Arab Man Reacts to DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT - Deadhead [LIVE at Royal Albert Hall] 

"He's so polite though... even when he's cussing" .. well... Devin IS Canadian, after all... lol

Been a Devin Townsend fan for a long time, so I'll try to answer a few of your questions and give a little background, but I'm by no means an expert and my opinions are only my own. I'm sure other commenters will fill in the gaps or correct me where I'm wrong. This is gonna get long, since DT has had a long and winding career, so bear with me, sorry. Devin started out singing for Steve Vai back in the early 90s, and shortly after that formed an extreme metal band called Strapping Young Lad, mainly because he was pissed off at the music industry and wanted to do something that was everything the music industry hated as a big middle finger to it. SYL lasted about a dozen years (broke up in 2006 iirc - I saw them on Ozzfest that year and they split up after that tour), and in that time honestly their music was about a decade ahead of what everyone else in metal was doing. It's fast, brutal, and oftentimes musically complex, but at the same time you can still hear the beginnings of what would come to be a signature feature of Devin's music - beauty juxtaposed with brutality. Some of my favorite SYL tracks are "Relentless", "Love?", "Wrong Side", and "Almost Again". While this was going on, DT made several albums on the side, both under his own name and under "Devin Townsend Band". This was music that was not nearly as heavy as SYL and wouldn't fit on one of there records, where Devin needed an outlet for it and a musical place to explore other styles and genres. I'll be honest, I'm not as familiar with this period, as it's my least favorite of his work, personally (but again, my opinion is just my own), but this song, "Deadhead", dates from this period. Also, the live trio of "Funeral", "Bastard", and "The Death of Music" is well worth experiencing - it's ethereal, emotional, and moving. After SYL ended, Devin did a solo album called Ziltoid, which was a metal concept album, telling the story of Ziltoid the Omniscient, an alien who comes to earth threatening to destroy it if he is not provided with our finest cup of coffee. It's a funny but musically interesting album. "By Your Command" and "Hyperdrive" are worth checking out there. Then came the Devin Townsend Project - a full time band under Devin's name which is the lineup in this video. Originally, Devin put the band together intending to do 4 very specific albums, though they actually did 8. Those first 4 albums comprised music of very different genres and styles, each one different. "Ki" was kind of... mellow adult contemporary, I guess? I struggle with that album, to be honest. There are some interesting songs there, but as an album, it doesn't hold my attention, and there's nothing on it I'd really recommend. "Addicted" is more of a straight ahead rock album, and has some real gems on it. "Universe in a Ball!", "Supercrush!", a completely different version of "Hyperdrive!", "Ih-Ah", and "Numbered!" are all outstanding tracks. "Deconstruction" was his response to fans/critics who were pestering him to do more heavy, complicated stuff, since at that point it had been several years since he'd done anything like that. The result is my personal favorite album in his discography - pure heavy, progressive madness. Definitely check out "Juular" and the title track "Deconstruction" (both of which include guest vocalists from other big metal bands, to answer your question about collaborations). "Ghost" is complete 180 from "Deconstruction". It's soft, ambient, atmospheric music - the kind that would be great for meditation. Personally, I hate it. It's just not my bag. But I know there are folks out there who love it. That's fine - it would be a boring world if we all liked all the same things. But I can't recommend anything off it. There were 4 more DTP albums, which basically just refined the sound of that band, and resulted in some really great tracks on various albums (including a sequel to Ziltoid) - in no particular order, "Kingdom", "Stormbending", "March of the Poozers", and the live performance of "Grace" are all worth checking out. At some point along the way, he also did an album called "Casualties of Cool", which is actually more of a country/blues album. I struggle with this album, personally. Again, it's just not my taste, though the musicianship on it is amazing. Finally (sorry for writing a book), just last year Devin Townsend released his most recent album, "Empath", just under his own name (and with a host of great musicians, but not DTP). Personally, I think this album is a masterpiece. It fully synthesizes all the different styles and genres that Devin has been exploring for the last 25 years into a cohesive whole, and the result is hard to believe. If you wan to react to some of his most recent stuff, I cannot recommend highly enough "Genesis" (though recognize that this acts as an overture of the album more than a song in its own right, so it's very chaotic), "Spirits Will Collide" (this song is balm for the soul, I swear), "Hear Me", and "Why?". I particularly like and would recommend reacting to the latter two as a pair. They appear one after the other on the album, and are hugely different - "Hear Me" being brutal, face-melting intensity, and "Why?" being light, airy, almost musical theater, and I think that contrast is amazing to behold. Anyway, I'll sum up by saying I think Devin Townsend is one of the true musical geniuses of our time. His range is broader than any other musician I can think of, and I guarantee if you don't like one thing he does, there's something else in his catalog you will like. In any case, you'll be impressed. Check out any of the tracks I mentioned, and maybe some other commenters will bring up stuff I've forgotten.

This performance is even more amazing when you find out he was sick for weeks before this concert and had to adapt his voice for this show. Highly HIGHLY recommend The Death of Music from this same concert.

"Is this that crazy Canadian dude?" LMAO!

Check out the live performance of "Grace" from the retinal circus with Anekke van Giersbergen

Certainly check out “kingdom” and “higher” as others have suggested... but if you really want to attune yourself with the madness that is Mr. Townsend check out “love?” By strapping young lad (his former band) - the music video is pure gold just like the man behind the mic. Love your reactions to nightwish/devy so far.

Welcome to "Devyland", friend! What you said about not knowing what to expect was very true. Devin does: Prog, Metal, Bluegrass, Country, New Age/Ambient, Rock, Broadway-style, Pop, Boogie, Comedy... You get the idea. He treats his fans like gold, too. "Funeral", "Bastard", and "The Death of Music" at the Royal Albert Hall is one of the great performances of all time. Devin Townsend is real.

You mentioned the word opera at the end there ... have a listen to 'Why?' ... I think its as near to opera that I've heard Devin do!! lol ... A lot of people say Deadhead is Devin's best but there's so many good tracks. I'd suggest a listen to The death of music from the same concert at the royal albert hall, a real goosebumps moment!!

Imagine getting to play guitar live with this band Then imagine the ability to be able to sing at that level at same time. What a magical moment.

Great reaction mate, you should almost consider doing a Townsend Tuesday or something. You would have a legion of fans following every week I promise! This man has so many faces, you will find something new with each video. You want brutal heavy? Got it. You want love? Got it You want country,gospel or blues... You get the picture. I look forward to more

The "sock puppet" is Ziltoid. This concert at RAH was part of his "Z2" tour. When he's playing Deadhead, this is the second part of the concert playing some of his hits. Z2 is almost like rock opera, about an alien who is invading earth for the coffee. Funny thing is, Ziltoid looks just like Devin did back when he was with Strapping Young Lad and had a skullet (think of a mullet, but bald on the top of his head). From this same concert, I'd recommend the video trifecta (which can be viewed all together) of "Funeral", "Bastard", and "the Death of Music". Also, from the Z2 album, I'd suggest checking out "March of the Poozers".

You want more ? Okay, Devin Townsend Project "Kingdom Live at EMG TV" . Btw thank you so much for this, it makes me happy, that you like this :)

Yeah it pisses me off too when i see bands or artists like Devin, Nightwish, Epica, Kamelot...not being even close to have the recognition they should deserve in the whole music industry. Yeah, we all know they are fucking amazing musicians and singers...yet it's the like oif Justin Bieber that are booked everywhere. I do understand the reason why behind this reality, but people needs to educate themselves a bit more about music, and get out the god damn pop comfort zone they are and stays in, experience music that is a bit more complexe and to understand that this is a whole world they are missing out.

now we absolutely need Jinjer - Pisces

You reacted to this the same way I did! I had to re-watch the ending part so many times because of how insanely powerful and passionate his screams are at the end. This video never gets old to me!

Can I also recommend a song that isn't often reacted to called "universal flame" live from the same show. My wife calls it pure musical joy. It's also Devys sons favorite song and he brings him out.

I saw him do a lockdown collab with Sepultura the other day, wild!

'we need to listen to that again'. Yes. Yes we do.

Insane? Yes! Collabs? Anneke!

I strongly recommend checking out his performance of Kingdom on EMG Live

I loved your reaction to Devin. Awesome! He "suddenly appeared" (you will understand once you hear the song) as a singer for legend Steve Vai in the early 90s. "In my Dreams With You" You MUST check this video out. It's one of the best videos of the 90s for a very special reason. I was about 15 when I saw it for the first time. Blew me away, but it took me a few minutes to understand why. A few years later, be it '96 or '97 I stumbled across Strapping Young Lad... The rest is history an Devin is a God... 😂

He sang with Steve Vai on Sex and Religion...the first time I saw him. I've been a fan since then.

THANKS FOR THE REACTION! Waiting for "The Death Of Music", Kingdom" and "Bastard". Devin Townsend is ALL power and confidence. Vocally, his technique is incredible: from full chest clean voice to medium "fry vocals" (growl in tune) to high pitch scream to head voice and back like it's nothing while slaying the guitar and having absolute crowd control and stage presence. PS: When Devin was 19, one of the guitar gods, Steve Vai, invited him to sing in his band. He thanked but said no because he thought music was much more and he wanted to explore it, make his own way. Devin Townsend got a legion of fans around the world with his music, no "Simon Cowells" controling his songs, his style. He is his own Art.

Dude, I just have to say, your channel is so much FUN! I found you accidentally, as one of your reaction videos came up on autoplay while I had something else on in the background while working at home during this crazy Covid crisis. I had to subscribe, and I think I've watched almost all of your videos this afternoon. Keep up the good work. And if you are looking for more songs to react to, I have a couple of strong recommendations: (1) Jinjer - Pisces; and (2) Epica - Consign To Oblivion (live at Zenith)

Everyone are suggesting « Kingdom » but seriously every reacting Chanel have done it. It’s a great song but if you want to really explore the univers of devin Townsend , check « genesis » from his last album. The video and the music are pure genius, a condensate of his universe. A way far better song to dive in his world. BTW really good job man on your Chanel 🤘🏻

Is it that the crazy Canadian dude? We're all crazy up here... but yes... yes he is.

The sock puppet is Ziltoid. Devin made two concept albums about an alien looking for the ultimate cup of coffee, and he errr was rather disappointed with the fetid drink Earth gave him.

I really appreciate you, I really enjoy your reactions... because wow, it says something about you, about what you think about music right? Okay I was wandering.... anyway great reaction!✌❤T.NoBoDY

You've been Devyed :)

Miss this bunch together 🙁 Devy is Lord!

Just got into Devin Townsend about a year ago his band continues to surprise me and blow me away Devin for me has to be the most creative musician I've heard and I listen to a wide range of genres.Devin rocks

You asked if he did any collaborations. Since you have been reacting to Nightwish I feel I should mention that he has collaborated with Floor Jansen at least twice, as far as I know. On the song "Pandemic" on his "Deconstruction" album ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-QaenmnFl0Yg.html , and also on "'The Anatomy of a Nervous Breakdown': Neurasthenia" by the band ReVamp ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-iXUjlIsUZvI.html Both well worth checking out. There are so many songs to recommend, from both the albums Devin has put out under his own name and from his previous band Strapping Young Lad, from the beautiful and mellow to the heavy and aggressive. But I would say that if you want a good laugh, check out the official video for Vampira. The song is great and the video... Well, the video speaks for itself.

You want to feel love? React 'ih ah!' by devin.. and anneke..

Spirits will Collide is the first video I ever saw of his & fell in love with this guy & his music! First Nightwish & now Devin Townsend! I subscribed already....keep up with the great music!

I get the Staind comment, slowed down dropped guitars without complicated melodies and lots of distortion. When his voice kicks in he leaves them in the dust though.

He is unique, is a genius. I love that talented, crazy and funny man. 💞

For Devins agressive side I recommend Juular, for experimental madness there is Genesis and for sweet sweet space country n´western anything from the Casualites of Cool album.

Check out Floor Jansen guest appearing with Devin Townsend. www.floorjansen.com/albums/deconstruction

Did anyone mention he was also part of Steve vai's primarily as the singer but also played guitar.

It's hard to believe, but Devin's is even more glorious with this song in Plovdiv. Btw, I highly recommend "Higher" from Plovdiv.

Do Bastard, Funeral and The Death of Music from the same show.

If you want to hear one of Devin's colaborations listen to Casualties of Cool (ft. Ché Aimee). it's awesome feel-good flowy album.

Saw Devin live with AVATAR... he is amazing! I believe he played with Steve Vai for a long time. He likes props..... Puppet.

Check out Devins first band band Strapping young lad - Detox....crazy fast and loud

I’ve only occasionally watched reaction videos, but when I found reactions for this particular performance, I’ve tried to find as many as I can. It’s been such a delight to witness people discovering Devin. It’s so satisfying to watch people realize that they’re in the presence of greatness. I can tell how much you appreciated it. Nice that you seemed to be reacting for fun, rather than begging for likes and subscriptions - which is why I liked and subscribed. Looking forward to more of your videos.

You have to listen Strapping Young lad, her second band, and my favorite. Is more extreme. "LOVE?" that song.

He has actually collabed with THE goddess Floor Jansen. In 2011 they released a song called .....wait for it.......Pandemic. Did they predict the future? Well,both are being called non humans for theyr abilities,so maybe they did. Sadly i had a hard time finding a live recorded performance with them both. But the audio is on YT under: Devin Townsend Project - Pandemic.

Yes, Deadhead is one of his epic songs, but all of Devin's are epic! Deadhead was a loveletter of sorts to his wife when they were going through a difficult time. "Funeral" was written when he was 17, and is about a friend of his that was killed over an article of clothing. Another commenter had mentioned about his album Empath and some of the songs like "Spirits Will Collide" which is an anti-suicide song, and "why" which IIRC is about social anxiety. It should be interesting to note that Devin has some social anxiety himself, which contributes to his over-the-top personality on stage. He's composed, played, mixed, and produced entire albums on his own. He's a master at the "wall of sound" style.

Well, he wasn’t exactly cussing….. he was taunting his own audience for not being able to clap in tempo……. and they fucking loved him for it……..

The sock puppet is related to the Ziltoid performance earlier in the show. You should absolutely react to The March Of The Poozers. Or the entirety of the Ziltoid performance. It's a rock opera about aliens invading earth haha

This is probably up there as top 5 fan favorites I´d say. This is off his Accelerated evolution album under the name devin townsend band. He´s gone through alot of different iterations over the years, every "chunk" consisting of him making a couple of releases with a set band. What I´d summarize his music as is essentially trying to express what he IS and is going through at any given time. Which somehow manages to end up being a very chaotic mix of ABBA and progmetal(lol) to different proportions throughout the years.

Listen to Hear Me super creative and heavy.Also listen to Sprite also super creative and soft.

Devin has been around for MANY years, hes covered just about all the genres too, not a one tone artiest at all. He puts the mainstream bands to shame IMHO. A lot of his music aren't just songs, they are literal story's that he takes you on a journey with. There is so MUCH great music that hes produced that you would be doing your self a disservice as well as him to not explore it all. Devin is a true Legend!

First tune I heard from Devin was War from his Retinal Circus youtube video. The stage show is off the charts, the music is spot on and his sense of humor hooked me. Super Crush with Anneke is probably my favorite. Hard to find better melding of voices than theirs.

If you want to do more of Devin look in to this song: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-E1Gwtep2oXw.html with Anneke van Giersbergen. She is the former Vocal Lead of The Gathering and reason we have Floor Jansen. Floor heared The Gathering perform Strange Machines: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1HUMwinV2AQ.html and decided she wanted that too. And the rest is a very interesting history for both Dutch ladies and others: Simone Simons (Epica), Sharon den Adel (Within Tempatation), Charlotte Wessels (Delain).

The guy is amazing. How to describe him ? First up nobody comes close Hes is an unreal talent, from working with Steve vai straight away you could see someone streets ahead of everyone else. There is a nice guy who can sing anything with fantastic diction and his alter ego waiting to escape he is one of a kind. His music comes from a place nobody else has ever been Thats the best way to describe him and the only way to discover him is go look for yourself. Nobody can help you. Enjoy the ride Oh floor has worked with heavy devy

You might like A Perfect Circle, it's maynard from tool but with a cool groove kinda like this in my opinion.

this song particularly at that point does remind Staind, but in general it's completely different.

I have to say, you have one of the loveliest personality! I just want to hang out with you and discuss about everything. :D

Singing can be done. Screaming can be done. Singing, then screaming, then singing again is most likely more easily said than done.

Been a month since you revisited Devin?! You’re better than that. Do better.😜

Make sure to listen to the Ocean Machine album. Its one of my favorites.

That fucking camel...just cracks me up every time I see it.

And War is one of my fav live videos. Thanks for this, it was fun to watch.

I love how just to prove he's an Arab to us he had to put a shawarma rod in the thumbnail lmao

His coming has been foretold. And will be loved by all..

Enjoying your reactions, I appreciate the content ✊

Fun fact: The keyboardist actually hates performing live (being in front of the big crowd), earlier he was doing the synths behind the stage mut Devin made him come out to stage to perform.

You should definitely try Deftones.

Aaron Lewis is a bad ass... I love Staind.

LOVED the reaction, bro! Respect from Iran. Lots of music on my mind to suggest right now. But I wished I knew which artists you already listen to. I mean I noticed a Pink Floyd poster on your wall in some other video, but what else?

do opeth's ghost of perdition please.

Listen Devin Townsend Proyect - Higher/Live Plovdiv Kingom / EMG 💗

man i would love to see more devin videos from you.

This is not your basic three-chord rock music. This guy employs really interesting chord progressions and harmonies. Beautiful and heavy at the same time.

He makes me proud to be from Canada.

Take that Stain comment back.

Now I want schwarma.

Staind? Really..... Staind? It started off so well too.

The pride of Canada

welp, wait 'till he finds out about Tatjana... (:

Fake, he knows the song

He has no run of the mil songs

Wait until you bump into Strapping Young Lad, the past band of Devy we all wanna hear as OST to the Apocalypse :)))))

I would compare it much more to a Deftones sound in this particular song. I’m sure once you think about it (if you know their work) you’ll be like “Ohhh yes!” His stuff is vast and covers a lot so I can’t say he has a genre. He IS a genre!

Zilton the Omnom.

You must listen three masterpieces in one shot....Funeral,bastard,the death of music......devin's World.

react to a-wa and dio

Hate the cuts.

Please fix the audio for the actual song. I wanna hear it like you hear it.

This is his chill music lol. Check out Grace live, Kingdom on EMGtv, or check out his Deconstruct album, particularly The Mighty Masturbator.

I've watched a few of your reaction videos and have enjoyed them. I like your ability to recognize the talent of the artists and can tell you know music. Keep going with Nightwish, they are incredible. Another band I discovered via watching reaction videos is Jinjer from the Ukraine. Very talented band. (also I heard you say you are in Lebanon. If you are in Beirut I pray you were not affected by the horrible explosion in the Port. Greetings from USA.)

I like you as a reactor, subscribed right away. So (I hope you know already) there is Dewin and Anekke concert. Please react to Grace. All the best. p.s. I cant wait for you to get into more Nightwish and Metallica.

Where are all the suggestions for "The Death Of Music" You're gonna love it! Even Devin himself has goosebumps all over while singing and playing. It's beautiful. And what did he do... What a great question. Oh my man i wonder about that too. But i'm pretty sure i know something about it. He had a song on his record "Ocean Machine" from 1997 titled "3:AM". If your question means what a think it does, this might tell you what he did. Otherwise, nevermind :p I had to sub. You're pretty cool. I'd love to see your reaction to "The death of Music" and "Bastard" Both from Royal Albert Hall.

In my opinion his most powerful piece of music is The Death of Music, it builds like no other song I know and the live versions (either at Plovdiv or the Royal Albert) are absolutely mind-blowing. Definitely check it out.

Keep coming back to this every now and then. Just the most genuine,quite possibly best reaction to Devin and this very performance! He is a rollercoaster of emotions and impressions,isnt he?

"Ooh.. My fingers are numb... Can I deprive my brain of oxigen!?" .. (for those in the know ;) Salam my friend. I really enjoy your vids man. Shukran'. I havent heard Devin for ages.. Until now. If you want to get a decent introduction into Devin l suggest you listen to the album ' Sex & Religion ' from Steve Vai. I actually hated it.. at first. (wasn't used to his vocal style.. at that time. ( >> 1993

There is many a great song by Devin from the incredibly fast racing tempo of “Juular” to arguably the most delicate and beautiful song ever “ih-ah”.

I have the audio CD of this performance and he says between songs that he's trying to act all cool but then realizes where he's playing and geeks out. That's where he's smiling and having the time of his life.

Awesome reaction, love Devin. Search more and more, he never disappoints.