DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT: ADDICTED

This is actually the second of two releases from Devin Townsend in 2009 (the first was Ki, and two more are slated for 2010 in order to complete the four-part "The Devin Townsend Project" series).

Townsend is the founder of "Extreme Metal / Thrash Metal / Death Metal" band, Strapping Young Lad. I am not a fan of these genres of music, and have little interest in SYL. I find it all so loud and obnoxious. But with his new endeavor, "The Devin Townsend Project," Townsend is turning over a new leaf. "I wanted to make a record that was heavy, without being dark or depressing. When I got into metal it was for the energy behind it, but somewhere along the way that energy started getting really negative."

Townsend, known as a "growler" from his SYL days, surprisingly has an incredible vocal range, and when he sneaks a growl in here and there, it is absolutely appropriate and actually acts as another instrument in the harmony.

With Ki, Townsend created a mellow, restrained album. With Addicted, Townsend found the perfect formula. He added the incredible vocal talents of Anneke van Giesbergen (Agua de Annique, ex-The Gathering, Ayreon).

This was an excellent choice; Anneke's beautiful and haunting vocals compliment Townsend's exceptional vocals perfectly. This album must be heard on top-of-the-line headphones or a high- end home sound system to get the fullness of the production value. Townsend's ability to add layers upon layers of sounds without muddying the sound is an amazing feat. Turn off the lights and get lost in the place that this album will take you.