CoC : Strapping Young Lad

Strapping Young Lad - _City_
(Century Media, 1997)
by: Adrian Bromley (9 out of 10)

The follow-up to 1995's _Heavy as a Real Heavy Thing_, entitled _City_, is one "ball-busting-rip-roarin'-intensified-muthafucker" of a ride. Unlike the grinding groove bestowed on _HaaRHT_, _City_'s material is ten-fold heavier and ten-fold more sinister. Lashing out at break-neck speed and coated with some of the coolest rushes of momentum and anger I have heard in some time, _City_ never rests. >From opener "Velvet Kevorkian" onto "Oh My Fucking God" and "Home Nucleonics", singer/producer/mastermind Devin Townsend leads a fantastic charge of creativity. While _HaaRHT_ was the stepping stone for Townsend to break away from previous work with Steve Vai, The Wildhearts, and g//z/r, and be more creative and intense vocally and material-wise, this album sets the direction where Townsend obviously feels comfortable and where he should be. This is a very extreme sounding record with innovative ideas and sounds, as well being able to combine elements of Frontline Assembly, Ministry and a slew of technical ideas. Living it loud and proud, Townsend takes SYL one step further into the mind of a madman. At 39:40 minutes (nine songs), it's short, but enough for one sitting. Trust me.

(article published 4/2/1997)

CHATS
7/13/2006	J Smit	Strapping Young Lad: None More Black
6/12/2003	A McKay	Strapping Young Lad: The World Makes Way
10/1/1995	A Bromley	Strapping Young Lad: Bracing for Success

ALBUMS
6/27/2006	J Smit	8	Strapping Young Lad - The New Black
2/22/2005	J Smit	10	Strapping Young Lad - Alien
4/16/2003	X Hoose	8	Strapping Young Lad - SYL
7/8/1998	A Bromley	9.5	Strapping Young Lad - No Sleep Till Bedtime
10/1/1995	G Filicetti	7	Strapping Young Lad - Heavy As a Really Heavy Thing

GIGS
9/14/1997	S Hoeltzel	Testament / Stuck Mojo / Strapping Young Lad	Demonic Pigwalk