Devin Townsend - Ki

Genre: Progressive Metal

Year: 2009

Townsend with yet another complete makeover. This time a more slow moody metal-head. Better? No…

Devin Townsend loves to surprise his fans and listeners with endless stylistic metamorphosis, “Ki” is no exception. There is an almost meditational vibe going on here, transcendental might be the attribute that Townsend strived for. Self-indulging, contrived and quasi-philosophical are other attributes that this album possess, for better or worse I suppose…

I honestly wanted to like this record as I did enjoy the moody opener “A Monday”, with Townsend being surprisingly successful at creating a beautiful soundscape with lyrical guitar lines to boot. The second track “Coast” is just as pleasant a surprise. A track that has just enough dynamics and rhythm, without sacrificing melody or atmosphere (And even more lead guitar from heaven, if only he had as much creativity when it comes to his monotonous rhythm work).

Sadly with the exception of these two opening tracks, nothing really hits that mark of brilliant balance or subtle genius. The rest is simply 11 tracks of pretentious blandness (that does seem contradicting though?). Not only does the record run dry of interesting melodies, it just keeps repeating itself. Sure I praised “Coast”, but it does seem less impressive to hear 4-5 different variations of that tune. There are tracks with Townsend’s signature bombast though, and I still can’t comprehend the appeal of these tracks, so while they do serve to the purpose of diversity, they just seem to drag the overall experience down even more.

The last track on the record that I can show any affection for is “Heaven Send”, where Townsend tries to combine his new age approach with his metal-bombast creating an interesting petite prog-epic, it is amusing if only for the sense of drama. Also if you want to know if this album is something for you, listen to that track, as it basically summarizes the whole record.

But let me end on a positive note, Townsend and the Dutch woman makes some serious praiseworthy vocals on this record. If only the songwriting could retain half the quality of their musical talents…

And don’t get me started on the ridiculous alienating lyrics!!! Are we supposed to feel sad, scared or just laugh? I don’t know!

2/5