Devin Townsend / O2 Academy / Bristol
Devin Townsend is one of those artists that I’ve listened to plenty, but somehow never got round to seeing him live. So many friends have raved about his shows and the quality of the performance, so I thought I’d give it a go. Off to the O2 in Bristol and nice to meet up with some fellow photographers I haven’t seen for a while.
First up in support we have Norwegian metal band Fixation who gave us a short half hour set. It’s very hard to fit Fixation into any one genre as like fellow Norwegians The New Death Cult, they have a unique sound of their own that seems to cross boundaries and is hard to categorise. There’s elements of metalcore, rock, post-punk delivered with bright, crisp catchy guitar riffs a great heavy bass and rhythm and the unique vocals of frontman Jonas Wesetrud Hansen. Their 2021 single Stay Awake is absolutely massive sounding so much so you would think there were more instruments on stage, and the Norwegians were a hit with the Bristol audience.
Set List
Neurosis
Stay Awake
Ignore the Disarray
Violent Tendencies
Bloodline
What We Have Done
A bright start, followed by a short break to grab a drink while the stage was re-set ready for the second support Klone. Hailing from Poitiers in France, they are building a reputation for some outstanding alt-metal / rock music, and continuing the long line of brilliant French metal bands such as Gojira, Alcest, Gorod, C.R.O.W.N. and Year of No Light.
Again, like Fixation, it’s hard to pigeonhole Klone into any one style, and having formed in 1995 their list of influences ranges from Meshuggah, Opeth, to Porcupine Tree. There was definitely for me a wonderful Doom Metal vibe going on through the set, with slow complex soundscapes that swirl round you, as singer Yann Linger’s vocals sit perfectly on top of. Reminded me of bands such as Elder and Pallbearer…. No bad thing at all – perhaps demonstrated best by the final track Yonder. There’s even time for a cover of the Bjork track Army of me which works exceptionally well.
A really engaging set, Klone are a band I’ve love to see again doing a longer headline set
Set List
Elusive
Rocket Smoke
Bystander
Keystone
Night and Day
Immersion
Army of Me (Björk cover)
Yonder
Again the crew set to work, removing the drums, mics and cables, and setting up the equipment for tonight’s headliners. The lights dim and out steps Devin Townsend into the spotlight. Originally the founder of extreme metal band Strapping Young Lad in 1994, the Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer he went on to form the Devin Townsend Band, the Devin Townsend Project, and is now currently performing simply as Devin Townsend. The tour follows the release of his latest solo album “Lightwork”, his 23rd studio album !
An imposing figure on stage, with his trademark white Framus Stormbender Signature guitar with LED sights set into the frame, while the set is minimalist with just a name backdrop but with soft octopus toys doted around, on the drum kit and Moog Theremin (signature image from the album artwork).
The supporting band is crammed full of talent with Darby Todd on drums and James Leach on bass. It’s great to see New Yorker Mike Keneally on guitars and keyboards. The perfect accompaniment to Devin, best known for his time in the Frank Zappa Band, having also worked with Dweezil Zappa, Steve Vai and even Norwegian metal legends Ulver !
The set opens with Lightworker from the new album and right from the off, the crowd are lapping up every note. This was my first time seeing Devin live, and he has a brilliantly quirky and individual style, which mixed with his exceptional technical ability, produces a highly entertaining, and engaging experience. Kingdom has the crowd rocking and singing along to the lyrics. The Octopus carrying Theremin is a great addition. It always strikes me as a difficult instrument to use, specially live, but it’s seamless here.
One of the highlights of the set is a great version of the anthemic Deadhead. But for me the two top highlights are the performance of Deep Peace from the 2001 album “Terria” on which Devin’s vocals are absolutely spot on, with a wonderful soft guitar performance at the start, before the track builds in power and depth. One that really showcases the talents of Mike Keneally. Then later in the set, Spirits Will Collide taken from the 2019 album “Empath” which soars and has an almost orchestral feel to it. Beautiful.
As the set draws to an end, Devin takes us right back to his early days with Strapping Young Lad, and a raw, intense delivery of their iconic track Love? Mike’s performance on guitar is outstanding and Devin’s vocals scream out over the harsh heavy riffs. Just sensational !
A fantastic night, with three very different bands, who gel together well, and a headliner with a vast array of styles and sounds, every track giving you something different. I wonder why now, I haven’t seen him before. It won’t be long before I do again !
Set List
Lightworker
Kingdom
Dimensions
The Fluke
Deadhead
Deep Peace
Heartbreaker
Spirits Will Collide
Truth
Bad Devil
Why?
Call of the Void
Love? (Strapping Young Lad song)
