It was only a few days ago when I learned that DEVIN TOWNSEND announced his (even recent) retirement from music. As he said he won't be making any albums with STRAPPING YOUNG LAD and THE DEVIN TOWNSEND BAND, at least for the time being. As it seems, this album may be (who knows) Devin's swan song. Only he knows. The fact is that his infernal genius delivers one more album full of insane Metal delirium!

Devin Townsend always dreamed of being a puppet maker, but his dream soon faded out when Steve Vai recruited him as a singer for his Sex & Religion album, as well as the world tour that followed. Townsend did not only got to be known for his work with Vai, but he has also released magnificent pieces of work with insane thrashers STRAPPING YOUNG LAD. He is also known as a producer. This guy has produced albums for bands like SOILWORK, LAMB OF GOD to name a few. Except from STRAPPING YOUNG LAD and his producer duties, Townsend also formed this band in 1990 (DEVIN TOWNSEND BAND) to explore his more alternative/avant garde Metal side.

This is basically how I would describe DTB's music. Not that they play something specific, but their overall style is what someone would call alternative Metal. All of you who know this band's work already know what we are talking about here. For all of you who have no clue about this band, I have to inform you that here we have to deal with one of the most clever people in the Metal scene. Some call him genius, some call him insane, but I personally prefer to call him the 21st century Metal God!

Since you know now Townsend's background and you can slightly understand his songwriting style (basically, there is no chance of understanding if you don't listen to his music) we can go on with this review. The whole concept behind this album is an alien that came down to earth to conquer it, but he later changed his mind and he just wants to be known as the best guitar player and get a lot of chicks (to cut a long story short). Pretty interesting and cool story, huh? As I always say about this guy, expect the unexpected!

Regarding the music now, Devin Townsend is a guy that will never stick to playing something specific. This means that you won't be able to categorize his style, except if you prefer to use the word progressive with its pure meaning. Ziltoid The Omniscient contains some elements that you may be familiar with from STRAPPING YOUNG LAD. When you listen to this guy, you will always come across this industrialized Thrash Metal. The album also contains some symphonic moments, as well as Townsend's classic more ambient and chilling moments (there is always silence before the storm). His voice is incredible as always ranging from clean melodic vocals to inane screams. And who could doubt his playing skills? This guy is really something! Every character in the concept is being presented with a different voice, as Townsend is using a different tone and everyone who knows him, knows that he can be quite theatrical. While listening to Ziltoid The Omniscient it is like being present at an experimental theatrical play and you really how time passes by. The only negative things I could mention are the use of a drum machine (Townsend used Drumkit From Hell) and the lack of guitar solos. Regarding the solos, maybe it is because he didn't want to spoil the whole atmosphere. Who knows?

You could never expect something that could be characterized as less than good from this guy. Devin Townsend delivers a work that will leave you speechless and continues his good tradition with breath taking compositions and insane experimentations! As long as he is around (as a musician or a producer), Metal will be a better place to raise your children! All hail mighty Townsend! Do not hesitate to add this album to your collection and never let it leave your CD player!