Album Review: Devin Townsend - Empath

Suffice to say, that while Devin Townsend has been responsible for some of the most amazing music produced by anyone in the last quarter-century, it’s almost like his entire career has been leading up to this moment, as astonishing as that sounds. It is just that damn good.

Almost career encapsulating, Empath goes from insane extreme metal to musical theatre. Orchestral/movie soundtrack to the big anthemic rock of his more recent career. Floydian moments to the wistful ambience of Ghost and Casualties Of Cool, plus plenty more across the course of its epic 74-minute length. It is breathtaking in its conception, head-spinning in its scope, and both meticulous and joyous in its execution.

Closing with the 23-minute conceptual piece Singularity, it is impossible to do justice to this track with the words available to us in the English language. It simply has to be experienced to be believed.

Just one disclaimer: give this album at least half a dozen listens before you pass judgment, it takes that level of attention to fully appreciate its charms.

Empath is a modern masterpiece of pure musical genius.