Devin Townsend recently announced the 3rd release in his Devolution series – “Empath Live In America”, will be released on August 4th, 2023. The Devolution series so far has comprised some unique live performance, and this one is no different. “Empath Live In America” is a document of the tour that was cut short in early 2020 due to the onset of the pandemic. Featuring a stripped back version of the ‘Order of Magnitude’ band, this release captures a raw and off-kilter performance. You can hear the band run through the “Casualties Of Cool” track ‘Forgive Me’, below.
As Devin explains: “Hello everyone 🙂 continuing in the ‘Devolution’ series of albums (which has been an avenue for us to release cool little curiosities on the side of regular releases) we bring you ‘Devolution #3 – Empath Live In America’.
This was a very unique tour for me, and one that was regrettably cut short by the pandemic. It was a stripped back version of the ‘Order of Magnitude’ band (without choir and a few other members…), but as i try to do with each tour, the goal was to make this a unique and special night. Therefore, this tour marked a ‘free form’ version of the material. There were no backing tracks, click tracks, or even a setlist, so every night was unique and different. The audience yelled out requests and we just rolled with it. The material was therefore interpreted in unique ways and the experience was a very special ‘fly by the seat of our pants’ musical night.
It’s a raw and off kilter performance and I’m thrilled to have documented it. Until the next ‘real’ release, I hope you enjoy this rarity from a special, albeit ill-fated tour.”
The line-up for this album saw Devin joined by Mike Keneally, Nathan Navarro, Diego Tejeida, Morgan Ågren & Ché Aimee Dorval. “Devolution #3 – Empath Live In America” will be available as a limited CD digipak, Gatefold 180g 2LP & as digital album. Pre-order “Devolution #3 – Empath Live In America” HERE.
Devin is currently taking part of the summer’s hottest progressive metal ticket in North America, as part of the DreamSonic tour headlined by Dream Theater & also including Animals As Leaders. This mammoth tour will take them all the way through to the end of July. Find the list remaining dates at the official DreamSonic site.
Devin Townsend released his most recent studio album “Lightwork” in late 2022. Listen HERE.
