tiny Tears" and "Nobody's Here". I could go on forever about Terria and how special it is to me and the Devy discog, but there are plenty of reviews here for that. Go listen right now.
Rating: 4.9/5
Favorite song: "Nobody's Here"(fave Devy song ever) | | 1 |  | Devin Townsend
Ocean Machine: Biomech
And here it is: Ocean Machine. Why does this beat Terria, which has my favorite Devy song on it? Because while Terria is very emotional, Ocean Machine is soul-bearing. Ocean Machine has everything about Devy that fans love and want to hear. Both halves of this record are both damn near perfect in quality, but the second half is slightly more perfect due to what ties with "Nobody's Here" for my favorite Devy song, the Trifecta ("Funeral", "Bastard", "The Death of Music"). There isn't much else to say about this one that hasn't already been said in one of many reviews. Terria might have had more love and care put into it, but Ocean Machine has more ambition and raw emotion. This is the album that officially made me a hardcore fan of Devin's, despite me casually liking SYL for years. Despite being made over 20 years ago, it still holds up even today as a master class in constructing a captivating record. Ocean Machine is without a doubt Devin's masterpiece.
Rating: 5/5
Favorite song: All | |
TabulaRasa6
03.02.20 | First time writing anything for Sputnik that isn't a comment. Come on and criticize my picks and writing style. And of course... Please discuss! (Or don't) | Pikazilla
03.02.20 | First eleven are pretty much spon on, mate. Can we please be friends? | TabulaRasa6
03.02.20 | "First eleven are pretty much spon on, mate. Can we please be friends?"
I would be honored! | BookoftheFallen
03.02.20 | I agree that oceanmachine is The best album. im seeing Devin Townsend live this week! | TabulaRasa6
03.02.20 | "I agree that oceanmachine is The best album. im seeing Devin Townsend live this week!"
Right on! I'm so jealous. I live in Asia now and he still doesn't have any Asia dates for his current tour. ;_; He hasn't started playing his heavy setlist, right? | Keyblade
03.02.20 | man what a list. wouldn't be my ranking but sweet nonetheless | TabulaRasa6
03.02.20 | @Keyblade Thanks man! Could I ask what yours would be? | Keyblade
03.03.20 | Addicted is my #1 then I'd have Ghost, Terria and City | jdd19953bcaoocom
03.03.20 | would honestly love to put this guy to sleep
spiked up, decks up, or otherwise | TabulaRasa6
03.03.20 | @Keyblade That's very fair. Addicted is a fantastic record, and the other three are simply incredible. Very respectful picks.
@jdd19953bcaoocom I could use a nice nap, tbh. |
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