Hevy Devy/Inside Out [Release date 29.03.19]
Devin Townsend has rested his Project and with ‘Empath’ we have his first solo album since ‘Ziltoid’. Guests include regular contributor Anneke van Giersbergen, Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger, Frank Zappa alumni Mike Keneally as music director, Steve Vai and the Elektra Women’s Choir.
Explaining the rationale behind the album Devin said “Empath, true to the name, is about allowing the audience a feeling for a variety of musical emotions. The musical dynamics represented on this single album are broad, challenging, and immense.” It is indeed his most varied album so far, one minute choral parts on ‘Requiem’ and then out and heavy metal in the Strapping Young Lad vein on ‘Hear Me’ (Chad Kroeger guests on this one).
Spoken word on the dark fairy tale ‘Sprite’ harks to the ‘Ziltoid’ days, whilst ‘Why?’ is a whimsical classical piece with a West End production – well until the growls kick in. Now there’s an album, Dev does the classics – a Hooked On Dev.
‘Genesis’ (the drumming on this is something else and the disco parts simply adds to the overall fun) and ‘Spirits Will Collide’ are the album’s most instant songs. The latter cleverly mixing choirs and the uplifting choruses he does so well.
‘Singularity’ is the album’s epic piece, clocking in at over twenty three minutes. It encompasses choral parts, metal bombast and a very melodic and uplifting final five minutes, similar to anything of the excellent ‘Epicloud’ album.
Make sure you listen on headphones so you don’t miss any of the musical treats and cats!
The musical genius and enigma that is Devin Townsend continues to entertain and amaze in equal measure. ‘Empath’ is his musical manifesto containing parts of all his musical adventures to date and whilst not every song may appeal, there is plenty on here for everyone. ****1/2
Review by Jason Ritchie
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
Next session: Sunday 19 January
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 1 December 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 3 December 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
