Devin Townsend Unleashed

Devin Townsend lets loose in the D'Addario studio.
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[@null11amorph]

i keep coming back to this for almost ten years now.

[@ZeFenrir]

Me too man... Me too.

[@DC33879]

You and I both!

[@Opethian86]

Mee too

[@maxthebassplayer]

@@Opethian86 we should start a club. I've watched this video at least 30 times.

[@jFrenetic]

Damn KZbin recommendations! Stop suggesting me this video, I almost know every note by now, lol

[@Ghostblock]

"Oh boy when is he gonna start tapping? Ooh he's tapping! Maybe a slide?" wweeOOWww 😂

[@Raro404]

This video pretty much encapsulates everything I love about Devin Townsend. Unparalleled musicianship, off-the-wall sense of humour and an actual deep philosophy on music.

[@greyblenaut]

I'm sure Dev is low key mortified by this clip (and probably many clips of him being forced to be in the public eye as he frequently implies), but I always love his raw states of mind and how he always translates it into music. Absolute crazy hero artist

[@MattJoyce]

this is one of the best extemporaneous musical streams of consciousness in history

[@ketanj23]

Best Comment ever !! Really Devin Townsend ...true legend !!

[@SpiritRadio2112]

He's a perfect example of übersarcasm. He has multiple personalities, and combined with his talent, nearly infinite vocal range, and amazing band members regardless of if we're talking aboot SYL, the (incredible) DTP, or just his own crazy ass, he can cover such an insanely mindblowing range of music that its tough to not like him.

[@bjorngoud5259]

Best thing about this clip is ‘wow a slide’. 😂

[@Boomer.Roberts]

Best part about this is how it shows that Dev really is a truly fantastic guitar player, can "wank" with the best of them, but he chooses not to because he'd rather write more meaningful music. Especially impressive is his epic sweep picking while talking about a bunch of random shit at the same time :D

[@VikramShankarMusic]

A better video has never been made.

[@mariohahn8286]

Vikram Shankar - Official (obelix5150) couldn't say it any better...

[@timothyfunk1883]

I submit that Vampira might be a contender. However, this is truly mind blowing.

[@KipOnDaFlip]

His hat blends into the wall and it looks like he has no head.

[@calebmcgrady9336]

This is my all time favorite video on the internet. It makes me laugh and makes me feel seen. "I'm gonna shit myself to death" 😂 Devin is a beautiful soul and we are lucky to share this lifetime with him.

[@dbshredful]

The foundation of so many creative adventures to be had. He’s never been the most technical guy but god damn does his music have soul to it.

[@TheAcidDrip]

Ok so he starts off with a super reverb-y paul horn inside the taj mahal riffs. Then Devin jumps to weird solo from his song "Away" @1:33 then @1:59 he starts riffing on what would become "Stand" from Deconstruction. Remember this is from 2009 so here's a clear example of him writing something killer and waiting for it to fully ferment into it's final form. 2 years before some of the riffs finally became songs. He clearly works on his stuff for a long time and pulls it together as it comes to him. Patience is a trait of Genius.

[@Tyrant175]

That riff from ''Stand'' sent shivers down my spine...

[@ANCESTRAL-RECALL-LIBRARY]

Devin Townsend is incredible!! 5:20 - 5:38 I mean, come on... Shreds better, cleaner and with more taste and melody than most shredders and sings better or as good as any singer in any genre. Also composes everything, edits, tracks, arranges, mixes and masters... And yet he doesn't get recognition, while other "artists" appear and they are instant "geniuses", even though most don't compose anything, don't have a clue about producing and don't sing/play propely... It doesn't matter, Devin is the man!!

[@sorrystateout]

And the Arabic sound for Stan is amazing. I like when he uses it for Planter Smasher and N9 as well. It's exciting.

[@blazev88]

Becaise unfortuantly simplicity is key to popularity

[@Longmanriffs]

7 years later and I can still appreciate and enjoy this video

[@all_invite_0hm]

Same here at 8 years... :D

[@sorrystateout]

I find that the snippets played here are more potent than the finished versions of said songs.

[@FaintestOfBreath]

As I've gotten older, I'm starting to relate to what Devin Townsend is saying. I love to hear me some Vai and Satch every now and then, but I've realized it's because they can make the "wanking" work within the context of the song. All this shredding I'm hearing nowadays from these bands just sounds like noise. You hear it a dime a dozen at Guitar Center. It truly is like, "Ok. You can sweep pick 220 BPM's. Now can you write a song?" I'm not even talking about one that will get on the radio, cause we all know the vast majority of radio songs are crap. I mean just a good rock/metal song. I doubt many of these guys can. Just from a guy that can neither shred nor make great songs. I do like writing songs though. And I realized the vast majority of my songs are like Devin's: they don't really work with all that shredding stuff.

[@AnfalasHerdsman]

i gree completly

[@CloroxJelloShot]

I've grown up from my teens with all the metalcore shredders and always wanted to be that guitar player. I'm getting close to 30 and I'm just finding my voice and strengths as a guitar player. I've unconsciously started to realize what Devin has been right. Write a song. Plain and simple. I love to write a riff, add some melody, make the rhythm interesting. and maybe through a quick lead in if the song allows it. I just love to make music and that's all that matters. Dev helped me accept my weaknesses as a guitar player and turn those into strengths. It took a while to accept it though and there is always room to improve.

[@adahbombdon1512]

You are 110% right. I'm one of those people yet I've been really open about it....hell yeah I can shred but honestly it's boring as fuck and just nonsense..."Wanking" now I see it has a term lol. I've always admired song writers and he idea of writing ANY song that could be catchy to someone. Whenever I've tried I'm just so critical of myself and wind up jamming something I've known for a decade haha It really is a whole different breed of musician. Devin said it, I spent probably 5 years strictly learning to shred nonsense and yeah maybe it looked cool to my friends but other than that, neh.

[@derpferguson5400]

Absolutely agree. I've seen Satch and Vai and Yngwie live, and I honestly couldn't name a single song. Nobody was at that show that wasn't just sitting around waiting for the wankfest.

[@midnight-2021]

Loved the wank stuff in my teens and early 20s back in the 1980s but later got bored of this stuff and appreciated more of the singer songwriter aspect of music in the 1990s. I would much rather hear Devin Townsend's music then the music from Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani, Paul Gilbert etc. Hell I would rather even hear the singer songwriter blues based music with rock, Americana, country soul and pop mixed with the blues based music from Samantha Fish then with those mega guitarists from the 1980s.

[@StrongHeartLives]

He's got some keen insight when he's talking about those sweeping arpeggios. "What compositional void am i filling doing this"?? I love it...

[@bryanduhart7218]

I watch this once in a while, it brings me joy in some way

[@gisibah]

DTP Excerpts: 0:38 - Heart baby (Ghost) 2:02 - Stand (Deconstruction) 4:54 - Ki (Ki) 5:40 - Deconstruction (Deconstruction)

[@graysonhunt123]

+Acceleratus maybe 2:59 by your command

[@gisibah]

Sounds more like the solo in Away from accelerated evolution (skip to 5:30 in that song)

[@oremia]

6:56 Heatwave

[@sorrystateout]

Yeh... From that great Synchestra Double CD.

[@Ravelle17]

oremia I think you mean “Trainfire” from Ki

[@RandyLott]

He is solely responsible for letting the censorship guy keep his job.

[@offroaders123]

Wait a minute, I think I remember seeing your name on the videos for Marco Minnemann's 'KZbin Topic' channel before the comments got turned off. Fellow proggians reunite once again!

[@peterottes6900]

I only just found out about Devin. I am pissed that I have spent much time listening to mediocre when I could have been listening to this genius. Arggghhh! Why did I not know about him sooner?!!? He is awesome...

[@timrizzo3941]

This rant... I always go straight from this to cranking Deconstruction. Genius

[@AJV8BALLER]

He has, in my personal opinion, one of the cleanest, smoothest and most amazing tones I've ever heard any artist using. But I guess that's why he's touring and I'm not

[@Raceswap]

Possibly the most aggressive philosophy and guitar lesson I've ever seen.

[@GregorySkidmore]

Stream of consciousness chaotic good fortelling the future past. I love this guy.

[@snakepliskin7519]

It's so great to see all the stuff from the records here in this setting. All these riffs that are just seemingly coming off of Devy's head, now mean something to all of us.

[@ScottJones12stringscott]

Damn Devin you are the man. I wonder how many people look at the beginning of this video thinking that you are a shredder. You are the antithesis of shredder. You touch the guitars soul which is lost on only playing meaningless tapping and sweeping exercises. Keep on rocking!

[@OmerAssraf]

This guy is... I dunno what to say i'm speechless.

[@kyatzz]

This guy is a fucken legend

[@NeutralDepth]

Striving to be as brilliant as this man It'll never happen but it's worth a try

[@TODELLISUUSMEDIAOfficial]

This should be visible in You Tube homepage forever! Best educational video for any musician to try to top this on any instrument. Guitar is part of Devin Townsend. His attitude shows through in his music more than any guitarist i like to listen (except Ritchie Blackmore).

[@z0mgzt0m]

2:25 is possibly the sickest riff ive heard in a long time, his tone is just so sick man

[@ryanroiz8903]

My friend, please tell me you discovered Stand and the album Deconstruction after this

[@bryanduhart7218]

@@ryanroiz8903 hope he did lol

[@DavemechL1011]

Funny, brilliant, epic, one of my favorite vocalists as well!!!

[@Geddylee2000]

3:23 it's been almost 12 years and I still keep coming back for this rant that withstands the test of time. Also 7:21

[@dbshredful]

Devin roasting his own music is also *chefs kiss

[@ChapelCollins]

It's interesting seeing him play so many riffs from Deconstruction and Ghost before they were released 2 years later

[@paulwall1981]

What a amazing man and guitar player Townsend is. He might be quiet an oddball in a goodway, but there is a huge amout of talent and skill inside his head. Keep up the good work DT.

[@OXCerberusX0]

i love his unique style and sound, he is so awesome.

[@JordonBeal]

A decade later, and this is more relevant than ever.

[@stillllllife]

My favorite KZbin video.

[@teddyvanhalen]

Man, this guy is awesome!!

[@xxwantedxx]

this guy is swearing and playing at the same time?!! he is my hero.

[@123unknownsoldier126]

He's fucking insane lol

[@RequiemVortex]

Just got my copy of Ziltoid. Love it.

[@Shreddah]

3:10 and forward, rofl.

[@sm0kenmirrhurz92]

He can sing while ripping through string skipped arpeggios too. Guy is a ninja.

[@paddypenguin8895]

its deceptively easy. if you play guitar id reccomend trying it because its really fun to play. as long as youre on open c its a breeze

[@randainone]

I like that this entire video makes sense to us musically now.

[@Chromaticsketches]

It's amazing that his voice is LOUDER than his guitar...with NO mic.

[@jackieparmz]

The most incredible musician to ever grace heavy music.

[@bthboJsyhl]

talking and shredding at the same time...I mean, talking and real good shredding at the same time...this dude rocks!

[@gearhead2017]

hes super talented,he starts ranting and dont even look at what hes playin

[@mf2304]

Found out it's the title track from the album "Ki" about 4:40 into the song- weird transformation, but then again the writing style is what keeps me coming back- thanks man

[@MissAndDie96]

I love how this video accurately sums up Devin in 7 minutes.

[@metldrummer2112]

Oh my god, he's so amazing at guitar, but so hilarious. The fact that he can just sit there and spout off random bullshit while laying down some of the best guitar I've ever heard is amazing. Devin is one of my idols

[@bjornlakenstrazen2186]

The tones in this video are some of the best I've ever heard. EVER.

[@TheGodlessGuitarist]

Is this Vai's old singer?

[@mirkosassu7862]

yes!

[@wolfgangstratocaster]

and nowadays is a singre that can sing in moore than five octaves, he play guitar like a demon, and he mix and produces his owns records, and most of all, its a great great composer, like Vai said one time is an undiscover genius

[@KongoXIIV]

Damn that HUGE tone! Captain scrunchy at his best (referring to angled picking) I LOVE IT!!!

[@Bender6amer]

oh my friggen gawd, this man is talented. It both scares me and fills me with hope - there needs to be more folks in the world like this guy. Dead set champ.

[@davewebster5120]

I love how he's almost bored with how masterful he is at everything.

[@MarcelZeboHommes]

Oh the beeps!

[@AtuOma]

Unleash the Devin!!!

[@celcius119]

Saw this guy live yesterday, you'd never know he could play like this by seeing him live

[@jamie7351]

This is the greatest thing I've ever seen.

[@ElectronLord]

Oh my god! HEAVY DEVY!

[@Guitfiddlejase]

I love this guy-he says all the things I wish I had said...

[@Augenatic]

he is hilarious, hahahah the facial expressions after the singing around 5:40 are fucking awesome

[@Tyrantula4]

"WHERE MA F*CKIN VOLUME GO!" he's beyond epic

[@fredandpattychandler4130]

He should have a movie and stand up career as well. As being the greatest Singer in the world. Love you most Co ordinated man in Canada.

[@runthemachine]

Wow, Devin. Thank you. I can (do) listen to this a couple times a month. Because it's flat-out gorgeous, Thank you for staying true to yourself (not like that's any favor to me, right?), and giving us your music. I know you became terribly disenchanted, and the bitter result of your expression was fucking bad-ass. Like it or not, your pissed off music was was the stuff that whets musical appetites. I'm so glad Peavey reached out to you & told you ".. do what you do.". It's awesome. I love it all

[@MetalHead420100]

i love that he plays Stand at around 2:00. and then deconstruction! and then some Trainfire!

[@ShredST]

Well played, sir.

[@Onedarknight]

by 7:06 I was on the floor, holding my sides. While I play guitar and should look up to Devin for that reason (plus my name is Devin), I really just watch his interviews and videos because he's so damn funny...

[@nothing907]

I wish I could shred that well. And if I could do it while talking like he does I would always walk around with a guitar in my hands and a portable amp on my belt so I could supply an awesome soundtrack to my conversations.

[@x13xautumnsx]

This video is a perfect example of why I love this man, hahaha!

[@TunerGuy_90]

the music he creates is like noone else....he is pure and just awesome

[@Kurairyu]

This man is legendary!!

[@SpartanLaserCanon]

Hahaha it was funny when he was talking and shredding really fast at the same time hahahH

[@ehoc42]

so lets see, he reveals his future songs heart baby, stand, and deconstruction in one 7 minute video. Thats one of the perks of having your own record label

[@Velopod]

Devin Townsend is such an awesome guitarist and a funny, down to earth guy. And I love how he just sweeps around while talking normally. like:"No big deal guys, I just thought sweeping wasn't hard enough on it's own, so I'm talking to you at the same time" lol

[@MadsPerschke]

All I heard was sheer awesomeness and bleep!

[@nikewatch1987]

ok i liked this yonks ago and now listening back and hearing all the songs off deconstruction its pretty epic

[@GuitarNinja91]

Saw him live last night and was blown away!! I left the venue early and ended up meeting him!! It was so sick. got to talk to him for a while

[@Lumo95]

My dream is to have him and Buckethead do a collaboration album, It would literally make my head explode.

[@gilmeaguitar]

hahahahah - sweep pickin'!!! and the whole neck pick up thing, so true :D

[@TheVermifuge]

I like how he busts out the "KI" riffs and starts singin, thats killer

[@SeanHiruki]

I love how the first part is nice, calm and smooth, then he rants as all us geeks and nerds do. Awesome

[@Slayerville1969]

amazing he totally ripping on guitar and rambling about anything and makes it look so easy...im a huge fan a true music genius...SYL!

[@SenorDevin]

that stand riff is just the fucking greatest

[@federz666]

Dev is basically Rick from Rick and Morty.

[@FormerlyMrBean667]

He's still got it. And will never ever lose it.

[@janwaltereustaquio]

I always listen to Ki, at least seven times a week. it's one of my favorite albums, ever! My favorite track is Terminal...it's so, moving...^_^

[@marcelogaea1064]

Rippin’! I recall being truly frightened by Dev when he was in Vai, lol EDIT: and with SYL

[@rayrussell9162]

every time i listen to Devin play clean i always wounder if he is a David Gilmour fan. have to imagine he is

[@K3v114]

Of course. 19-37. Gilmour.

[@TotalKombatArts]

God Bless Devin that was Hilarious and awesome :)

[@aliensporebomb]

It's uncanny. He's got the guitar downtuned like mad yet his solos are singing and crystalline up in the stratosphere.

[@onbedoeldekut1515]

He almost always tunes to CGCGCE. It's a great tuning which presents scale patterns on the fretboard like repetitive blocks, and in certain scales, the patterns align in forms that mean blocks of 9 have a semitone break before and after the block of 9. It's quite a lovely tuning. Ever so slightly different to one used by Jimmy Page on The Rain Song (and other Zep classics), but with a high D instead of Devy's E.

[@TheGodlessGuitarist]

@HelloDailor Cool. I have to say I am mightily impressed by his vocal guitar play separation. He hand certainly diddle a bit too.

[@MattBurnside]

Devin actually is THE best guitarist to watch and listen to when your hungover or pretty much any other time.

[@cokeglas]

Do some searches for his live performances and you can see why ppl get so into it. He;s frigging awesome live. He just really really likes to play I think.

[@Geddylee2000]

If musicians take nothing else from this, "What sort of void am I filling in terms of musical composition? And the answer is nothing. I'm pissing around trying to make music that people are going to like and in the mean time I'm going FUCKING BROKE!" XD