My Top 20 of 2012 – Number 15

Can it already be day six of my Top 20 of 2012 countdown? Blimey, time flies.

Missed Day five? Check it here. And whilst you’re at it, check out days 1, 2, 3 and 4 too.

Devin Townsend Project
‘Epicloud’
HevyDevy Records/Inside Out Records

The fact that this next album features in my Top 20 will surprise very few of you. What may surprise you is the positioning within my list. The album in question? ‘Epicloud’ by Devin Townsend.

There is no getting away from the fact that this Canadian is just a little bit bonkers. He also happens to be a bona-fide genius and a massive workaholic to boot. Not content with releasing a quick-fire four albums under the Devin Townsend Project moniker, in no time at all, the dude is back with yet another album. And guess what? It is amazing.

‘Epicloud’ displays everything that is great about this artist – it is full of quality and full of positive inspiration. What I particularly like about ‘Epicloud’ is the sense of euphoria and positivity that it conveys built around an insanely catchy framework. Almost every track is a beautifully-crafted and rather immediate slab of progressive rock/metal that does real justice to the Devin Townsend franchise.

So, why is it only at number 15? It is difficult to say. However, I think the sheer volume of top quality material coming from this quarter recently has an effect. I adore ‘Ki’,’Ghost’ and ‘Deconstruction’, so the fact that I like this has come as no real surprise. I’m sure this album will rise up my list over time but for now, based on time spent listening, this positioning currently feels about right.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFd-eLqqVCA&w=560&h=315]

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_XHSdayJ-E&w=560&h=315]