In 1998, just after the release of Strapping Young Lad's City, Devin Townsend released a new album entitled Biomech. Biomech was originally released under the band name Ocean Machine and Townsend himself explained that Ocean Machine was the opposite of Strapping Young Lad in the way that the songs were in a more mellow and progressive style, rather than the metallic industrial thrashings of SYL. Devin saw his music in colours and explained that Ocean Machine was blue whereas Strapping Young Lad was red. Bass duties on Biomech were handled by JR Harder while the drums were performed by Marty Chapman. Townsend completed all other instrumentation on the album, which includes vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, synthesizer, all production on the album and of course all song writing duties. A video was made for the track Life, easily Biomech's most mainstream song.
In 1998, Strapping Young Lad released their first live recordings on an EP titled No Sleep 'Til Bedtime. It was just before the EP was released when Devin announced he and SYL drummer Gene Hoglan would be entering the studio to work on a new project called Infinity. It was assumed at the time that Infinity would be a new "band" similar to Ocean Machine. The music Infinity would be coloured white, according to Townsend.
When Infinity was released, it was to the surprise of Devin's fans as the artist was credited as Devin Townsend and the album as Infinity. Previously it was assumed Infinity would be the band name. The second surprise was the nude photograph of Devin that was used as the cover art. The artwork for the disc was completely white with a naked Devin crouching (covering his more "explicit" body parts) and grinning like a madman. This image was unlike we'd seen from Devin thus far, and obviously exposed a more personal side of Devin Townsend... much like the album itself. A video and single/EP was released for the stand-out track Christeen, but as with Life, Devin was dissatisfied with the outcome as he believes his music doesn't translate well to film.
It was also with the release of Infinity that Strapping Young Lad began playing songs from Biomech and Infinity as a separate set to the main SYL material. On shorter support slots, Devin's solo material was integrated with the main set.
During this era, Devin began working with Jason Newsted (who was still a member of Metallica at the time) and the pair of them, along with Tom Hunting of Exodus, completed a 3 track demo under the name IR8. After this, Devin and Jason began talking publicly about a new project they were working on called Physicist (or Fizzicist) which they claimed would be "heavier than Strapping Young Lad". The IR8 tape was leaked, and aired by a Californian radio station that James Hetfield of Metallica was currently listening to. Metallica were unhappy with Jason working outside of their band and made it difficult for him to continue with Physicist. This prompted Devin to record the album himself with his Strapping Young Lad bandmates, but as a Devin Townsend album.
Physicist's combination of speed metal with more mellow "pop" melody was a massive hit with fans and critics alike.
Townsend followed up Physicist with Terria, a warm and organic progressive album that had more atmospheric and soothing parts than crushing riffs. Terria was recorded with Gene Hoglan on drums, Craig McFarland on bass and Jamie Meyer on keyboards. The shows to promote Terria were performed by Strapping Young Lad under the name 'Devin Townsend', and featured a mixture of all Devin's solo material, with a few SYL tracks thrown in. It started to become obvious that Devin's body of solo material was more than large enough to have it's own tour.
In February 2003, Strapping Young Lad released their self titled follow up to City (SYL). A month later (March 31), The Devin Townsend Band was officially formed as a separate entity from SYL, with a brand new line-up (Devin being the only member of both bands). The DTB released Accelerated Evolution and for the first time, the two bands toured separately for their separate albums.
Accelerated Evolution was released to grandiose praise from critics, fans and musicians like Steve Vai. It is also the first album released by The Devin Townsend Band.
A live "in studio" DVD was included as a bonus with the Special Edition of the second and final Devin Townsend Band album Synchestra, released January 30, 2006 to overwhelmingly positive reviews. Devin describes Synchestra thus:
"It's a really dynamic, colorful, and long thing thats been worked on now in some instances since before 'Infinity'. This record won't demand much from you, it will be an inviting and a summery nature theme. Theres some dark bits, but just for color, and nothing imposing. It plays like a movie. oh...and it's biiiiigggggggggg." (HevyDevy Forums May 31, 2005).
The video for the first single from Synchestra: Vampira - first aired online March 17, 2006.
Current Line-Up:
Devin Townsend - Guitar, Vocals, Keyboards, Programming
Brian Waddell - Guitar
Mike Young - Bass
Ryan van Poederooyen - Drums
Dave Young - Keyboards
Gaia
The Devin Townsend Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Feel good Mordecai
Known exactly where she's been
Sooner or later well the, fear's gonna hunt you down.
Tell me everything you feel
The fear is overwhelming
The air is getting thin
I'd known where I'd begin
And I'm running on empty.
See the lady, dueling motor care
Knows exactly what she's seen.
It seems like every moment when the wind it blows
and the will it goes and I'm waiting...
...I'm still waiting
Sphere the sense of self my call
Is the lightning in the rain
Seen the lights of hell my soul is sure to find again
And you're running the nails...
Seen the world through everybody's eyes
to know you have to go alone...
The lyrics to “Gaia” by The Devin Townsend Band is a compelling portrayal of human existence and the connection between individuals and the natural world. The song begins with a reference to Gaia, the ancient Greek goddess of the earth, as “She’s a woman.” This description invokes a deep sense of reverence for the natural world and suggests that the earth is not just a lifeless rock hurtling through space, but a living and breathing entity.
The lyrics then turn to the idea of fear, which is something that all humans experience. The fear is described as overwhelming and it will eventually catch up with everyone, no matter how much they try to avoid it. This represents the universal struggle that we all face as we strive to survive in a chaotic and unpredictable world.
The song then touches on the idea of self-discovery and finding one’s place in the world. The lyrics suggest that in order to truly know oneself and understand the world, one must be willing to go on a journey of self-discovery, even if it means going alone. Ultimately, “Gaia” is a song about the interconnectedness of all things, and the importance of finding one’s place in the grand scheme of things.
Line by Line Meaning
She's a woman
The song refers to Mother Earth or Gaia, often personified as a woman.
Feel good Mordecai
This line is nonsensical and seems to be included for its rhythm and sound rather than meaning.
Known exactly where she's been
Gaia, as the Earth, is incredibly old and has existed for eons, so she knows exactly where she's been in the past.
Sooner or later well the, fear's gonna hunt you down.
No matter who you are or what you do, fear will eventually catch up to you.
Tell me everything you feel
The line is repeated multiple times throughout the song, encouraging listeners to be honest with themselves and express their emotions.
The fear is overwhelming
The feeling of fear can become all-encompassing and overwhelming.
The air is getting thin
Metaphorically, the air is becoming thin because of the presence of fear or anxiety.
Seems to save myself my friend, I'd known where I'd begin
To overcome fear or anxiety, one needs a clear starting point or plan.
And I'm running on empty.
The artist or protagonist is feeling depleted or exhausted.
See the lady, dueling motor care
This line is ambiguous and open to interpretation. It could refer to a woman in a car race or a personification of Gaia in a powerful vehicle.
Knows exactly what she's seen.
As the Earth, Gaia has seen everything that has ever happened and knows all.
It seems like every moment when the wind it blows and the will it goes and I'm waiting...
The artist is waiting for something to happen, but it feels like time is standing still.
...I'm still waiting
The repetition of this line emphasizes the feelings of stagnation or inaction.
Sphere the sense of self my call
This line is unclear and could refer to finding one's personal identity or sense of purpose.
Is the lightning in the rain
This metaphor suggests that amidst difficult or challenging situations, something illuminating or enlightening may still be present.
Seen the lights of hell my soul is sure to find again
The artist has experienced difficult times in the past and is acknowledging that they may encounter similar situations in the future.
And you're running the nails...
This line is unclear and could be interpreted in a few different ways, such as running a business or constantly working hard.
Seen the world through everybody's eyes
To truly understand the world and other people, one must be empathetic and try to see things from multiple perspectives.
to know you have to go alone...
Despite understanding others and their experiences, everyone has to go through life and its challenges alone.
Contributed by Ella D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.