Album Review: Devin Townsend – PowerNerd (InsideOutMusic)

Devin Townsend, a musician that should need no introduction, returns with his latest album, ‘PowerNerd’, out on October 25th, 2024, via InsideOutMusic.

With an artist as prolific as Devin Townsend, you can never be too sure what you’re going to get, and not everything hits, personally. For every Strapping Young Lad there’s a Casualties of Cool, and while his work under the name of Devin Townsend has been impressive so far, the personal highs come from the Devin Townsend Project. Epicloud is one of the finest album’s ever produced, and certainly the best thing Devin has released.

Until now…

An emotional roller-coaster of progressive rock with big uplifting sounds, this album has a loud voice and it’s one that few will struggle to pay attention to. Devin is in an inspired place and the positivity oozes from a title track opener that is energetic, relatable, and therapeutic. All while having this innate goofiness to it. It’s recognisably Devin, but not a rethread of his past work.

It’s a fantastic showcase of what this album promises to be based in. Sensitive and hyperactive heavy rock and roll with odd moments and tons of flair. A space that is shared with Knuckledragger, especially when it comes to the ‘fun and weirdness’ aspects of music that is such a penchant of Devin Townsend’s sound.

In between these two tracks though, is something truly special and the bar setter for the entire album. Falling Apart, the first of the more dramatic and darker toned efforts. Yet, it’s the epic growth this track has that really stands out. What feels quite morose, at first, grows in grandeur to an impressive power-driven point. A stunning showcase of the growth a person can go through in difficult situations and up there as one of my favourite Devin tracks to date.

His love of melody can often result in some of his best moments, even if it results in something particularly poppy. On this album, there are a few moments where things get poppy, and one of the most lovable is Gratitude as the effects are so dynamic and Devin’s vocals are so comforting. However, the following Dreams of Light (54 seconds of smile inducing starriness), and later, the warmness of Jainism and the striking textures of Younger Lover, are just as strong.

Each offers a different level of melodic wonder, with high experimental value as Devin plays around with synths and crafts imposing atmosphere. Each creating waves of sound that wash over the mind calmly. Albeit, with the warning that you can occasionally get caught in a pocket of intensity. One such example is Jainism, which has a delightfully boisterous chorus.

Amongst those tracks though is Ubelia, and it’s a track that should not be ignored. Seeing as it offers up a near-perfect balance of vulnerability and power, and delivers a buoyancy that is unparalleled. When I, and many others, call Devin a musical genius, it’s because of tracks like this and how he can drop this banger on an album made up of absolute bangers and it still stand out. Outstanding.

It’s not done yet though and with Glacier, Devin sets out to remind the listener that heaviness can come in many different forms with some seriously hefty instrumental weight wrapped around an epic soundscape of melody. Then causes a cascade of tears with the spectacular grin-inducing progressive behemoth that is Goodbye. The ending and the way it transitions into the finale of Ruby Shaker is startlingly good, especially as the closing track is… different, to say the least. An ending that shouldn’t be spoiled except to say, some will love it (I do), and others will hate it.

Regardless of your feelings on that track, everyone will be in agreement that this is one of Devin’s greatest releases to date. Delivering bundles of feeling, showcasing even more heart and soul than ever, offering up dynamic catchiness in every track, and continuing to showcase his own personal growth and progression.

Devin Townsend – PowerNerd Track Listing:

1. PowerNerd
2. Falling Apart
3. Knuckledragger
4. Gratitude
5. Dreams of Light
6. Ubelia
7. Jainism
8. Younger Lover
9. Glacier
10. Goodbye
11. Ruby Quaker

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