ZILTOID THE OMNISCIENT

This album, alleged to be Mr. Townsend's last (at least for a good while) is a culmination of all his projects over time, and it serves to come together in the best way possible. His trademark atmospherics are present throughout, as well as contrasting dynamics. In addition, Devin made it a concept album, about an alien who comes to Earth in search of the universe's ULTIMATE cup of coffee....black. I'd elaborate more on the silly lyrics but it's really best for one to read it themself, so I'll focus on the music instead. Overall, the heaviness of the album is about where it was on Terria, though a few more SYL-like moments are present. As for the drums, Devin programmed them Tomas Haake's (of Meshuggah fame) "Drumkit from Hell" pre-programmed drums, so you'll have a general idea of how brutal the drum sound is for the album. A few songs seem to reference his previous works in feel. For example, Hyperdrive reminds me stylistically of "Night" from his Ocean Machine album. Also, he even quotes the SYL song "Wrong Side" in the first section of "Color Your World". All these combine to really make the album about him, it's almost a summary of the person in music form (He actually has stated the the characters and plot of ZTO are parodies of himself and his life). As per usual, Devin has layered the crap out of this album, with tons of soaring harmonized vocals and his trademark massive multiple guitar layering attack really makes you feel encapsulated in the music itself. Songs like "Color Your World," "Ziltoidia Attaxx!!", and "Planet Smasher" are some of the heaviest solo material he's recorded. Conversely, Solar Winds for the first half is much more atmosphere based. Another thing to merit is that throughout the album Devin maintains a great sense of musical melody (except for the parts that are pointlessly heavy like Ziltoidia Attaxx!!, though that song seems to be a parody of SYL, which ironically is itself supposed to be a parody of metal...listen to the solo in it and you'll understand). Overall, I wasn't sure if I was going to even like this album when I bought it, and now its my favorite release by him. From the epicly overdramatic intro ZTO to the shocking twist of a conclusion of the album's concept at the end, Ziltoid the Omniscient really is a great record.

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