SYL

Way behind on keeping this thing updated again, so here's the back log. First up is Canadian noisemongers Strapping Young Lad. Formed in 94 in the great white north by former Steve Vai frontman Devin Townsend, the band quickly gained notice with their debut 'Heavy Is A Really Heavy Thing' in 95. The band at the point was just Devin with some local musicians. After the mild success, Devin recruited a full time lineup which included Jed Simon on Guitars, Byron Stroud on Bass, and The Atomic Clock, Gene Hoglan on drums. The result was 97's 'City', a beast of a metal album if there was. Chaotic barely describes this album. The drumming alone is just simply brutal and top notch, while Devin's guitars and vocals are all over the place. This was the defining moment for the band. However things changed quickly and the band soon went on hiatus until 02. In the meantime, Devin followed it all up with several stellar solo records. Gene played in about every metal band in the world it seemed. The band released a few more records before Devin decided to put SYL to bed for good. The band remains one of the most talked about metal bands during the late 90's. 'City'  is just a prime example of what Devin is capable of. Great album to throw on when you can't make sense of it all.

Sometime before SYL got back together I became aware of them through songs like 'Detox'. Of course Devin's larger than life persona drew me into the band. I thought surely this guy can't be serious, he's just another crazy Canadian. The music was just so chaotic it was hard to believe a band could be so all over the place. When the self titled album came out I of course jumped at the chance to get it. From there I didn't look back. Devin's solo work is amazing, which will be featured in the coming weeks. Great artist who is a bit nuts, but that never hurt.

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