Band:	Strapping Young Lad
Album:	Strapping Young Lad
Style:	Industrial metal, Thrash metal
Release date:	2003
Guest review by:	Justin

01. Dire
02. Consequence
03. Relentless
04. Rape Song
05. Aftermath
06. Devour
07. Last Minute
08. Dirt Pride
09. Force Fed
10. Bring On The Young
11. Detox [live] [Australian bonus]

Armageddon is upon us folks, and it's not the acts of terrorism or the imminent threat of war I'm talking about here, it's the fourth Strapping Young Lad album! While the ever prolific Devin has kept himself busy with such projects as Conjure One [with famed Fear Factory producer Rhys Fulber], Eko [Devin's pop project], The Devin Townsend Band [another personal project along the lines of 'Terria', 'Ocean Machine' and 'Infinity'], overseeing the construction of a new home studio and various production credits [Soilwork, FryGirl, Just Cause, The Almighty Punchdrunk, December and Lamb Of God], there is no denying that most fans have been waiting a long five years for this album. As little as a year ago, Devin considered Strapping Young Lad a closed book. On numerous occasions he had stated that a follow up to 1997's classic City was unlikely to happen, and that the name of Strapping Young Lad wouldn't be defamed by releasing anything sub standard. However, that was all to change with the events that unfolded on September 11th 2001. The attacks prompted a new creative anger deep within Devin that led to the eventual early writing stages for one on the most anticipated album releases of 2003. With the classic line up intact, Devin Townsend on vocals, guitars and keyboards, Byron Stroud on bass, Jed Simon on guitars, Gene Hoglan on drums and newcomer Will Campagne now filling in on keyboards.

There's a sense of familiarity with the 'Velvet Kevorkian' sounding instrumental 'Dire', before delivering a sonic assault to the senses with 'Consequence'. There's an immediate feel that Devin has opted for a sound that relies less upon the feel of digital technology, and more of a live band, with the guitars steering the material rather than samples and programming. 'Relentless' is a rather fitting title for this pile driving mass of noise, while 'Rape Song' may bring the speed back a notch, but still retains that aggression. The real highlight of the album is delivered within the crushing grooves of anthem like 'Aftermath' and 'Devour'. The hooks within these songs are sure to guarantee their inclusion within the live set from this point on. The black metal tinged 'Last Minute' is a welcome new sound from Devin, while 'Force Fed' and 'Dirt Pride' are delivered in punishing crushing style. The curtain closer 'Bring On The Young' is an epic building track that climbs to a seething anger high that brings this monumental war ensemble masterpiece collectively known as SYL to a climatic close.

There's little in the way of compromise or mercy, and the lyrical content paints a bleak and primal landscape for the listener. The fact that Devin recognised Strapping Young Lad as a fully-fledged band and allowed it to become a democracy [both within the song writing and performing in the studio] has given SYL a distinctly metallic and earthy sound over its predecessors.