Devin Garrett Townsend (born May 5, 1972) is a Canadian musician and record… Read Full Bio ↴Devin Garrett Townsend (born May 5, 1972) is a Canadian musician and record producer from New Westminster, British Columbia. He was the founder, songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist in extreme metal band Strapping Young Lad from 1994 to 2007 and has had an extensive career as a solo artist, in which his work usually leans more towards a progressive metal style.

After performing in a number of metal bands in high school, Townsend was discovered by a record label in 1993 and was asked to perform lead vocals on Steve Vai's album Sex & Religion. After recording and touring with Vai, Townsend was discouraged by what he found in the music industry, and vented his anger on a solo album released under the pseudonym Strapping Young Lad. He soon assembled a band under the name, and released the critically acclaimed City in 1997. Since then, he has released three more studio albums with Strapping Young Lad, along with solo material released under his own independent record label, HevyDevy Records. Townsend's solo albums, a diverse mix of hard rock and progressive metal, have featured a varying lineup of supporting musicians. In 2002 he formed The Devin Townsend Band, a dedicated lineup which recorded and toured for two of his solo releases.

In 2007, Townsend disbanded both Strapping Young Lad and The Devin Townsend Band, taking a break from touring to spend more time with his family. After a two-year hiatus, he began work on a four-album series called The Devin Townsend Project, with each album written in a different style. The first two entries in the series, Ki and Addicted, were released in 2009. Townsend scheduled tours throughout Australia and North America in 2010 in support of the albums, and released the next two, Deconstruction and Ghost, in 2011.

Townsend's trademark production style, featuring a heavily multitracked wall of sound, has been compared to the styles of Phil Spector and Frank Zappa. His versatile vocal delivery ranges from screaming to an opera-esque singing, and his songwriting is similarly diverse. Townsend's musical style is rooted in metal, and his albums are written to express different aspects of his personality.

Kingdom
Devin Townsend Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I, I wonder why, I wonder
Why I've come undone, I've come undone
(If you want to stay with me, Lord, play with me)
Okay, I know I missed it
The point I mean, I missed it so (so could I know)
And if I could (could change it) good God I would
Stay with me, Load (play with me)

Now I've seen the way it's headed
Down and down, the truth descended
Have it here and without worry
Baby please, there is no hurry

I'm fine, stay with me, Lord
Play with me, stay with me, Lord
Play with me

Ego, it's only a soul

We are the word, we are the hope
We are so happy to sing a song along

Now I see the way I'm headed
Down and down, the youth descended
Hell is here, but it hath no fury
Like this woman still, there is no worry
I'm fine

Stay with me, Lord, play with me
Stay with me, Lord, play with me

Stay with me, Lord, play with me
Stay with me, Lord, play with me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Devin Townsend's song "Kingdom" express a sense of confusion, despair and longing for guidance, perhaps from a higher power. The opening lines of "I wonder why I've come undone" suggest that the singer feels lost and is seeking a way to reconnect with something meaningful. The lines "if you want to stay with me, Lord, play with me" indicate a desire for spiritual companionship and guidance.

The second verse talks about the singer's recognition of the negative path that they are on, with "the truth descended" and "down and down" conveying a sense of despair at their present state. The lines "there is no hurry" and "there is no worry" in both verses could indicate a surrender to fate, possibly meaning that there is no point in resisting what is already predetermined. The chorus is a repeated plea for companionship, guidance and comfort from the divine, as well as a call for self-affirmation, stating that the ego is only a soul.

Line by Line Meaning

I, I wonder why, I wonder Why I've come undone, I've come undone (If you want to stay with me, Lord, play with me)
I'm bewildered and confused as to how I came apart at the seams. If you stick around and keep me company, it might make things easier.

Okay, I know I missed it The point I mean, I missed it so (so could I know) And if I could (could change it) good God I would Stay with me, Load (play with me)
I realize I've completely misunderstood the situation and I wish I could go back in time and correct my mistakes. Dear Lord, please accompany me through this difficult time.

Now I've seen the way it's headed Down and down, the truth descended Have it here and without worry Baby please, there is no hurry I'm fine, stay with me, Lord Play with me, stay with me, Lord Play with me
I understand the harsh reality of my current situation, but there's no need to panic. Let's take a moment to relax and enjoy each other's company. God, please stay with me and keep me company.

Ego, it's only a soul We are the word, we are the hope We are so happy to sing a song along
Our egos may cause us to forget that we're all just souls. Together, we have the power to make positive change and be a beacon of hope for others. Let's celebrate this fact with music!

Now I see the way I'm headed Down and down, the youth descended Hell is here, but it hath no fury Like this woman still, there is no worry I'm fine Stay with me, Lord, play with me Stay with me, Lord, play with me Stay with me, Lord, play with me Stay with me, Lord, play with me
I realize that my path is leading me downwards, but I won't let it defeat me. Even though things seem terrible, I still have faith that everything will turn out okay. Please stay with me, Lord, and keep me company.

Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: DEVIN GARRETT TOWNSEND

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

No Related Genres

More Genres

No Artists Found

More Artists Load All

No Albums Found

No Tracks Found

PT6M25S

13Ocean Machines*8:24

14Promise*5:26

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Comments from YouTube:

@Crayator

9y↑285

Just one of those songs that I event little montages in my head to.

@PeanutButterGtr

Crayator me too!!!

@Noah-lj4rz

3y↑1

fuck cray,howcome I'm just finding this comment now

@motelgrim

46w

So well put! That made me laugh like hell. I totally do that.

@ToasterBrain

32w↑2

I don't understand.. event?

@d.j.casanova960

28w

I’m so surprised to find you hear, been watching you for years.

@1TakoyakiStore

4y↑2.6K

I find it hilarious that this video was made specifically to showcase guitar equipment by EMG and yet Devin has turned it into a teaching piece for vocal trainers everywhere. 😂

@ilmelangolo

3y↑33

ahahahhahah true!😂

@luisendymion9080

3y↑16

totally spot on LOL

@rsoulburnz

3y↑1

YUP

@SYLperc

3y↑148

And none of them get the guitar solo joke😆

@1TakoyakiStore

3y↑12

@SYLperc That was pretty hilarious 🤣

22 More Replies...

@MrDoomsdayBomb

4y↑3K

Hearing this for the first time felt like seeing a new color.

@steponme583

3y↑29

Amen....

@believer2223

3y↑29

That's very beautiful. And I understand♥️

@gasser5001

3y↑14

I can confirm this.

@Adib500

3y↑13

For reals

@arkaith

3y↑8

Exactly

43 More Replies...

@Brokid81

4y↑1.5K

Devin Townsend will go down as one of the great and UNDERRATED vocalists of heavy metal history. He's criminally underrated.

@swissarmyknight4306

4y↑35

He's the GOAT, or at least top five without debate.

@MemoryImprints

4y↑32

100% agree. His vocal control is amazing.

@fossillife8372

4y↑44

He is the best male vocalist i have ever seen. He embodies art with his vocal range and expressiveness. I can feel what he is singing about just through his voice...then hes just sick with a guitar. All around top a class performer.

@jules4221

4y↑10

I wouldn't limit it to just heavy metal. I'd say rock in general.

@phylazen5649

4y↑29

He's no longer underrated, he's become the ultimate "Vocal Teacher Reacts to Metal" subject in all of youtube history. I actually came to this specific video expecting it to have 50 million views or something because every person that reacts loses their shit and i can tell when they are faking it and these peeps aint

61 More Replies...

@jules4221

4y↑1.5K

I am 46 years old, and still within the first 24 hours of discovering Devin Townsend. I have listened to this approximately 547 times. It's damn near a religious experience.

@wook1318

4y↑15

Same :)

@dehasim

3y↑13

Same, i discovered Devin Townsend 1 or 2 weeks ago, and im loving all musics, my first was Evermore, its amazing, im listening basically only DT since i discovered him

@ilmelangolo

3y↑3

Listen to him in this one, from a 1994 record!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bczObVWZhI

@mrewanmorrison

3y↑19

I can only repeat that the same thing happened (and is happening) to me. I'm 52 and I must have watched this 108 times in the last 36 hours.

@Hashbeast

3y↑7

I've been listening to him for over 10 years and he never ceases to amaze me.

48 More Replies...

@rinozisa9396

26w↑48

Devin Towsend doesnt play death metal. He plays life metal. This song is so invigorating.

@OriginalAstiae

4y↑239

Devin is the one punch man of music.

@YazmaniMedia

😂

@m.w.4508

20w

Cos he's bald? Very creative. What other similarities do they have? Devy's shit hits way harder.

@user-fj6kk1vo8n

3y↑359

He's unique.
It's like blending 80s thrash with epic Norwegian fantasy metal, just without the hair from either.

@Cracks094

1y↑7

this made me laugh so hard it's unreasonable

@kyliec6342

1y↑13

He tried REALLY hard to do the hair for awhile :)

@FuneralProcession

He used to have a lot and full hair^^
But baled is better then growing whats left xD

@leigholding7041

1y↑15

His hair felt unworthy to rest atop his glorious melon so it stepped down 😂

@justjarvis106

1y↑4

He’s got the hair it’s just stuck to a alien puppet that demands coffee!!

1 More Replies...

@eyemoeba2

35w↑47

0:38 woah 1
0:50 woah 2
1:00 devvy's little look around before unleashing hell in operatic form
3:05 devvy's confession
3:55 coolest pronunciation of the word 'yes' ever recorded
4:26 devvy being fine
5:05 devvy being heavy devvy
5:26 devvy being silly

@SunBunz

3y↑424

I can’t believe this man doesn’t think he’s good at singing. He’s beyond talented. I’ve never heard anything like this. It’s amazing.

@AshleeEidolon

2y↑15

Honestly though! Not many people can even touch this song and do it justice.

@godgodgodzilla

2y↑6

When did Devin say that? :O

@SunBunz

2y↑33

@Agustin Bazzalo my husband told me he saw an interview or a video about it somewhere. He’s very humble and modest. He said he never had vocal training, and sometimes coughs up blood after a concert! 😳

@skitzoidzombie

2y↑15

@SunBunz If he coughed up blood after concerts he'd have WRECKED his voice by now

@SunBunz

2y↑3

@skitzoidzombieI guess it hasn’t happened yet! It’s a damn miracle.

9 More Replies...

@educostanzo

3y↑134

I love how a video created to showcase the pickups he's using has become one of his most popular performances on yt, it's almost hitting 5M views. I don't know what was up with him the day this was recorded, but even TODAY I barely can hold my tears when I listen to this, it's one of the most stellar vocal performances ever captured on video. Gosh, how I love this guy.

@DruNature

1y↑1

METAL!!

@minkorrh

1y↑3

That makes me feel better. I thought I was weird tearing up to this epic sound. It's just so fucking BIG, and EPIC, and just sooooooo........I don't have words for it.

@alder4612

31w↑2

It's not just you, trust me. I've watched a couple of vocal coaches react to this performance and they're all blown away and often don't know what to do with themselves. There's even a compilation of people reacting to this performance and almost all of them have an emotional reaction to it.

@kripalu1234

5y↑9.1K

This man deserves hair.

@emilym5510

5y↑98

Lmfao!

@adintyaannasaidhiakharisma5202

4y↑211

No I already this guy with hair . This guy better without that

@GRossatti

4y↑837

Hair doesn't deserve this man.

@artemkhrulkov5498

4y↑153

Nope. Google pictures of Devin in yearly 2000's

@CJCJCJCJ

4y↑157

He pulled some OPM shit man, he got so good he left his hair behind

295 More Replies...

@briandaggar9363

19w↑3

This is my favorite performance of this song I've seen to date. Such an underrated talent

@dannysavage8218

2y↑116

It’s unusual for someone to be so good at guitar, song writing, clean vocals plus dirty vocals. Not to mention an awesome showman. Complete package!

@deepandsouza9531

1y↑1

Dirty vocals😂

@AshyGr33n

1y↑1

And hell of a mixing engineer too. I'd like to think Devin is one of the most complete musicians on the planet.

@johnrobert385mm

33w

Very true

@JavierMaldonado-qe5ce

1y↑95

My 10 year kid says.. he sounds like an angel and a Demond at the same time.. thats beyond perfection

@User-jk8wq

23w↑9

That cheeky wink to the camera at 3:23 makes me burst out laughing every time. How can anybody not love this man?

@8KilgoreTrout4

20w

I got to see em in the Dreamsonic tour earlier this year! He is an amazing performer! Just like this and SUPER funny

@crystalbragg4552

2y↑237

300 x better than the studio version. His vocals are improved.

@Rastapapulus

2y↑6

Not improved, it was still there but he is pushing hard to show people what he is able to. I can imagine the taste of the blood in his mouth after what happens here.
this performance is like a SUI-CIDE

@peterwang6572

2y↑29

@Mohammad Mehtari I guess he's been committing suicide for 30 years. Apparently he's just not very good at it.

@SEbdeViaje

2y↑1

Physicist or Epicloud?

@huepiliano

2y↑1

in which album is the studio version of this song? I cannot find it

@Rastapapulus

@Pablo CS Devin Townsend - Contain Us (2011)

6 More Replies...

@caniican

22w↑15

Steve Vai told him the other night in an interview that he was the closest thing to Frank Zappa he had ever experienced. And coming from Steve Vai that's Epic. Ultimate respect to you Devin

@nuberiffic

4y↑499

I've never before seen someone so effortlessly produce such intense music.

@ZACKSONFIRE

2y↑10

Delay into Reverb into Delay. That's the sauce.

@minkorrh

@ZACKSONFIRE The BIG sound?

@TheOnlyClore72

You haven't had the chance to hear my husband! He sings, plays piano, guitar and others and writes his own music!!!

@nuberiffic

1y↑3

@BardMagickCLORE let's see him then

@fonkamex

He is Canadian that’s why

@MrArohtaeko

23w↑11

I am from Seville, Andalusia, in the south of Spain.
I saw Devin without knowing him, I like to go to any concert even if I don't know the band and discover wonders hidden by many. A small, almost empty room, about 30 people. I saw one of the most amazing concerts of my life. That day I met one of the best vocalists in metal.

@unclesy4360

22w

Man those are the best shows, devin townsend will give 110 percent playing to an empty room

@pizzadough686

31w↑12

Came for the guitars, got epic vocals

@hotdamnsucka

3y↑78

God said “pick two — amazing vocals, guitar skills, luscious hair.” He picked correctly.

@nicholascpnogueira

19w

This comment is absolutely UNDERATED, like Devin.

@maxadams9368

4y↑161

Yes his vocals are absolutely jaw dropping. But can we talk about that guitar tone. My god its amazing

@KyleP133

AxeFx during this era if I recall. Not sure what he's using now.

@ysph

hallelujah.

@neilcochrane9336

Butter.

@mhutton82

10y↑21

Amazing vocals, heavy guitar riffing, and great stage presence.....Devin Townsend is among the best.

@theshadowcult

22w↑3

Still to this day and forever i think, this is by far my favourite performance. Just love it, and it helps the song rocks too.

@gasser5001

3y↑132

I feel like I've done Devin a disservice by never knowing about him until now.

@magusmelanie828

3y↑5

Welcome friend, this wormhole goes on for some time - over 30 albums

@gasser5001

@Melanie Thornton I have discovered and enjoyed this. The man is easily my favorite artist now.

@thaddaeuspremkumar3560

2y↑4

i just discovered him tonight! eternally grateful now, ahahhaha

@silverwolf761

2y↑1

You should stay a while and listen

@GreenAndGoth

We’re all just happy you’re here now

1 More Replies...

@tomaszgronek9014

18w↑1

Geniusz. Od godziny jestem zachwycony i zakochany w jego głosie. Uwielbiam.

@UnderTheStars94

18w↑2

I just found out about this man from TikTok (please don’t hate me) and this is amazing! It’s euphoria listening to this, I’m blown away! The vocals, the guitar, the charm, I can’t deal with it

@dingleberryhandpump802

39w↑11

Just saw Devin live for the first time a couple days ago. What a performance! Such a massive sound coming from that stage.

@ProfessorShyguy

5y↑2.4K

He can't be trusted, he's too flawless. He's an android programmed by a comedian. The 3rd take is a joke to make us trust he's human.

@davidh4648

5y↑5

😂🤯

@diamondkyle812

5y↑29

No.... He is on a mission from God.

@mammon_is_god

5y↑7

@Diamond Kyle Which "god"?

@SneakyShark

5y↑29

@Mammon Himself :)

@wabbitfu

5y↑4

Is he Puddles?

24 More Replies...

@michaelmckenziejr.2704

18w↑1

I was legit just introduced to this today over from r/music. I’ve been familiar with his name for a while now and knew he was considered a virtuoso guitarist but why didn’t anyone TELL ME ABOUT HIS FUCKING VOCALS?! Holy fucking shit what a range this guy has. Almost sounds angelic at times and then growls ferociously.

@yannicolau4364

23w↑4

New genre unlocked: Celestial Metal

@siagiyou1988

20w

nope, heaven metal exactly

@BarronVonSchnoot

3y↑16

These vocals are monstrous.

@SeChelios

32w↑6

Hearing it is like starting to see after years of darkness. I have never heard such a vocal, that's awesome

@loudebwa5230

34w↑11

Sings this song even better live than recorded on the album
I'm profundamentaly amazed

@randallfloyd4476

10y↑136

the term "musical genius" gets thrown around too much, but that's EXACTLY what this guy is.

@cloudsss83

10y

indeed... but sometimes the genius guys are not understood as they are, unfortunately :(

@bacongl

1y↑7

Dude is a monster. One of the most entertaining acts around.

@an0ana

3y↑13

I literally watch this and get chills every time. Never in my life would I have expected myself to enjoy vocal frying, but I'm converted. This song makes one feel so heavy and yet light at the same time.

@TheSeeking2know

3y↑1

Yes! And actually enjoy the hash vocals!
Thus was literally an intro to metal.

@an0ana

3y↑2

@Olatunde Fajimi I had this shared to me by a family member not knowing what to expect. My jaw was on the floor the first time I listened to Devin.

@TheSeeking2know

3y↑2

@Deyja Moors Yeah. I just watched Charismatic Voice analysing his "Dead head" live preformance. He hits even higher pitches with the harsh vocals.

I've realized that metal screaming is very effective for expressing the primal rawness of pain and anger in lyrics.

@auditoryarmory

4y↑15

Nobody can move me and also make me laugh as much as Devin can. Best facial expressions ever and personality. Literally my most favorite person I've never met. (But have seen in concert many times!)

@zootybang

18w↑3

I come back to this video every couple of months to remember how to feel emotions.

@markusszelbracikowski956

44w↑14

Will see this guy live in two weeks with Dream Theater and have never heard any song from him. All I can say is holy crap, this voice is insane. Glad I'll be able to check it out live!

@codekhalil6437

37w↑4

Went to the show with Dream Theater and my God...Devin just killed it! No disrespect to DT, who are one of my fav bands. But unless you have a prime James Labrie, you can NOT follow up Devin Townsend. He only played for an hour and you remember every minute of that experience

@Missnevy

36w↑1

I was in awe with Devin's voice! I absolutely loved it when he joined Dream Theater for the encore. @@codekhalil6437

@andreantoine573

10y↑105

seriously, he has one of the most gifted voices in modern music, it's ridiculous with what ease he shifts between the singing, screaming styles

@steeve2k

10y↑1

Don't forget about Mikael Åkerfeldt from Opeth!

@user-sq6vr2gd4b

25w↑2

This man is genius to metal,strapping young lad were awesome,I love how one of the best guitarists on earth takes the piss,thank you Devin

@TortillasAreNotBiceps-wr1jf

38w↑4

8/5/23 I'm 60 and pissed at myself for not having discovered this dude until now. Of all the thousands of bands and songs I've listened to since I was a kid and had never even heard of this dude. What the hell was wrong with my navigational skills??? Finally I can boast "Promise Land" and die happy....not now, but when death decides to come a-knockin.

@paulmerritt8593

4y↑37

Even my born again christian mother in law can not resist loving Devin and she is old school Christian music only. I play this in the car and she sings along. I had her listen to Devin for 9 hours driving to New York and she loved all of it!

@constanceweinberger3078

2y↑1

I was playing some air guitar ( guess what era I was born in : gen X'r here aka: grandma ) to a Rock riff last week and said to God "God, you have to love Rock'n out when it's this good!" (All I had was PURE joy in that moment and a laugh because I had to have looked ridiculous). When getting my internet set up today, my service provider and I had a conversation about Freddie Mercury and his love of Opera ( check out " Barcelona" by Freddie and world class opera singer; Montserrat Caballe). I told him about that Rock moment last week with God and he suggested I check out Devin Townsend ( coincidence: Nope.)

@GreenAndGoth

My born again Christian mother loves this song, she thinks it’s beautiful, and she hates metal. My brother of the church father likes this song too.

@user-bm8ek5lz1w

1y↑15

The level of charisma this man commands is just insane.

@TheSquirrely

32w↑8

I come back to this ever so often and it still amazes me.

@Joseph-so5dn

32w↑4

Talento pocas veces visto y una voz poderosa. Gran artista en verdad.

@SaffireSanchezOfficial

10y↑66

It's so bright, Devin's vocals are so dynamic, controlled and powerful. Not quite used to so much metal in major.

@auroborus4297

10y↑6

His vocal range is incredible. Really only matched by James LaBrie in my opinion, although the power reminds me of Joe Duplantier sometimes.

@AdamRobertshaw

10y↑15

Auro Borus Bullshit. James LaBrie is a pile of crap. However Joe Duplantier is very much like Devin on the power side of things, but his range is nothing in comparison.

@coconejococonejo

10y

***** just listen to some david gildenlow :)

@auroborus4297

10y↑4

Hey, I never said I liked LaBrie, but he actually does have a pretty extensive range. And Patricio jaramillo Pain of Salvation is amazing.

@coconejococonejo

10y

Auro Borus :D

4 More Replies...

@Donotsubscribe87

1y↑17

Why is this so much better than the studio recording? No business being this much better.

@rodrigofonseca1160

39w↑3

The studio recordings are from 2000, he was broke and half-assed it a bit. Now he had all the tech and resources to make it like he wanted it to be. Although I quite like the rawness of the original version too. He has also grown even more as a musician, adding layers he hadn't dig back then

@Cs-kz1oq

30w

@@rodrigofonseca1160that's not why it's better at all. You know he recorded this around the time of the songs release?

@mybloodtypeiscoffee

1y↑45

I have found peace in this song. The first time I heard it, I knew my little girl's soul was safe in heaven; she was at peace and I didn't need to worry. Thank you Devin.

@JonTimi

1y↑6

When I was 18 my best friend died in a car crash. Devin's song Funeral carried me through the grieving process. Still makes me cry every time. I am so sorry for your loss - I can't imagine, but I am so happy you found some peace in this music.

@vinnyambrose7514

1y↑6

This piece of art was written with God's hand, it proves that we Metal Heads have a place waiting for us in heaven because God is truly a Metal Head. I can see him head banging as I write this! Of course, I always knew God, and he knows you and I. Your daughter is looking down with open arms waiting for you to show you what she has found!

@donniecastleman5701

1y↑6

My heart completely broke over your post, I'll never listen to this song again without thinking of you. Blessings to you in all you do Ms. Amelia! <3

@paulmerritt8593

4y↑27

I have watched this a thousand times and i still cry every time he starts singing with that beautiful melodic powerful voice. There is no other like him.

@mysticalxproducer

1y↑6

I remember the first time I ever heard this performance, I was high as all hell in my old bands practice room. I just sat back and soaked the whole thing in, everything about this performance is so special. Especially Devins incredible vocals, what a song. Keep on rocking out people of YouTube! 🔥🙌🤟👏👍🎶🔥

@UnclaimedSewer

4y↑19

His voice is operatic, his range is amazing

@Brendini27

7y↑432

This version is so good that I can't even listen to the studio version anymore. The studio version was phenomenal, but this live version is so good that it completely surpasses the original one. Jesus.

@holliefitzzz

5y↑12

the band were so good in this version

@jameswilkins4motion

So true mate

@garrettk7166

5y↑17

I listened to the studio version after hearing this version initially. This version is superior to the studio version in every way

@TheHeadown

5y↑3

I´ve seen him live with S.Y.L and I know what you mean.

@215dagby

5y↑1

Same. I love this version.

5 More Replies...

@jackdimambro484

35w↑5

One of the few genuine examples of a live versiom being better than the studio version(s). Not even comparable, there is no part of this that isnt better.

@woll2633

4y↑267

This is better than the album version

@larryhouse3776

2y↑5

All his live stuff is better than the studio stuff. It's like a bonus treat for exploring his music beyond just the release material.

@AkumaAPN

2y↑10

Yeah, he's a genius at composing and orchestrating the "Wall of Sound," but he seems to be equally talented at creating the right sound for live backing tracks to effectively recreate the studio sound. He does this at all his concerts to bring the full experience. And once he's there, and you're there, the adrenaline kicks in, and he turns the vocals and the emotions up to 11, beyond what you get on the album.

@diggpen1249

2y↑3

100% agree. His vocals are pushed so far back in the mix in the album version you can barely hear them.

@minkorrh

1y↑1

I'd say one of the best performers I haven't seen live yet. I've been around for 54 years and playing guitar and music for 40 of that. He is without a doubt one of the most amazing performers I have ever seen. Musically, vocally and just in the realm of drawing one into the soundscape that makes you feel small, like the universe does.

@josecarlosa.camargojr.5730

Agree that's way better than the album version!!!!

@derekpilkington5547

2y↑19

Protect this man at all costs

@Agushi

34w↑5

SERIOUSLY one of the most fucking impressive live performances ever. Devin live is mind blowing

@boardsaith5591

40w↑3

I probably said this already, vocals are just beyond, loved this guy since vai - sex and religion

@dropkickproductiontx

10y↑34

He has one of the most incredible voices in modern music.

@SpatialSpandex

39w↑6

Devon's voice is almost angelic. Holy sh*t! My mind is blown!

@juanpabloromero248

29w↑2

Una vos única y el final es bestial

@LizzieBlizz22

52w↑5

I swear sometimes the live version of an artist sounds far better than any studio recording of them and Devin Townsend is a prime example of this. Incredible talent

@2wheels440

38w↑4

This is the greatest rock metal voice of all time

@sirmixalot720

4y↑34

Sorry, I CANNOT press the "Like" button hard enough to make the impression that this song have on me. Masterpiece @Devin

@CorvusSynths

7y↑39

When he screams "there is no worry. I'm fine" I just burst into tears. His voice is so fucking powerful!

@unclesy4360

22w↑2

This is the apex of the rhythm guitar/vocalist combo

@erikrussel3736

41w↑2

Dudes got an amazing voice. All ranges he hits so damn well

@Jaymz515

3y↑9

I love how he goes from screaming his absolute balls off to smiling in a second at 04:24

@MaxisGameplays

2y↑12

The way he makes faces while performing the most fucking angelic vocals .... man he's a special kind of godlike, fuck me.

@Sark0filla

28w↑4

Devins Voice! Unfukinbelieveable 🤩

@seba5837

9y↑1.6K

The older he gets, the better he sings.

@TheSkipjack95

9y↑119

sebastian acuña Not drinking and smoking weed helps too.

@seba5837

9y↑10

totally agree!

@Valemustikka

9y↑90

sebastian acuña Now he also looks 20 years younger than 2006 Devin. No drinking, no weed, no medication, no skullet.

@232323C

sebastian acuña really

@mearcat74

TheSkipjack95 After an age.....Lets have fun first AllllInnALlll Moderation after.

25 More Replies...

@CultOfBananas

43w↑5

Just watched him play this live a few days ago. Almost every person in the amphitheater sang along word for word.

@dookula

28w↑2

This version is even better than the one on the album. Way catchier and more memorable

@enlivend1198

1y↑4

This is GOD TIER level performance and he makes it look effortless 🥹🥹🥹

@mmiller6873

30w↑5

First time hearing this and I totally loved it. I mean that fng rocked!!

@bananasolo

40w↑3

The most hardcore dreamboat of a prog metal wizard ever ❤️‍🔥

@cosicop

5y↑911

I fully support a Metal remake of Phantom of the Opera as long as Devin Townsend stars in and composes the soundtrack.

@carstenschmitt1563

5y↑4

Seconded!

@LilNewo

5y↑29

And tarja from night wish. After all she already smashed the cover of the main somg

@sarahgillies4847

5y↑3

Oh. My. God...yes

@nomnomnugget

5y↑1

YES

@bobbleton6517

5y↑10

You know he will make it about dicks and flying vaginas right?

14 More Replies...

@lisshani2739

50w↑4

He's so goofy, I love him hahaha ❤

@studdaman420

1y↑5

Proud to say I have been a huge fan since his Strapping Young Lad days, when Devin was only half bald with really long hair on the sides of his head! He is one of the greatest metal music makers there is.

@tripzville7569

37w↑4

What a performance , and what an ending.

@danbarry7698

35w↑4

When someone says the term “Larger than Life” I think of two people instantly: this dude and James Hetfield, however the former is like if the latter was sent to another galaxy and came back with a time dilation

@charliecampbell2924

24w↑5

I come back to this video every so often for a musical awakening

@ericsolis8691

6y↑61

This man is one of the most underrated musicians of our time! A true gem!! Thank you Devin for finally shaving your head and being a Metal badass!!!

@AlfredSoul

5y↑1

The skullet was one hell of a look...

@joshv5376

3y↑464

The most strapping young lad ever

@aMolleTargate

3y↑27

The strappingest young lad

@vhaarr

3y↑5

Most underrated comment ever.

@snaffu1

2y↑6

Only the universe's ultimate cup of coffee will do for him. Black.

@YatiAcharya

2y↑4

Dude liderally defined being cool with a damn skull hairstyle 😂

@ZaneCrockett

50w↑1

Nice reference

3 More Replies...

@KhalDrogo76

1y↑6

For anyone not familiar with his music, I would recommend getting a quality pair of headphones, finding a quiet comfortable chair/couch and listen to his Ghost album in its entirety. It's a transcendental experience...unique in his catalog but for me it's one of the greatest albums ever made by anyone.

@nateking6629

1y↑1

ill try that out. ive listened to transcendence and kingdom, and i love how he stitches the songs together; it's great for things like this where you just listne to the whole album in one go. it really gives it a different feel

@KhalDrogo76

@nateking6629 so just a note on his Ghost album....it's extremely unique to his catalog, its by far the mellowest music he's made and I mean the entire record. Where he has records of just straight thrash/prog hammer music so this album is not a representation of his music it's an anomaly to his albums but for some reason it's my favorite of his. Like my initial post said it's a perfect chill headphone record...pure genius, the guy can do anything any style

@Albertodimilano

2y↑2

This man has a legendary Aura

@TexasGuitarist

49w↑5

The One-Punch Man of guitar. His awesomeness was just too much for his follicles.

@Furagata

3y↑19

I saw Devin for the first time this weekend at Bloodstock. It was my first exposure to him. Blew me away with a wall of sound, and now I can't go back.

@masterofpuppets222

I was aware of Devin's work for quite some time, but hadn't gotten into him until I saw him live. He opened for Between the Buried and Me in January 2010, and I bought all of his albums from his website like a week later. I've seen him 10 times since then

@M4GG0TK1NG

10y↑55

I've never listened to him before this video, when he started singing it surprised the fuck out of me, Damn he has pipes

@psilocyberspaceman

10y↑7

Guess that’s one of the reasons Steve Vai employed Devin as the lead singer on the album 'Sex & Religion'.

@danielgosselin9930

10y↑3

psilocyberspaceman 'Sex and Religion'!!! 20 years later and still one of my favorite album ever!!!

@MrRaigai

10y

psilocyberspaceman Now that's a fucking accomplishment.

@BingsBuddery

2y↑7

This performance gives me chills EVERY TIME I listen to it.. It's on some universal wavelength that transcends time.

@UkkoKaarto

2y↑13

If there would ever be a Faith No More remix concert with both Patton and Townsend singing I'd buy all the tickets all the time.

@MrJeremym1978

35w↑5

Heavy metal? No, this is "Heaven Metal" \m/

@gudalpesanz

3y↑19

Devin Townsend has an amazing voice. I wonder what it sounds live. He's the Bjork of heavy metal. And he's hitting those notes with almost no effort.

@gelatinouscube2342

2y↑3

Saw him at a shitty overbooked Festival with the worst sound imaginable and he still hit those notes

@ysph

2y↑1

i haven't heard, but i'd wager he sounds that good but with the bonus of getting to hear him screw things up or crack jokes or burp or something awesome like that. that's a musician. like zz top or somebody. brian johnson. they can do it any time. couldn't stop if they tried. they just have to eventually die at some point or they never stop. and that's what happens to nearly all of them.

@gudalpesanz

@Joseph Iscariot what? Devin Townsend has an amazing voice. He could sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star with out a sound system and he would sound beautiful.

@BlackLabelMark

38w

Saw him a couple weeks ago on the Dreamsonic tour. He sounds every bit as good live as he does here. It’s incredible.

@celparadise3726

49w↑3

Wow, that's a lot cooler than the recording. And the recording is pretty damn good.

@bigstroppy425

6y↑388

Its fucking awesome to hear a musician play better live than recorded.
This man is so fucking talented.

@TheHeadown

He really is

@AreTrees

Counterparts <3

@AreTrees

5y↑1

Also Spite <3

@p_s_hoffman8772

Way better than studio version.

@JessicaBoueres

yes, right?

@TakuraNyagumbo

38w↑4

Came here after watching Rick Beato's chat with Devin Townsend, John Petrucci and Tosin Abasi. I had never heard of him or any of his music before that, and boy, have I been missing out!

The guy is a genius. No question about it.

@shonachering450

38w↑2

🎉 Welcome friend to a beautiful musical journey of discovery….you have 30 odd years of back catalogue to explore! Enjoy 😊

@lacaz212

29w↑2

Simplicity. Depth. Execution. Bravo🤘🤘

@motelgrim

46w↑3

This song has become one of my all time favorites. I couldn't tell you why but it affects me deeply. Rather, it evokes an memory of an "altered state" from my early 20's. It feels like staying up until daybreak all night Saturday into Sunday.

Load More Comments...

More Comments

just now