Z²

Z² is a double-album epic on which Devin Townsend develops overwhelming density of sound, pop melody, eccentric humor and deep lyricism as two different sides. Heavy guitar and layered choruses surge like a wall, yet delicate melody is always carefully embedded within. On the first disc, an open, melodic sound world spreads out, as in “Rejoice,” “Universal Flame” and “Sky Blue.” On the second, as a sequel to Ziltoid the Omniscient, a chaotic sci-fi story unfolds grandly, as in “March of the Poozers” and “Dimension Z.” It is intriguing how two contrasting discs are set side by side as one work. Its distinctive appeal is that, while epic-minded, it never loses its playfulness. Holding chaos and beauty, seriousness and humor at once, it offers a different entrance with each listen. It is a large-scale, fulfilling record that lets you savor Devin Townsend’s many-sided repertoire all at once.