Aliens Attack
Strapping Young Lad is the main workhorse of prog-guitar wizard and acclaimed producer (Lamb Of God and Soilwork), Devin Townsend.
Townsend is the purveyor of his own-patented brand of sub-industrial metal with mega fast chugging guitar and off kilter vocals from the man himself. The former Steve Vai guitarist has gained a notorious reputation of being an accomplished guitar player.
Shitstorm sounds like what the name implies, an aural painting of psychopathic murderer's mind. Townsend screams sound so unsettling, you wonder if any is alright up there in that musical genius' head. Love? has splashes of melody against a double-bass kick drum action. Shine almost dives into a death metal and grindcore mode with the growls that come from the gut of Townsend. We Ride, features a surprise guitar solo that shreds and squeals against the backdrop of the constant fist to face noise that is called music.
It is difficult to forget that Strapping Young Lad is a quartet as opposed to Townsend's pet project (the guy has his own band for that). The rhythm section features ex-Testament drummer Gene Holgan and current Fear Factory bassist Byron Stroud. The latter's other day job complements the monstrously heavy cyber metal that SYL churn out.
Alien is about as discreet as an atomic bomb. With the ambiguity of the song title it makes the listener wonder what the hell is going to go one next. Just as well SYL did go through with that cover of Tom Jones What's New Pussy Cat.
Few bands can get away with this down tuned and mind numbingly heavy. Along with Sweden's Meshuggah, Strapping Young Lad are pushing the boundaries of heavy music be seemingly giving the extremity of their unique sounds such powerful depth.
Alien is a welcome return for Strapping Young Lad and does not let in giving the listener something to head bang to (That is if you want to break your neck). You have been warned.