Everything on Ziltoid The Omniscient was done by Devin Townsend himself, and for a one man project it's incredibly impressive. However given the success of SYL and Alien from Strapping Young Lad, it's hard to not expect the best from a genius such as him. But the best part about this is, while some of his works are conceptual, this one actually tells a science fiction tale of a guitar playing alien who comes to Earth looking for our "finest" cup of coffee, after which all mayhem ensues, and a rather punch out ending.

"Ziltoid The Omniscient" seems to be a blend of the best from both worlds, much like how "The New Black" was a blend for Strapping Young Lad. The only difference is that this one sounds better and more ferocious. Even the drums, for being done on a drum machine, sound impressive. At times the album is just insane, a song later it can be slow and melodic, and another moment the music nearly dies as the story progresses with Devin Townsend reading the dialogue for all the characters in the tale. The only drawback to all this is the punch out ending, which suits the style and timing with Devin Townsend publicaly announcing the end of both bands.

The final Devin Townsend album (more than likely just for now) is incredible for a project that took possibly the shortest time to record, mix, track, etc., by one man. You'll chuckle, you'll head bang, you'll relax, you'll realize this CD is much more then just another Devin Townsend release and embrace the insanity of its writer's mind with open arms.

[Editor's comment: Devin Townsend has announced the end of touring with both Strapping Young Lad and the Devin Townsend Band but he is planning on contunuing release music on his own, this being his first real solo outing.]

written by Jason Thomas Weiss

Playing time: 53.51