The Devin Townsend Project
Addicted
(HevyDevy; 2009)
6/10
Devin Townsend, of Strapping Young Lad fame, set out to record four concept albums after realizing he could not write without the infamous musician’s crutch, drugs.
Addicted, the second of four, is themed to be the commercial yet heavy concept album. The title track, “Addicted!,” begins with a stereotypical knock your teeth out metal riff and is then joined by the guttural scream of “Ohhhhhh yeaaah!” The rest of the track is just as cliché ridden, as double bass drums kick, and solos wail.
There is a certain wall of sound quality to Townsend’s production. Layered just below are lighter orchestral arrangements and a minor electonica touch. Both add much needed depth to Addiction.
Townsend could have explored the depths of addiction and the many low points that come with dependence. Instead he produces an album with a reference to Futurama.
Trial Track: “Bend It Like Bender!”
