The latest release, Z² (short for Ziltoid 2; pronounced "Zed squared") is a double album released on October 27, 2014. It consists of two albums released together: a Devin Townsend Project album, Sky Blue, and a "Ziltoid" concept album, Dark Matters, a sequel to Townsend's 2007 solo album Ziltoid the Omniscient. The main theme of the double album is, according to Townsend, "Ziltoid against the world".
The first album, Ki, was released in May 2009. For Ki, Townsend recruited veteran jazz drummer Duris Maxwell, local bassist Jean Savoie, and the former keyboardist for The Devin Townsend Band, Dave Young. Devin has also recruited Ché Dorval as an additional vocalist.
The second release was titled Addicted. Intended to be a heavy, simplistic, and straightforward rock album, it serves as the bridge from the quieter Ki to the expected zany metal tones of the album following it. The line-up for this album was Ryan Van Poederooyen (also a veteran of The Devin Townsend Band) on the drums, another member of the DTB Brian Waddell on the bass, and Anneke van Giersbergen (notable from The Gathering, Agua De Annique and Ayreon) on guest vocals.
There was an EP released in early 2011. It was only available online (free to download) and named European Tour EP. It featured five live songs, mostly consisting of material from Devin Townsend's solo albums. See more here: http://www.discogs.com/Devin-Townsend-Project-European-Tour-EP/release/2718333
The third and fourth albums were called Deconstruction (which features an array of notable metal musicians and vocalists) and Ghost. Deconstruction and Ghost were released on June 20th, 2011 for both.
Deconstruction features a number of prominent metal musicians as guest vocalists, including Mikael Åkerfeldt, Tommy Giles Rogers, Fredrik Thordendal, Paul Masvidal, Joe Duplantier, Greg Puciato, Ihsahn and other members, including the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.
Conversely, Ghost has a static lineup and "is the mellowest (by far) and prettiest record I've done so far" according to Townsend. The album features Katrina Natale, Mike St-Jean, Dave Young, and Kat Epple along with Townsend himself.
The fifth album, Epicloud, features the widest array of sound for the Devin Townsend Project. A full-length pop-metal album, akin to Addicted, Epicloud boasts 13 positive, in your face, pop-metal songs that distinguish Devin from the large majority of contemporary metal bands. Epicloud's line-up features no new musicians for Devin Townsend, and sees the return of Anneke Van Giersbergen on vocals, Ryan Van Poederooyan on drums, Brian Waddell on bass, and Dave Young on guitar and additional keyboards.
On January 31st 2018, Devin stated on his Facebook profile that the Devin Townsend Project was going on a 'break', while he focuses on a number of other projects he's working on.
HeatWave
Devin Townsend Project Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The lyrics of Devin Townsend's "Heatwave" seem to be about a musician or performer on the road, exhausted from the constant touring but unable to stop. He dreams of going home to Canada but feels obligated to "keep rollin'" and playing shows to provide for his family. The lines about hitting people with a coffee bomb and sinking money into rock and roll suggest a chaotic, frenzied lifestyle, while the references to rain and stars falling on him hint at a longing for peace and stability.
The chorus of "Sweet mornin' rain on the freeway in the evenin' now" is ambiguous, but it could be interpreted as a metaphor for the ups and downs of life on the road. The rain is both sweet and refreshing, but it occurs on the freeway, which can be a dangerous and stressful place. The repetition of the chorus and the phrase "time distilled in me" at the end of the song suggests a sense of resignation or acceptance of this lifestyle.
Overall, "Heatwave" seems to be a commentary on the sacrifices and challenges of being a touring musician, and the tension between the desire for stability and the pressure to keep performing.
Line by Line Meaning
Woah... Well heatwave can't wait on the getaway they hit me with the honey Canada I want to go home But I gotta keep rollin' So I honk-tonk prattle-on hit 'em with a coffee bomb boys gotta make a happy home so let's keep rollin'
Despite the intense heat and desire to escape, there are still responsibilities to attend to. The singer must keep moving forward and continue to work hard. They use lively chatter and energy to keep everyone motivated on the journey.
Sweet mornin' rain On the freeway In the evenin' now Sweet mornin' rain On the freeway In the evenin' It's time distilled in me
The rain brings relief and a refreshing change from the harshness of the heat. The moments on the road become memories that stay with the singer and shape their experiences.
Well I swing through a capillary got some trouble with the down-town fellas while heading for the money hole. better keep rollin' So I sink our money in a little rock and roll Try to keep checking when it's quittin' time I wanna go home Go so slow.
The singer encounters some difficulties and challenges in their journey, but they persist and continue moving towards their goal. They use their resources creatively, investing in and enjoying music to lift their spirits. They look forward to the end of their day and the chance to rest.
Well its all the stars won't fall on me Time keeps rollin' on Well tell it to the King I'm wanna be headin' home to Canada A little bit o' sugar for the honey all alone I'm on the road
Despite feeling small in the grand scheme of things, time keeps moving forward and the artist keeps moving with it. They long to return home and enjoy some sweet moments for themselves. They are resilient in their travels, finding ways to keep going even when alone.
And I hate to have to tell it so I'm never gonna tell it Hypocrite'll tell ya that you're better off to take it all home But you gotta keep rollin'
The artist acknowledges that the truth is difficult to express and that some may pretend to have all the answers. However, they know that the only way to reach their destination is to keep moving forward and never give up.
Sweet mornin' rain On the freeway In the evenin' and Sweet mornin' rain On the freeway In the evenin' Now Sweet mornin' rain On the freeway In the evenin' It's time distilled in me Can only walk the line
The rain becomes a constant companion during the journey and helps the singer endure the challenges they face. Over time, they have learned to keep moving forward and stay on their path, no matter what obstacles stand in their way.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DEVIN GARRETT TOWNSEND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@heavymetalrybakina
Ole Morten Persen
It's that word again - diversity. Politically correct monkeys have been well-trained to use it at any and every opportunity, especially in colleges when praising liberal politics. Makes me snicker every time I hear a young person go on about "diversity!!!" without even having the most basic knowledge about either history, politics, society or economy.
But going back to what that word means in music, shouting out "diversity!" is like saying that quantity is more important than quality.
It's very hipster to seek out "diversity" because that feeds the music fan's ego. "Hey, I listen to all sorts of stuff, so I must be a talented listener!"
Just because a musician expands his music, does NOT necessarily means something good will come out of it. Besides, the VAST majority of composers are good at a narrow range of music. Nobody can be great at everything.
And what's this about "true Devy fans"? I didn't realize there was an EXAM you had to take to become one.
@darrengray1239
There is something beautiful about seeing someone in an Iron Maiden t shirt playing a banjo...
@VAcharya
He can sing anything...! Devy is just awesome.
@Sincemyaccident
Aha ! Well done ;);)
@rxhx
Hah I was pleasantly surprised at around 3:18 he "accidentally" does that perfect country singer voice for a second! I've never heard devy do that vocal anywhere else :D
@clifftotten7609
LOVE THIS SONG!! Only Devin can make a "country" song....sound EPIC!!!!!
@ulfingvar1
One of the best voices in rock music ever!!!!!!
@dask190
This got to be one of cheeriest performances of DTP live
@ryanchapman2636
For anyone interested in the original, Devy has done an amazing job of reimagining Eddie Rabbit's song, Driving my life away. Definitely give it a quick listen if you're in any way inclined towards country.
@DefLubin
Thanks for this reaction.. always wondered what the original was
@Rych
I was beyond happy when this got played, one of my fave live shows I've ever attended.