I think the beauty of songs like BILB and IA is that all of us closet ABBA fans can enjoy that kind of music without feeling too guilty about it. Hehe.

I was iffy when I heard reports of it being "as good as Ocean Machine" etc. but after 5 or 6 listens, FUCK. This album is a fucking grand slam.

As good as OM?

That a fucking BOLD statement...whoever said that

Well, OM wasn't perfect. Voices in the Fan, Greetings, Regulator, and Hide Nowhere are pretty weak tracks in my opinion. The first 3 songs, and the last 4 are what make the album so amazing.

Addicted, so far the only track that I consider weak is Resolve.

I've always been the kind of person who likes to review an album as a whole, taking the time for individual tracks only if they prove to be standalone hits with me. I call these hits by the term of "major impacts", and it is my major impacts that helps motivate me to look for more music (alongside my favorite albums of all-time).

Addicted is the long-awaited second piece of a four-piece saga of albums set for release by maniacal metal mastermind Devin Townsend, and each album is set to have a different feel; while Ki was the chilled, easy-listening album of the four, Addicted was said to have one aim: to make for catchy, poppy, energetic dance music that anybody can stand up and act like a banshee to. And ever since I knew of this album's intentions, I knew that it was going to be the album for me.

Going back to my initial thought, I like to count albums as one cohesive effort. And while Addicted is an album, I feel like I have to review all ten songs individually if I'm going to feel okay and content. So, as soon as I'm done talking about Addicted, prepare yourself for ten individual reviews of ten meant-to-stand-alone songs.

My very first thought that I must express is this: this album isn't exclusively for dancing. And in connection with that thought, let me say this: this album isn't all catchy. It might have been a tad misleading to release the first three songs of the album before the album itself, due to the fact that those are three of the four most energetic and catchy songs that Addicted has to offer. That doesn't mean that the rest of it isn't catchy. Devin Townsend sure does deliver in the pop department on nearly every track that he brings.

Despite being a pop release, Addicted is noteworthy in the aspect that it can't be fully absorbed in one listen. After three listens, I myself find myself knowing that I haven't gained all that I have to gain just yet. At the same time, there is plenty to scrape right from the top of this, and that in itself is something that is going to attract people from all-over (fans and newbies alike).

Like all of the albums in the four, Devin records and performs each one with a different band. The band is selected based upon what he thinks each individual musician would do well in. For this second album, he has chosen the lovely Anneke (formerly of The Gathering) to take on half of the vocal duties. I'll admit that I was a bit iffy when this was announced, but now I can't imagine Addicted any other way. This is the album that has helped make Anneke one of my favorite female vocalists (Nighttime Birds helped with this too, though).

Of course, what is a pop release without the shining moments of the individual songs that help make it so? Pop has always been song-orientated music, and it brings me great pleasure to now segue into discussion of these ten songs. Let's begin.

From the moment "Addicted" at its release, I was sure that it was going to be one of my absolute favorites. As a matter of fact, it's my third favorite Devin Townsend song period. I have a hard time believing that a song could surpass this one (with the exceptions of "Earth Day" and "Life"). This is the song where Devin reinvents groove metal. Trying to describe this is difficult, but not trying would make me feel worse. Let's put it this way: listening to "Addicted" will let you explore your emotions at a velocity and capacity unlike any other that you've ever experienced. Imagine feeling angerragehatelovejoyexcitementdepressionsuspensedread all in one beautiful fuck of a cluster. You get the point.

Universe in a Ball was one of the songs that a snippet of was shown months before the news of Addicted was fully outed, so it's a melody and a lyric that most Devyheads were familiar with before listening to the album. Picking up right where the last track left off, "Universe in a Ball" is a crushing, SYL-paced song with all the tendencies of knocking the listener onto his ass. Don't let the immediate demeanor of this song fool you though, as it has a trick or two up its sleeve. Possibly the simplest of the heavy dance songs.

Bend It Like Bender!...if it wasn't for the title intriguing everybody from the get go, this song is definitely the biggest standout in terms of style. While all of the songs try to be catchy (or even dance-y), this one just holds back to no extent. I've been calling this ABBA metal, because that's exactly what it is. While Devin pokes his head in to introduce this piece, the real star of this song is Anneke, whose role in life was to record this song. The whole thing has a radio-like vibe that is reminiscent of '90s pop/rock bands (Smash Mouth comes to mind).

There's one song that everybody raved about when the samples were released, and it is that same song that didn't impress me much then and doesn't impress me much now. And I'd like to talk about that, despite the fact that many are going to think lowly of me. "Supercrush" is a song that sounds good, but it doesn't live up to the rest of this album for me. Part of it is because it doesn't really fit into the style that Addicted proposes (I think it would've been perfect for Accelerated Evolution), but the big thing that probably does it is the fact that it comes directly after three of the catchiest Devin songs ever composed. It is by no means bad, and I do like it. When it comes to Addicted, though, it can be a bit of a pothole in the poppy, upbeat atmosphere. While I wasn't blown away in the way that people have been telling me, I will say that the buildup at the end alongside the final chorus (with Anneke singing something like "OK! OK! OK! OK!" behind Devin) is a truly godlike moment.

Then we've got something that I never in a million (light) years expected to enjoy: a remake of a previous song. "Hyperdrive" originally debuted on the 2007 release Ziltoid the Omniscient as a spaced-out, desolate spaceship metal song. But here we have a redone version with Anneke entirely on vocal duties. I thought that "Hyperdrive" was good before, but holy shit...this is the version that Devin meant to make. The timbre of this version is unreal (likewise, the vibe of the other one is more atmospheric, so both versions are great in their own ways). The idea that this song would fit into Addicted is an idea that I can support in good confidence.

Possibly the catchiest song that this album has to offer that still resides in the realm of metal is "Resolve!", one of the other pieces that was advertised through Devin's Youtube account before the record was even finished. This was the song that I was excited for the most, and while I was not disappointed, I do think that this could have been worked on a little more. It's only a little bit over three minutes, and I always want more. Still, this is a catchy piece whose reminiscent-of-'70s-anthems-introduction pleases me from second one. This is one of the best chemistries between Devin and Anneke.

I never listen to teasers anymore, as they ruin the album for me. So imagine my surprise when I found out that "Ih-Ah!" was an acoustic song whose electrician doesn't show up until the final moments. Likewise, it's cool to note that while it's impossible to dance to this song, it's just as poppy as any other here. "Ih-Ah!" (pronounced 'E-Ah', like a donkey) isn't shouted, but rather crooned lightly over a somber guitar. It really does serve as a pretty cool break from the bombastic music that has come our way thus far.

"The Way Home" comes off as being one of the most mysterious of songs that Addicted offers. I feel like I'm listening to a continuation of the idea that "Thing Beyond Things" and "Nobody's Here" brought to light, which is pretty neat. Likewise, it's worthy to mention that this is the song with the most prominent atmosphere on all of the record, and that's pretty cool when you think about it. At a little more than halfway through the song, there is a part where the guitar breaks the beat and everything begins to settle, but not before it regains its composure as it swells back up into a dying burst. I can't say that there are many moments in the non-Devin Townsend world of music that attain this.

Then we chance upon a song that I've decided is, to me, the biggest letdown of the album (that isn't saying much, honestly). Opening up with a beautiful and sorrowful Anneke, "Numbered" enters as a stomping, swaying wall of sound. This isn't a bad song either, but it definitely stands out to me as being the one song I would choose to exclude if I was told to shave this record down by a single track. It simply has no pop-like qualities. Like "Supercrush", it could've went well onto an album such as Accelerated Evolution (or even Synchestra).

What this album started, "Awake!" finishes. Acting as a surrogate to all nine songs that precede it, "Awake!" manages to mix an element of each individual song into a nearly ten-minute closer: the opening melody of "Addicted!", the riff of "Hyperdrive", the lyric of "The Way Home", the bridge and transition of "Universe in a Ball", the percussive elements of "Resolve!", et cetera. And the part that makes it even cooler is that you can see the stage being set for the release that is on its way. Is there any part (excluding anything from the brilliant "Addicted!" title track) more chilling on this album than "NOW DECONSTRUCT!" I think not.

Addicted is an album to end the decade. Metal and pop have never existed so happily next to one another as they do on Addicted. Despite not being fully danceable and despite not spawning all immediate major impacts, this is an album that I know I'm going to have a good time with for much time to come. This is an album that is worth the money. Please purchase it and love it like I have.

"Numbered!" has been on repeat since last night. This is absolutely ridiculous. I haven't been this touched/enamored by a track (by any band/artist) in some time.

Simply, Anneke's vocals on this track are mind blowing. What she's done is pretty simple, but it's insanely effective. I was enjoying the album - like I normally would with any Devy release - and then I get near the end and "Numbered!" plays. As soon as I heard Anneke's vocals on this track, I instantly knew that this track would be my favorite from "Addicted". My whole focus just completely and went straight to this song. The last part, especially, where it's just her vocals (a cappella style) just sounds so heavenly. I honestly wish that part would've been extended for another few repeats of the chorus.

However, not getting enough from that a cappella-ish style makes me listen to the song over and over and over again. Clever tactic, Mr. Townsend... clever tactic.

Having said all that, the whole album is great. It's fun, it's catchy, it's poppy. But most of all, it's Devy. It's undeniably a work of Devin's, and in my opinion, is one of his greatest releases thus far. I've always thought that he'd never release another album that would intrigue me as much as Ocean Machine and Accelerated Evolution have. Well, Addicted has done just this.

Will absolutely be placing my pre-order for this tomorrow once I get home from work.

(First post on the forum too. Woot!)

^ WAY tl;dr

The more I listen, the more I am convinced that Addicted is probably the most perfect album ever created. No filler whatsoever. Amazing. Even Infinity and Ocean Machine had bits of filler (in my opinion).

Lovin' it.

^ WAY tl;dr

The more I listen, the more I am convinced that Addicted is probably the most perfect album ever created. No filler whatsoever. Amazing. Even Infinity and Ocean Machine had bits of filler (in my opinion).

Lovin' it.

I believe that the filler in those two album were mind journeys, simply something to please the mind while moving to the next thought.

I tried not to crack when the CD leaked, but I have and am listening to it on 'tube. As with Ki though I already have it pre-ordered because Devin deserves our money for what he makes. ($50 package get in!)

Simply brilliant. Little touches make me smile though; like the little break about 2 minutes into Hyperdrive, where it drops out and comes back in twice as heavy for a moment or two. It's just so dance-inducing lol. Hyperdrive was always a favourite of mine but felt it needed more.. oomph. And it has it! I'm still expecting 'Having made their way through space...' though lol.

Numbered is crushingly beautiful, as is Supercrush. Awesome work Devin. Cannot wait for my pre-order. I love the switching between voices: it's like here's Anneke with these beautiful 'light' vocals (not saying Dev can't do clean/light!) then Devin comes in with his amazing 'oomphy' vocals and it's like "Here's good ol' Devin! Fuck yeah!"

I seem to be suffering from "Loss of words" about it actuallly: feel like I'm putting Devin down in some weird way when I comment on his singing, but I'd just like to say I fucking love the whole album as much as any other. If a three-word summary is better at expressing it then it's: Simply amazingly brilliant.

Well, OM wasn't perfect. Voices in the Fan, Greetings, Regulator, and Hide Nowhere are pretty weak tracks in my opinion. The first 3 songs, and the last 4 are what make the album so amazing.

Addicted, so far the only track that I consider weak is Resolve.

Voices in the Fan, Regulator, and Hide Nowhere weak tracks?! Blasphemy sir!

I was iffy when I heard reports of it being "as good as Ocean Machine" etc. but after 5 or 6 listens, FUCK. This album is a fucking grand slam.

As good as OM?

That a fucking BOLD statement...whoever said that

Well, OM wasn't perfect. Voices in the Fan, Greetings, Regulator, and Hide Nowhere are pretty weak tracks in my opinion. The first 3 songs, and the last 4 are what make the album so amazing.

Addicted, so far the only track that I consider weak is Resolve.

Hide Nowhere!? Blasphemy.

Edit: hahaha, didn't even realize hyperviolence said blasphemy as well. Come on, at least admit Hide Nowhere has some substance to it! It's such an amazing song.

^ WAY tl;dr

The more I listen, the more I am convinced that Addicted is probably the most perfect album ever created. No filler whatsoever. Amazing. Even Infinity and Ocean Machine had bits of filler (in my opinion).

Lovin' it.

I believe that the filler in those two album were mind journeys, simply something to please the mind while moving to the next thought.

Sure, I agree. However, I think the reason Addicted shines is because the songs are so good, those things aren't needed. but yet, it IS intended to be a more poppy album. Infinity and OM wouldn't work without those mind journeys...like Soul Driven, my fave piece of music ever. It's not really a song, so much as a "movement", and Sister...

It is obviously "away away away away" in Supercrush geeze you guys are deaf. And Liquid (Liquid? LIQUID! - SNAKE), ok then that's just a coolness with the pop I am cool with that even if I cannot dig it. Although I have no idea what MP.com is what

Hey man, I'm the king when it comes to mishearing lyrics!

"Yahweh! Yahweh! Yahweh! Yahweh!"

Though, in keeping with one of the common themes, it could very well be
"awake, awake, awake, awake"

"Numbered!" has been on repeat since last night. This is absolutely ridiculous. I haven't been this touched/enamored by a track (by any band/artist) in some time.

Simply, Anneke's vocals on this track are mind blowing. What she's done is pretty simple, but it's insanely effective. I was enjoying the album - like I normally would with any Devy release - and then I get near the end and "Numbered!" plays. As soon as I heard Anneke's vocals on this track, I instantly knew that this track would be my favorite from "Addicted". My whole focus just completely and went straight to this song. The last part, especially, where it's just her vocals (a cappella style) just sounds so heavenly. I honestly wish that part would've been extended for another few repeats of the chorus.

However, not getting enough from that a cappella-ish style makes me listen to the song over and over and over again. Clever tactic, Mr. Townsend... clever tactic.

Anneke's vocal solo near the end and then the acapella parts completely made that song for me. Especially the solo(where she's not actually saying anything.) It's so incredibly beautiful, oh my god... It'll give me goosebumps forever. And VERY nice review, aniland.

Any chance on OM being released as a bonus (like the awesome Ki extra material ?) Would love to hear that song Review the album later, gotta study now

"Numbered!" has been on repeat since last night. This is absolutely ridiculous. I haven't been this touched/enamored by a track (by any band/artist) in some time.

Simply, Anneke's vocals on this track are mind blowing. What she's done is pretty simple, but it's insanely effective. I was enjoying the album - like I normally would with any Devy release - and then I get near the end and "Numbered!" plays. As soon as I heard Anneke's vocals on this track, I instantly knew that this track would be my favorite from "Addicted". My whole focus just completely and went straight to this song. The last part, especially, where it's just her vocals (a cappella style) just sounds so heavenly. I honestly wish that part would've been extended for another few repeats of the chorus.

However, not getting enough from that a cappella-ish style makes me listen to the song over and over and over again. Clever tactic, Mr. Townsend... clever tactic.

Anneke's vocal solo near the end and then the acapella parts completely made that song for me. Especially the solo(where she's not actually saying anything.) It's so incredibly beautiful, oh my god... It'll give me goosebumps forever. And VERY nice review, aniland.

Thanks!

It's completely made of win in it's purest form.

100% proof.