LIVE REVIEW: Devin Townsend @ Academy, Manchester

We shall begin things with a little catch-up, incase anyone was living in some kind of paradox of our music world. The last time the humble enigma machine DEVIN TOWNSEND played in our neck of the woods was at the Manchester Academy 2 in 2021. The fans was treated with a stripped-down acoustic set and a full heavy performance, while being dressed in a pyjama/blazer look before heading over to headline Bloodstock Festival fields in a post-pandemic climate. Now, with his latest record Lightwork being released to the public, the eclectic virtuoso was ready to show off the magnetism with the right pinch of modesty to his Manchester Academy viewers.

While not being freely familiar to the congregation but to a mere few at the front row, opening the proceedings for the evening were Norwegians FIXATION. Right from the start of their performance, the quartet’s focus on stimulating insight to their clean and outwardly melodic take on metalcore was set. The melodies and choruses soared to heights unreached all the while knowing that it may mean little to the speedily filling hall. Their impact made from their sound was a joy to experience as leader Jonas Wesetrud Hansen prowled on stage while making smooth changes between the harsh and the harmonious. The reception the Scandinavians received was respectful all while their onlookers could be seen with their feet tapping. As the band kept moments fresh with a suitable choice of songs for the evening, this could be one of the newer acts that could lead the path alongside bands such as HOLDING ABSENCE.

Rating: 8/10

KLONE  were no strangers when it came to continuously delivering in a live setting. Vocalist Yann Ligner hypnotises all with hints of melancholy while invoking controlled power through the freshly released Elusive and the heavily progressive Rocket Smoke. From their newest release Meanwhile, the entrancing Bystander brought more strong interest of how the song travelled freely and at times, chillingly. Swayed through the airwaves was Night & Day, which showed off more atmospheric trips with some gorgeous passages coming from Keystone. The French progressive metal outfit played their own uniquely  Army of Me by Icelandic artist BJÖRK that added a new keen flare to their set. Ending their performance was the elegantly heavy epic Yonder, KLONE left the room with a thirst that not only impressed their crowd, but to continuously express the group’s overall remarkable talent in their near 30 year careers.

Rating: 8/10

While the occasion was a modest affair, the gracious virtuoso admitted to the Mancunian congregation that the tour was affected by post-pandemic constraints and that the only gimmick was in the shape of an octopus cuddly toy. However, and it was a huge however, DEVIN TOWNSEND had nothing to worry about! Guiding the masses in huge singalongs for his new offering Lightworker that moulded into the gigantically sounding Kingdom, the operatic sprite brought the crowd belting back every word with jubilance. While demonstrating the enormous Dimensions with the Theremin mounted by the octopus toy, the mad genius gleefully showed off to his spectators revealing a night of fun and splendour was set to relish. It was barely impossible to take your eyes off the Canadian cool cat at centre stage with interactions at the barrier and beyond. The band accompanying DEVIN TOWNSEND on this leg of the tour around Europe and UK was a strong unit to observe between songs. With sticksman Darby Todd and James Leach on bass retained from post-pandemic endeavours, added to the live arsenal was Old Empath touring member Mike Keneally. As the main man on guitar, acoustics and keyboards to bring the recognisable sound to the room, the audience would look over and appreciate Mike’s overall music playing with skill and precision.

To witness hearing the thunderously resonant Terria being sandwiched with the jewels of the sea Deadhead and Deep Peace gave a moment where three classics made the Manchester Academy experience an overwhelmingly magnificent sound. Naturally, Spirits Will Collide was the next track that united the room with delight and all the while sending tingles through one’s spine. It almost felt like a spiritual awakening. Truth kept the energy in a similar high while the four man team incorporated a cinematic widescreen pleasure centre for Bad Devil. Ending the rather special occasion with another new offering in the form of the harmony filled Call Of The Void and to let go of the the guitar on this rare occasion to becomes a solo vocalist for Love?.

It revealed an invitation for the highly recognisable Manchester guitarist Ste Platt (COLLIBUS) onstage that even made the Canadian maestro exclaimed “you’re more metal than all of us!” As DEVIN TOWNSEND bellowed “I fucking love you guys!” through the air in a spontaneous outcry for the last time, one can tell that not only pure joy was revealed in the chosen songs, smiles was taken away with Manchester marking its moment.

Rating: 9/10

Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in Manchester from Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography here: 

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