DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT: KI

The new Devin Townsend album, Ki, from the newly formed Devin Townsend Project has been in heavy rotation over the past weeks and I have to say that I'm very happy with it. I recommend it to anyone who likes a bit of experimentation with their metal although I hardly consider this a metal album. Ki has many elements that make it so genuine and fresh.

Townsend of course makes his signature Walls of sound that start feint but end up enveloping the listener in powerful emotions. His voice is exceptional here using many techniques and styles to carve the air with real expertise. His guitar playing also brings a lot of personality and style to the record with one of his most interesting and entrancing guitar solos to date.

One word to describe Ki would be mellow. Though the common mood is somber it has it's fun moments (he does an Elvis Presley impersonation in one song). It has it's intense moments (screaming even) but always finds it's way back down. It's more down than up which is a little unusual for Devin Townsend though it definitely fits with the rest of his catalog.

I recommend this album to anyone who wants ambition, emotions, musicality and grace with a tinge of metal in their musical diet.

One of Townsend's best in my humble opinion.