InsideOut & HevyDevy Records
October 25
Devin Townsend’s latest album was as much a surprise to us as its evolution, writing and recording process was to Devin himself! Following on from the more subdued yet complex creations such as Snuggles, The Puzzle and Lightwork – Nightwork we are gifted an album that evolved into something far beyond what any of us could have expected.
It is, as with all of Townsend’s work, a challenging yet soothing piece of heavy audio excellence which delves into our innermost emotions and feelings, helping us to deal with whatever shitstorm adulting existence throws at us.
This Powernerd review is not going to be a track by track run down. It is more an emotional reaction and summation of its entirety!
I recently spoke to Devin about the album, which was an enlightening chat, delving into a lot of relevant topics surrounding the process of Powernerd’s birth. This album may seem on the surface a happy rock album that speaks to our outward desire to move our heads and bodies in unison, joyously shifting and moving to the outward rhythmic brilliance but quietly contemplating the inner emotional connection to music that allows us to inwardly and quietly vent to ourselves.
Powernerd is in its entirety a perfect representation of Devin’s entire musical history. I know that that is a bold statement, yet having been such a massive fan and devotee of all his releases, I feel as though I am somewhat of an expert to be able to give Powernerd this adulation.
What perhaps his quadrilogy did way back in 2009-2011 (or even with everything in his near thirty year career) encapsulating his manic musical imagination and combining all of the aspects of his talents, Powernerd does in 45 or so minutes.
Powernerd is not a metal album, nor is it a rock, pop album, what it is, is an audio amalgamation of Dev’s entire back catalogue. Well thought out and considered mindfulness that speaks volumes to those of us that need to vent, but meditate solemnly alone or with others in order to contemplate, love, life, tragedy loss and the joy of waking up breathing each day! Aggressive elements blending seamlessly into soothing moments, all with absolute perfection and beauty. This is the album that your psychologist should recommend, you can put on in any situation to soothe and comfort anything, communicating to your internal emotions and consciously releasing any turmoil or conflicts you’re experiencing…Yes, simple as that. Easy listening for the uneasy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Devin Townsend’s Powernerd is out October 25th via both
