Strapping Young Lad – Alien
Author: Aidan Gray
Sir Devin Townsend is at it again, and its aboot time too. Strapping Young Lad burst right back into action (and into your face) after a slight hiatus to deliver this merciless beast of an album. A myriad of analogies can be related back to the albums fitting title of “Alien”, but without fail, Townsend’s latest offering will set fans back in their seat, waiting for the unsuspecting ‘Shitstorm’ to hit them full on.
The talent on “Alien” stems far deeper than Townsend’s vocal capabilities. Unbeknownst to many, it took drum stalwart Gene Hoglan just three days to pound his way through the 11 tracks that sit on this 2005 release. A constant barrage of double bass, and the intrinsic value found in the rest of the bands efforts, combine to make this another noteworthy release from Strapping Young Lad and Century Media. An almost surreal sound embodies much of the album, with haunting background vocals, and eerie instrumentals, but to quip Townsend himself, after jamming this album song through song, you’ll be agreeing that you will “…Do anything to get some fucking sleep tonight”. Although some may not click with Strapping Young Lad’s truly unique sound and style of music, or may think that Devin Townsend and co. have fallen of the deep end, there isn’t much else to say about this release other than how righteously metal it is.
Rating: 9/10
Website: http://www.strappingyounglad.com
Label: Century Media Records
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