EMPATH

This is it. This is Devin's Magnum Opus. And given that the man has already released nearly 20 solo records, many of them highly regarded, throughout his two and half decade solo career, this is a staggeringly impressive accomplishment. After all, how many great artists, of any rock genre, prog or otherwise, have been able to release meaningful additions to their discography this far along into their careers?!

Musically, this album is absolutely bonkers. Imagine Disney-musical-worthy passages and songs interspersed with death metal so heavy, it would make Strapping Young Lad blush. And no, this is not some gimmicky hodge-podge of clashing musical ideas. Devin threads them together as well as any great progressive rock composer can. Despite the music's over the top ambition, there is still something so deeply personal about it all. This is best illustrated by the song "Borderlands" ? a prog metal epic about a hard-working family man just trying to stay grounded and avoid the adventurous temptation of an extra marital affair.

I cannot recommend this record strongly enough to metal and non-metal fans alike. This is a journey we all should want to take.