Review DEVIN TOWNSEND “PowerNerd”

Devin Townsend is a name that is well known in the metal world, as he was the leader of Strapping Young Lad, had the Devin Townsend Project and was a major contributor to Casualties Of Cool. With ‘PowerNerd’, the Canadian music enthusiast releases a new longplayer that in some ways shows the musical heritage of Townsend as well as opening the door to some new twists he added.

Instead of overthinking every aspect, the master of powerful sounds approached “PowerNerd” in a different way. It was a more direct way of working that resulted in straight to the point music, starting with the blasting title track.

“PowerNerd” is the first song on the tracklist and it is a piece of pure rock’n’roll. Fast and furious rock music that will get your eardrums vibrating. Motörhead-power, a little bit of Skid Row in the bridge and a lot of Rock’n’Roll commitment is what the song sprays. The start of the album couldn’t be much better, as there’s still enough Devin Townsend present in all the above mentioned.

The pounding ‘Knuckledragger’ follows a similar path when it comes to spirit. “Knuckledragger” is a bit slower though and sparkles with its embedded melody. What connects the different songs on the album is the atmospheric approach to music and Townsend’s unique voice. Songs like “Ubelia” count on both aspects, as the song has a peaceful verse before turning into an atmospheric chorus.

Things get heavier again with ‘Jainsm’, at least at the beginning of the song. After a massive riff introduces the track, it turns into an anthemic Devin Townsend tune. A certain feeling of darkness surrounds the song, which at the same time unleashes great soundscapes.

What links ‘PowerNerd’ to previous Devin Townsend releases is the unpredictability that has become part of the Canadian’s trademark over time. “Younger Lover” is a song that reflects the said, as the song shows Townsend’s ability to write touching songs that are powerful as well as they can have a ballad-like expression, which is reflected by “Younger Lover”.

“Glacier” is icy and majestic, while “Ruby Quaker” is not to be missed. The latter has so many different elements that it is a pleasure to listen to this nerdy song. It contains everything Townsend stands for musically. There are tongue-in-cheek lyrics, but even more important is the musical kaleidoscope the Canadian puts at the end of this release. The song starts with a folk-driven opening before turning into a rockabilly tune with some 50s feel. Just when you think you have understood the song and are starting to like the unusual finishing line, the next twist blows you away. It’s a harsh black metal blast that suddenly blows out your speakers. Devin Townsend’s music is all about expecting the unexpected.

Instead of focusing on bigger soundscapes and very layered music, Devin Townsend releases ‘PowerNerd’, an album that exhales the power of rock music, combining it with the dense soundscapes we know from previous releases. “PowerNerd is pure fun and joy, and its charm is immediately unfolding.