#1 - Top of 2012

Devin Townsend Project - Epicloud (Inside Out)

There are some  albums that are immaculate masterpieces that redefine their genre, and then there is Epicloud. This album is not revolutionary, rather it is the culmination of the first phase of DTP integrating what has been excellent about the four prior releases of DTP and mixing it to create the perfect Devin Townsend brew, destined to be adored by fans and newcomers and resulted in the awesome Retinal Circus show that took place in London in 2012.

The album starts with a chorus chanting:  "Everyone into forever, Everything a part of me, Dancing all into whenever, Effervescent quality". Once the chant stops we are treated to the opener, "True North", a very energetic song full of positive energy which acts as a catalyst to enter the world of Epicloud. Choral vocals and melodic lines are very groovy, smoothly leading to the "funny" song of the album, "Lucky Animals"; there is not much to say here, except to check the awesome music video made out of fan contributions and adds to the surreal comedy of it. The album continues with "Liberation", adding electronic elements, but conserving the essential Devin Townsend character and is an absolute party anthem. "Where we belong" starts as a more relaxing tune and continues as a relaxed soundscape, musically very close to the  "Ki" album, with additional backing vocals by Anneke. "Save our Now" is again a high energy feel good song starting with whispers of Devin and Anneke and exploding into the refrain. "Kingdom" was initially recorded in the album "Physicist",  and is re-released here as a more polished version with Anneke again contributing backing vocals and considerably changing the dynamic of the original, making it sound as a brand new song! In "Divine", Devin sounds really personal and soft, and is a very solemn moment, giving us reprieve from the storm that was "Kingdom" and preparing us for "Grace". It starts by Anneke singing, before the choir joins in, in an epic song that gives a very positive message while at the same time has an extremely dynamic attitude. "More!" which follows, is a high energy tune with more aggressive tendencies, "Hold On" is a pop tune that blends in flawlessly, again with heartfelt vocals by Devin and Anneke. "Angel" that concludes this colossal album, is an epic all-out song that culminates all the themes of the album and closes the record as it started: "Everyone into forever, Everything a part of me, Dancing all into whenever, Effervescent quality"

98/100

Below is the music video of "Lucky animals" created by fan contributions.