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Rating:
I notice that among the reviews of one of my favorite artists, "Devin Townsend," the review of the album "Accelerated Evolution" is missing, so I seize the opportunity.
Dated 2003, it is the first of the solo projects where Devin is accompanied by a support band, both in terms of recording and live performances, just like in Strapping Young Lad (for those unfamiliar with them, it's his most famous group dedicated to an extreme metal with a thousand facets), unlike albums like "Infinity" or "Terria" where he practically did it all, or almost, by himself.
"Accelerated Evolution" is perhaps one of the most complex and difficult to assimilate works in his discography and requires several listens to be fully appreciated or understood. The album is mostly focused on rock/progressive fused with modern and avant-garde metal sounds, all supported by mystical keyboards that dominate from start to finish. "Depth Charge" kicks off the festivities quite convincingly, a tough and peculiar track straddling heavy metal and psychedelia, even better is the second track "Storm", a nostalgic and very melodic piece, musically akin to a 1980s-style pop/rock pushed towards more modern sounds. With "Random Analysis", however, the quality drops a bit, a track with a cadenced rhythm that serves more as a filler, yet it features a very interesting central section. At this point, "Deadhead" and "Suicide" follow, in my opinion, the most beautiful and successful pieces of "Accelerated Evolution". The first is a slow and experimental track between Pink Floyd and Deftones, about 9 minutes of wonderful musical trip; the second, on the other hand, navigates between dark and sinister riffs and blues chords, a truly outstanding song that will leave you breathless until the splendid final crescendo. The remaining four tracks, although not reaching the levels of the aforementioned two, remain excellent pieces that close a well-crafted and meticulously arranged work.
Finally, I recommend everyone to give "Accelerated Evolution" a listen with a warning though: Townsend is not a straightforward artist and to fully appreciate him, you first need to understand his very particular way of making music, after which I am sure you will be surprised.
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