DEVIN TOWNSEND PODCAST #10: Ziltoid The Omniscient

[@timothee865]

Odd timing... When I was 16 I had my first baby. Dropped out of school, huge fan of Strapping... then... my son turned 3 months old, I'll never forget.. You Devin, left a message on your hevydevy website sort of explaining what was happening with you and taking a break from Strapping etc.. I wrote you an email on yahoo.com and the little 16 year old me was so giddy when I received an email back from your wife, I won't say her name on here for privacys purposes. The email explained my predicament and how your music has helped me get through those tough times and that I hoped you were okay and I was loyal to the music forever. When she emailed me telling me a little of what was going on with you and words of encouragement for me in the same email, I was so ecstatic and overjoyed. She didn't have to reply to that kid in 2007. But it was touching, and your story on this podcast brings back so many memories of this period in my life. Thought I was growing up to be a rock star, became mildly expert on guitar, mediocre at drums, took lessons from Molly Hatchets original drummer and one of Steve Vais former guitar techs (ironically enough) by the age of 16.. then I got this chick pregnant. My whole life changed. However, I've never and will never leave music behind. Thank you for sharing Dev, it's nice to get some background story to the album that changed your life and mine as well.

[@AndreaBoccarusso]

Thank you man, I'm enjoying every single second of these life pills

[@user-zp4ge3yp2o]

It's like listening in on a counselling session isn't it, it helps me think abit deeper and analyse my own personality better. Also ZTO is possibly my favourite album ever. '50 Devin Townsend riffs' when? :D

[@youtubestuff7153]

50 Devin Townsend riffs when?

[@sir_kitten]

Life pills is a good choice of words

[@jettrainbow]

@@youtubestuff7153 this

[@Cole-li7hq]

Andrea, your video greastest metal guitar moments introduced me to Devin, and I can not thank you enough for that. The death of music is now my all time favorite song, and i am so excited for puzzle dropping tomorrow

[@MrPolevaulter]

Not sure if you'll read this Devin, but I just wanted to say I really enjoy these podcasts. You have an interesting way of kind of rambling on, but in a coherent way somehow. It's very different and refreshing, especially as lots of KZbin videos , podcasts, and radio shows have kind of a hectic tempo. You take your time when it suits you. Hats off to you.

[@BigStevie]

Amen!

[@Fireguy65]

It’s like a stream of consciousness type discussion. He is just such a Zen and thoughtful person, that he can really just start talking and anything he’s going to say will be valuable or interesting because that is just the way his mind works.

[@ChristianBHJ]

This was the album that brought me into the fandom.

[@friedporchetta]

This was also my first Devin album. I remember in high school I was on a “rock opera” kick but I was always frustrated that a lot of them weren’t metal. In addition many of them take themselves too seriously. So when I found a metal rock opera/concept album that was goofy AND epic, I was in love.

[@bananabourbonaenima]

Ziltoid came as a surprise to me. I was already getting accustomed to the idea of Dev not doing anything anymore after quitting syl aand becoming a father, and then suddenly this album was here. This album, for me, will always be connected to doing fieldwork for my graduation thesis. I went to a semi-remote part of the country without most of my stuff, and without any people that i knew around me, but with me this album. Listening to it will always take me back to this weird phase.

[@KevRyanCG]

Here we go! The album that really kicked it all off for me.

[@The_Left-Hand_Path]

Me too! And life hasn't been the same since! In fact, it's been much better!

[@pinkenbajedi2119]

This is my first Devi album too.

[@KableGuyCGY]

Couldn't agree more.

[@DeviantMyphos]

got recommended this album from a random facebook page years ago best recommendation along with Diablo Swing Orchestra lmao

[@chissock]

same here!

[@PCamron90]

THE EXCITEMENT I GET FOR THESE UPLOADS IS SO INTENSE

[@molfie]

Being a 37 year old and about to have my first child, this is a super powerful episode.

[@Psymon1471]

Congrats!

[@scottburgessmedia]

Mine is 9 months old, the 'need blob' made me chuckle. It's not a whole year though, at least for us it was ~6 months before you start to really feel them come alive.

[@neilhowellmusic]

Ziltoid changed my life for the better in many ways.

[@Timocracy]

I gotta say Dev, this perspective that lead to Ziltoid is very illuminating. I thoroughly enjoyed the record as a comic book style journey - fun, dynamic, absurd, (NERD!) etc. But there were parts throughout that I couldn't come to terms with as possibly being just "scripted" emotions to fit the narrative - especially the half-way point of Solar Winds. This podcast really put it together for me - certain emotional elements now properly fit and make sense, and I relate even more. Thank you.

[@o-REDBEARD-o]

Ziltoid is the crazy part of Devin prior to having a child. One of his alter egos. Captain Spectacular is the man he was working to become after the baby. They try to out do one another combat one another but realise they are complete equals and one can never truly beat the other so they seek divine guidance from the N9. Ive always kinda taken that song (solar winds) as way to kind of explain they are both parts of Devin. Kinda melding in the middle of the song. Devin as the writer is sort of existing in the middle. On the crux of being one or the other at any given time.

[@akrocanth]

I remember walking into Record and Tape Traders in 2007 because Devin Townsend's NEW ALBUM was out! And I found it on the shelf....and the cover was this goofy drawing of an alien with a cup of coffee. I was immediately pumped to hear it haha. "I don't know what this is...but I think it's going to be awesome."

[@flyingchicken40]

Anybody else enjoy when Dev talks about puppets? It's like one of those things you love as a child that you carry with you into your adult life. I love how he found a way to incorporate it into his career, albeit unintentionally.

[@Fireguy65]

Devin is such a thoughtful, zen, articulate and calming person to listen to. I always think about what a huge juxtaposition. Modern Devin is compared to his younger self when he was just an unhinged wild man. he definitely shows that people are not concrete in that judging someone by their cover is never a wise idea because you truly never know what a person is capable of.

[@andrews4321]

This album is what got me hooked on Devin. I never really thought about it, but I absolutely love the idea that someone so pretentious that they would proclaim themselves as being omniscient would be pronouncing something wrong.

[@waspshot23]

Ziltoid is probably my favourite album of all time. Thanks for this Dev.

[@hollywoodjakespeed8354]

Listened to "Ziltoid" in the car, driving the kids to and from school. Fond memories.

[@timchambers55]

I remember bringing the CD of Ziltoid in to school when I was 16/17. People either thought it was the coolest thing they've ever seen or they thought I was a fucking weirdo haha

[@BanditsLair]

ITS FINALLY HERE, I'm so glad you kept on doing these, couldn't wait for the Ziltoid chapter

[@solarwinds5114]

Now, for the moment we've all been waiting for!

[@jbdrums1987]

Listened to every one of these and they're keeping me company when there is no company. Thank you.

[@timcantrell3313]

This album came out during the era where my wife and I had just got engaged and we spent months preparing and scouting out places for the wedding. This album was the soundtrack for that entire summer. I'm so glad you I got to see you play Hyperdrive live in Atlanta this past March. It was one of your very last shows you were able to do on this Empath tour.

[@beejw9150]

Been like 10 years almost but I used to make Ziltoid masks out of paper plates and wear them to the shows in Chicago and give them out to people, Dev wore my mask once and told us the crowd his dream. I miss those days rocking to his music in Chicago!

[@BigStevie]

Holy Poo! Ziltiod has finally landed!!

[@stacythomas9916]

TYVM for the podcast talking about this. It is my favorite album of all time by any artist. I recently bought my 14th copy of it. The previous 13 I have loaned to people I thought would enjoy it and they liked it so much I told them to keep it. I get many odd looks jamming out to this in my car, being a 50 year old woman with white hair but IDGAF, I

[@liampouncy7808]

Color Your World and The Greys have a very special place in my heart. A couple of years back I ran my first half marathon. I wanted to have some signal to my body that the end was coming up, so I put these songs on for the last 2 miles of every long run I do. It's ingrained in my memory; the feeling of pain and joy that comes from hearing these songs come on. They give me the resolve to finish my race without slowing down. Cheers Devin, much love. Can't wait to see you perform again and for any more records you put out. xx

[@liampouncy7808]

I miss this version of me. rip

[@gatunhame]

​@@liampouncy7808what happened?

[@liampouncy7808]

@@gatunhame Life took a downturn. I think I'm almost back, though. xx Found myself in hospital, diagnosed with Bipolar. I lost everything; job, relationship, lifestyle. Been building myself back up since. =] It's my 27th birthday today. Dad bailed me out and I'm living back home until I'm ready again. I've been on some good meds for the recently, and I think it's helping. Got an adhd assessment in two days. I think I've seen the bottom now, and I can't wait to be back. I've been running more, swimming too. I'm hoping to work on my upper body with some gymnastic rings. I'm building myself back up. I'm planning on applying for PhD places in a year's time. I think I'll be ready by then. I'm going to be the best version of myself that I can be.

[@jameswyatt6076]

This episode is the heaviest thing Devin's ever published. Much love.

[@essexfuzz]

It's funny and cool that Ziltoid is how I discovered and fell in love with Devy and it was such a minimalist and accidental almost experiment for him. Love this dude's vibe and all the non-SYL music he makes. It scratches my musical itch perfectly.

[@chessbrainiac]

I have no explanation, but somehow I took a long time to check out the Ziltoid album, even though I considered myself a huge fan of the solo stuff. Little did I know, although I should have suspected it, that I had a gem waiting for me to discover. Maybe it was the silly appearance that made me a little apprehensive, but it was in any case completely unfounded. When it comes to the lyrics, and the deeper meaning behind it all, I think many recognize parts of themselves in it. And perhaps the humor it is wrapped in makes it less scary to face. Nobody has gone through EXACTLY the same, but bits and pieces. Like becoming a parent for instance. Through listening to all these podcasts I have come to realize how huge of a factor that humanity plays a part in my enjoyment of the whole story that is your career. Yes there are great songs, but there is a sense that there is more. Something greater. A journey, through which we all learn and grow. And I find that extremely beautiful to take part in, and I can't wait for the next chapter.

[@PCamron90]

Every time these get released, I feel like there is always something said in them that I need to hear, or can relate to. Much of the philosophy and self-analysis, I feel, is exactly what I have needed to reflect on. It's hard to explain, but I love it, I enjoy it, and I always anticipate these podcasts more and more. Thank you for continuing to do them.

[@petep]

Love your stories and your storytelling.

[@KillTheJester]

I often cry at the end of thes. And I mean in a ver positive and cathartic manner. Thanks you for sharing something so personal.

[@davian108]

I am really enjoying these podcasts. Devin, you are one of my inspirations both musically (I am a guitarist) as well as personally. These are really making me appreciate all of your volume of music including stuff such as this gem that I had previously overlooked before. This, I knew "By Your Command" and "Color Your World" but this I haven't really given a full listen through, and Synchestra, were definitely oversights that I regretted up until this point but this series has made me realize what gems they are. Looking forward to the next installments in this series especially the DTP stuff. The DTP stuff is really what made me a true fan.

[@rychengirl]

Hi Dev. How ya doing? I'm doing pretty good. Caught bronchitis but it's not Covid, so far, so good. Kudos for switching to rose tea instead of coffee and taking good care and making positive changes. I definitely see you and your family in Hawaii in your future!! I see it! Many awkward, funny, challenge~worthy , great blessings for you and your life.. Much love always, it's about that love!! Thank you Dev. You're one in a million!

[@curly_mccurls]

Ziltoid is one of my favourite albums. It has moments soft and brutal. And to say the production was on a low budget I think it still sounds great even now.

[@captweirdbeard]

No matter what you may think of Devin's music or any of his projects, you have to admit that he is one of the most interesting artists alive. His ability for introspection is incredible and it's pretty damn cool that we get to come along for the ride. Thanks Devin!

[@WackorMiki]

Dev you are a true inspiration to me. I really appreciate these podcasts because of the honesty and depth. There I found many useful insights to my 30+ years of music quest, too. Different road but similar hard decisions I've already made (and doubted afterwards) and many more are still to decide about. Your honesty and openness help me to see clear about my way. Keep them podcasts coming.

[@drdiva70]

Thanks for all the killer tunes over the years. Keep the podcasts comin! Love your artistry. Cheers!

[@rikydestudio]

To me Ziltoid is a Pillar of your discography, one of my favorite of them all. As a gear freak, Since it was release I wanted to know how did you record guitars, still now one of my favorite guitar sound...it's fun finally discovering it's a POD :-)

[@DevinJuularValentine]

Ikr I have one and I've enjoyed using it but now I am gonna search for what he might have used

[@MrSamfonseca]

Thank you for continuing these.

[@andrewsewell5490]

I really enjoyed hearing how excited Devin is about what may be coming next, because he doesn't know what it might be. That is a really inspiring way to approach the creative process.

[@jxfine]

I search for these constantly. Thank you so much Dev. Appreciate these pods more than you can know.

[@DanielSanchezBassaletti]

I'm not sure if Devin read this, but is good to know that one of the people that I admire have his human side and in fact when he is talking for to be a dad I feel 10000% like him. Because of that I love Dev

[@TheMassacreCave]

I loved hearing the story of Ziltoid, it was a very important album at the time for metal music, not just Devin Townsend's metal health!

[@redrooster7371]

These podcasts so much help to ease my mind in these times. It feels so good how Devin opens up. Can't wait for what's his next record will be like!

[@toysmitty]

This is one of my favorite records of all time let alone your work Dev. Its wonderfull to hear you talk about it and an inspiration to me as a guitar player/ song writer.

[@chickenringsonionwings1361]

I love you Devin. Thank you for everything.

[@DadRockProject]

Love ya Dev. Thank you for these. They help me think about my own place in life as well.

[@leeclark6306]

Thanks so much Devin. I really relate to your experience with having kids - thanks for your candour.

[@Ziltoid_Knows]

I love lots of your music Devin, but Ziltoid is special to me. My first date with my wife I introduced her to this album, we still listen to it together and remember those early years. It's the soundtrack to my college years. Hearing this album reminds me that good things exist and good times can still be had. Thank you for making it.

[@pyxylation]

Haha hell of a way to introduce yourself.

[@chrisvoa]

Thank you Devin. My favourite thing on the toob is waiting when listening to these podcasts. Cheerz!

[@daisuke133]

Like many of us here I imagine, I had the chance to participate in the choirs of Ziltoid 2 back in 2014. Although it was kinda crap and probably isn't on the record, but still, I thank you Dev for the opportunity of being a tiny part of your work. Imma gona drink some coffee now, cheers.

[@chrishawkins6068]

"Oh, that's how people are made...I don't understand..."

[@williamhulett2063]

❤❤❤❤❤❤ thank you!!

[@MarioVerkerk]

Really enjoying these podcasts. Ziltoid is my favorite Dev record! ;) Hyperdrive with Anneke is my favorite track - brings me to tears every time I hear it... it's weird but kind of beautiful.

[@meshugeah]

Thank you so very much for these podcasts. Cant wait for Ki!

[@davidgrenfell596]

LOL @ "need blobs". This is such an accurate way of describing a baby. I needed to hear that Dev, as I too struggled with my first child. I am about to have another in December, so this will help me when starting all over again will take it's toll on me.

[@digibirder]

Its like I'm, able to sort through my life along with you Dev, and everybody else here. Best podcast ever! I enjoyed learning the birth nay, "genesis" of Ziltoid.

[@RickChappellIsGreat]

I heard Ziltoid in the mass download all of Devs work I did after I hearing addicted. Learning that it was a one man show made me (in high school) stop caring about finding a band of musicians and start caring about how the hell to make a record myself. Best thing I learn from grades 9 through 12 for sure ahah

[@RickChappellIsGreat]

not gonna lie though, i'm a little let down he didn't do the voice at all :P

[@crusiethmaximuss]

Absolutely can't wait to hear this after running work related errands 🙏🏻😌Thank you, Devin for sharing your thoughts again 😌

[@pinkenbajedi2119]

This is where it all started for me 🥰🥰🥰

[@viva3401]

been anxiously awaiting Alien and this one most since the start, hell yes

[@apanapandottir205]

46:14 it's "Posterity" :D

[@Drummylife]

These podcasts are so amazing

[@anthonycorbi1414]

Ziltoid is a great album! Wore my ziltoid shirt to DreamScape and Devon recognized it

[@flyingchicken40]

Love this album, loved this podcast, loved hearing about its inception. Absolutely can't wait for everything after this!

[@1TakoyakiStore]

This dropped when I was 17 years old and my life hasn't been the same since. I remember finding it really refreshing to have proper heavy metal based around humor. Others had done so before but this was the only one that came out around those last influential years of high school. This podcast has been such a much needed dose of medicine for us all. Thank you. Most importantly though... this has helped you. I hope your life continues to get better and awesome! Some what unrelated but I have this theory that the omnidimensional creator is based off of or supposed to be Chuck Schuldiner. If you've ever seen an interview with chuck you'll understand why I'm saying this.

[@TheRogueDM]

I HAVE BEEN WAITING SOOOO LONG FOR THIS EPISODE!!!!!

[@Pataconicus]

It's beautiful, Devin. Keep doing this!

[@ElianaLemosArt]

Yay good morning Dev! First thing on my day, it’s gonna be beautiful!

[@SirGingerOfKnight]

I had a quick scroll, it isn't there yet, so I'll be that guy: The Johnny Knoxville statement on failure (unless he's made it a few times) is during a Hot Ones episode.

[@jamesf2918]

Now I really want to see Devin do hot ones

[@meeksywampus]

Oh man, I'm so excited for this one.

[@XIntoxicationalX]

Holy shit the lore of this album hahaha. One of my favorite epic metal albums

[@gabemccall3523]

Oh yeah!!! Been waiting for this one!

[@Thundercloud_Jackson]

Ziltoid was my first Devin related album. I bought it because of the cover and listening to a sample of the opening track.

[@guycomments]

The album that got me into metal. Thank you dev

[@cuppaaCoffey]

Hey man, my first time tuning in and really enjoyed it! You have a very similar vibe to The Blindboy Podcast, very chill and calm.

[@taramup]

I'm stoked for this!!! 🖤🤘🖤

[@GroteB]

It's 00:45 over here, I just got home from work, I have a big can of wodka + Monster and some crackers, and here I am listening to Dev talking very softly and well thought out.

[@KhalDrogo76]

So accurate on weather changing....like right now....there is nothing like the coming of autumn in new england; aside from what the eyes see, the smells are indescribable...its in my DNA

[@noliecorwin5827]

Thank you for this...

[@krisdaschwab912]

17:45 This part is basically verbatim from Only Half There. Kinda puts it in a new context.

[@johngloom9235]

Ziltoid is my all time favorite album by Devin, it got me into his music. Its crazy and fun, and I am totally cool with the drums haha

[@gergonikk]

I knew this was going to be interesting but wow, this went by like 15 minutes. Thanks Dev

[@mycorrhizae86]

I always feel like you are talking directly to me.

[@channelthepigslove]

Thanks heaps Dev!

[@peteredwards2318]

Hey man. Hope you are well! Love the guts and bones of you dude!

[@DevinJuularValentine]

I have a Line 6 Pod XT Live!!! I wonder if he ever put his patches out on Customtone?

[@pronstorestiffi]

Need some coffee to go with this.

[@rimoftheshatteredsun]

I truly love these talks dude thanks for sharing.

[@SiriusB88]

Thank you for this, I wanna hug you man

[@Hyperchicken]

I already loved the album, but I have a new respect and perspective for it, now. I can't wait to hear about Ki.

[@pinkenbajedi2119]

Thanks for being the seed of ziltoid beave!

[@greatsouthernpansy]

Hi Dev, just wanted to say, that You have a career for Yourself You're probably not aware of. I've recently became a father and for the first two months of my sons life Iceland EP was running on repeat, as it was the only music that would calm him. I mean, he seems to enjoy occasional Deadhead in regular version, but this acoustic, mellow stuff is his favourite. So thanks, I guess ;)

[@lohankarachay476]

I need to share this. In the Orkut era I was the moderator of the Ziltoid community.

[@oliverman6168]

Justa quick Cheerz for that city album. All the best to ya!

[@PetParadiseVB]

I have such a parallel story. Thank you.

[@XRL7official]

Much enjoyed, loving these podcasts

[@CamilieTownsend]

Thank you so much for this!

[@Volderkill]

Hell yes I love ziltoid! Best album ever

[@uncertainultradian]

*DEVINTOWNSEND POD-CAST* ♥️