I’ve said it a hundred times, Devin Townsend won’t be properly appreciated until he’s gone. The man is a national treasure in progressive music. And that voice 👌🏼

This song saved my life. I was from being severely depressed to being hooked up by the melody and power of this song and another from devin called "Higher". can't thank Devin enough. Life is beatiful!

Devin is literally one of the greatest musical discoveries anyone can make.

I'm a Devin convert since first featuring on my channel 3 years ago - the suggestions keep coming but I ran out of new stuff to react to as I couldn't wait and ended up buying everything and bingeing! Completely unique as a performer and song writer. He has a condition called synesthesia whereby he hears colour and therefore chooses musical motifs and progressions that wouldn't necessarily seem right, but work as blended colours!!!

Devin Townsend really is one of those rare talents, he can do pretty much anything he puts his mind to better than most anyone else.

«I have no interest in being told what to do.», Devin Townsend

That Plovdiv show is unbelievably good. The Death of Music literally gives me goosebumps

There's a part in the studio solo where it feels like something crawls up your spine 🥶

Thank you. Somehow I wasn't aware of Devin Townsend. Will now be going to look up more of his music.

Someone on the council of Doug needs to petition Doug to react to Deep Peace from live in Plovdiv 🙏 pleeeaassseee!

Devin's very self deprecating and humble most times about his guitar chops, but the guy's for real. He toured with the virtuoso and legend Steve Vai when he was first getting into the business at like age 19. You' gotta be something special for that.

Devin hardly ever does guitar solos, I forget his exact wording but I remember him saying something like he feels like it can get a bit showboaty if you do too much of it. Still, the one he did for Failure fits rather well and I don't think the song would've been the same without it.

Devin is one of the most interesting guitarists alive, and "Deep Peace" from this same concert has some interesting classical influence and you might love it.

His voice is achingly beautiful.

Have to say, Devin is growing on me. Amazing artist, just took me a while. So thanks to this channel discovered a new catalog to delve into. 🤟

I am from Bulgaria, Opeth also did an amazing concert with the Plovdiv philharmonics orchestra at that particular amphitheater, which I believe is the oldest one on the Balkans (over 2000 years old).

God, his singing is amazing..

Metal + Orchestra = Match made in Heaven ❤

The death of music from the same show is awesome

Leprous- Castaway Angels

One of my favorite Devin songs. Amazingly beautiful

I just got this DVD a couple weeks ago, the whole performance is great

Not enough requests for this song but it's a must listen. Devin Townsend - Death Of Music (Live At Royal Albert Hall). It's a long song but well worth it.

Devin Townsend is my fav male Singer. And i am totally FLOORED.

I was hooked to Devin's music the first time I got "City" almost 25 years ago. Since then it's been amazing to follow him on his journey. I've seen him more than 20 times live with SYL, DTP. solo. Devin is music. He epitomises everything that a truly talented, creative human being can do when in touch with his inner source of creation. His music is spiritual, it projects joy of nature, life and human existence. Future generations will learn about his music, we are truly blessed to be his contemporaries. And scary thing is, he is only half way there 😉

That gig took place in a 2000 year old Roman auditorium. One of the most epic shows I've ever been to!

Please react to this whole Devin Townsend show, this one in Plovdiv with the full orchestra, each and every song of this setlist is A MUST.

KANSAS - MIRACLES OUT OF NOWHERE. OK, that out of the way, great reaction as always and thanks again for circling back to Hevy Devy. I love, love, LOVE the constant positivity that you emit in these videos. Cheers!

Doug’s videos make my day! Good stuff man

Hi Doug you brighten up my day everyday thank you for that mate !

Favourite episode so far... wicked

That whole concert was phenomenal, with its combination of DT's signature wall-of-sound production and the live wall of sound from the orchestra and the choir. Failure is one of my favorite songs from probably my favorite Devin Townsend album (Transcendence), from the ambient heaviness down to the rare guitar solo. Only the album/concert opener Truth and the later Higher rival it for the top spot. DT offers such a contrast, from the spastic energy of his extreme metal work to the slow, heavy atmospherics of songs like this one, with whole bunch of awesomeness in-between and to the side...Enjoy!

If you ever want to break back out of metal like you did with that Jump cover, I'd love to see you try to tackle Snarky Puppy - Lingus! Cool story, their drummer forgot to renew his passport so they called someone in who learned the song by ear on the 7 hour plane ride over from the states.

Doug, another great video. A suggestion, if in a couple of months you did another Devin reaction video, The Mighty Masterbator has everything that's gone through his head at once, distilled into 15 minutes of virtual insanity. I'd love to see your reaction to it! Keep up the great work!

I knew that sooner or later there would be reactions to this song. It went overlooked for too long.

Very, very good analytical video. Thanks for this! The best: the song is played WITHOUT interruption, with punctual, concise interjections on your part. Well done! I find nothing worse than to interrupt such a song again and again, to then indulge in verbal excesses - so do many others, unfortunately. Class and I look here again. Thumbs up and another subscription for me. xD

Devin Townsend is a "Universal Send",,This song Failure is played daily throughout my day in my runs and at night reflecting on my day accomplishments or lack of. Such a beautiful song ! Thank you @Doug Helvering Thank you !

Very nice reaction Doug. That whole live Ocean Machine performance at the Ancient Roman Theatre in Plovdiv from 2018 is great. So is the Ziltoid show from 2015 at Royal Albert Hall.

Loving these reaction videos Doug and am a huge Devin and Maiden fan. The song Deep Peace from the same gig as this is absolutely amazing with one of my favourite ever guitar solos. Very melodic. Think you would really appreciate that song.

I wonder if he'd like *Wintesun - Land Of Snow And Sorrow* . It's mostly clean, no double kick and very beautiful.

I freaking love watching your videos... The passion you show and the appreciation you show towards the video's and music that you are listening to. Good stuff. And boy, Devin is a freaking god and it kills me how many people don't know who he is. Every time he comes around, I go see him. Puts on a killer show and he sounds so freaking good!

You made my day - This concert was the swan song for DTP., and what a way to finish.. Devin has used choirs and orchestras on all of his modern music. I never minded the backing tracks for those parts - but this him in his element with live musicians playing every part . This is a magnificent performance from everyone involved. Devin says he's not pleased with the mix he did, because the drums were too loud. I love it. Have a great weekend Doug Cheers

Thank you so much for this! Definitely made my day! Also want to thank you for everything you do with this channel, has helped get me through a few difficult months of lockdown here in the UK, so thank you so much and keep up the great work!! Best channel on KZfaq 😊

Also just so you know devin mixed this live show too, I was there it was honestly the coldest night ever!

That solo was kick ass.

This is my first time seeing your content and I've been binging various other videos of yours. I really appreciate the insightful reaction, the attention to key changes, time signatures, what makes song work in the way song writers intend for them for sound.

Devin is in a league of his own.

Man, I love your reactions on Devin’s music, especially the way you break in down and analyze it. It’s a great way to learn more about music. Thank you very much! 😊👍🏻

The whole concert is absolutely wonderful :) I imagine you'd get a kick out of "Life", it's sooo epic!

Doug! You sir are a fine gentleman and musical scholar. Totally digging your reactions and dissections - just found you yesterday through your Sound of Silence & 2112. Not everyday that I hear a break down of the break down of the beats/time signatures, yah the “rhythmic vitality” therein, followed up with a nice southern (NC?) drawl/accent proclaiming 🎸 “This is a KickAss solo y’all!” Most Excellent!! 🤘🏼

Thank you for your musical reaction. Unique Devin.

I super dug this reaction. Definitely a great jam. Devin Townsend always delivers big with his performances and I'm always happy to experience them. :)

Thanks, this was really good, and totally new to me.

Devin is such a gift 💯

From the same concert , Stormbending.

Love The album this is off, Transcendence, love the drums. They aren’t in your face but they enhance each song brilliantly and I feel this song is the best example of that.

every time I hear that drummer he impresses me more and more (and all the other musicians too)

Haha, just found this. Isn’t it amazing how music works! Iv recently heard this song and it’s absolutely massive! Touches and tickles the ears in every right way. Watching your face at all the same parts that got me too was fun. I was like, yeahh that’s the parts that do that to ya .. music, amazing powerful stuff!

The first half of this concert was a by-request set (with orchestra), and the 2nd half was his Ocean Machine album played in its entirety with just the band. It was performed in an ancient amphitheater. My favourite piece from this concert is Death of Music. I love the song/performance, but you also get to see a bit more of the amazing theatre and staging. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/r7Vzl91yzsDLlYU.html

Really really good reaction!! Devin is a one off !!!!

Hi Doug. Glad to see Hevy Devy getting the attention he deserves on here. I'd like to suggest another Canadian artist: Jean Leloup, from la belle province. The song lyrics are in French, but I'd like to see a reaction, analysis of the chords, tuning, dissonance. Jean Leloup is another of those one of a kind artists. The song is "La chambre" and it sounds the way it does on purpose. I don't have your musical ear, but I'm positive he's either using an improperly tuned guitar or some real funky chords.

When Dr. H has the stank face, you know it’s good!!!

Been loving your content a lot these past few weeks since I discovered your channel. Amazing stuff, and I really appreciate your honesty, that's absolutely refreshing with reaction channels. And of course I also appreciate the fact that we can maybe hear (and think of) our favorite songs from a new perspective. I'm guessing you're having hundreds of suggestions at this point, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on Octavarium, by Dream Theater. Cheers from Argentina!

I really recommend the live acoustic version of Funeral that Devin did for EMGtv.

Thanks you for covering a song that’s not Deadhead or Kingdom. Nice analysis with no annoying pauses.

Devin is just incredible.

Great reaction, thanks :-)

Thanks! I hope one day we will see Children of Bodom reaction)

so totallly converted to Devin Townsend - love his music

I'm enjoying watching your reactions to metal songs. I may not like some of the songs/bands but I will admit those ones I don't like are relevant to your channel and the fact you are a classical composer. In a way that is also the reason I would like to see your reaction to the Megadeth song "Holy Wars...The Punishment Due". In the world of heavy metal it is one of the best songs ever written and that is not just my opinion. The video clip on KZfaq has over 41 million views.

Great review. Different perspective. I personally love the Choir coming in at the end of the guitar solo ( I was a choir guy for years).

G minor is such a DARK key. Big, deep purple (no pun haha) vibes. Maybe the darkest minor key. The great thing about Doug is he doesn't get caught in the weeds like other "composer reacts" videos. Lots of actually useful analysis about harmonic and melodic function. Could the hivemind choose something from Ulver? Lots of interesting harmonic and melodic content in their stuff and would be a nice change of pace from all the metal. Ulver is dark, and while certainly rooted in the rock tradition (they started off as a black metal band) they've definitely moved towards art music, while still maintaining their rock roots. Hell, their last few albums could even be considered disco! I particularly love the track 'Eos' but it may be a bit too atmospheric for what you're doing. And HQ live videos of Ulver are few and far between. There's an awesome recording from their live show at the Norwegian National Opera that transitions to the track 'Let the Children Go' and those two tracks truly compliment each other to create a whole, complete idea. 'Rolling Stone' might be a better jumping on point, but 'Hallways of Always' is also really good! Maybe other people can chime in with better suggestions than me. Cheers! :)

Hey Doug! Love you channel and how you walk us through you experience in all these songs. Idk, it might be stupid but who knows!? I just got this feeling that you should contact Devin himself and have a chat about music and depth of life or what ever. I think this reaction thing is just a really nice start for you and that it will bring more. You got the heart in you, keep it up! Tack så mycket!

Love the analysis of the songs, definitely why we all keep coming back. Going to recommend Haggard - Tales of Ithiria again, you'll like it I'm sure

Another band i am completely sure that you are going to love and keep circulating back to and discover more of their big catalog is the band THRESHOLD ! I sugest the song pilot in the sky of dreams ( album version ) as a starter, an epic progressive rock/metal tune with awsm lyrics wich i would love to hear your thoughts about.. Great reaction as always and Devin is the KING

Higher, Deep Peace, The Death Of Music

This is a great reaction. Failure is my favourite song from Devin Townsend. It's great to see a bit of a different take on it. I would love to see you react to some Starset. They have some really interesting and unique arrangements, especially in the rather electronic songs. I'd love to hear your explanations and your takes on their songs.

Dimmu Borgir - progenies of the great apocalypse live orchestra. Give some symphonic black metal a crack.

As Always, splendid. I've been sharing your page with many others, hopefully they subscribe. I would love to study music under your tutelage.

Great stuff Doug!!! Norwegian band aha, with the song hunting high and low. I think you would like that!😊😊😊

The main motif is almost like Iron Maiden's "Nomad."

If you like a bit unusual I’d love to see what you think of Primus, if you’re not already familiar. John the fisherman might be a more mainstream introduction.

Still waiting for reaction on Riverside.... River Down Below, Second Life Syndrom, Acronym Love, Conciving You or Discard Ypur Fear

Have never spent the time to listen to this song before.. decided to give it a whirl with you on this one since I am a Devin Townsend fan (mostly his heavier stuff.) The impression I got from this song.. if it were to be used in a movie then 'feels' of the song seem to me that it would be used during a segment of the movie where the main character(s) would be resolving to do 'something' that they did not necessarily want to do.. but had to do. The quiet, determined resolve in the decision, then the execution.. of whatever that task was. Or at least the segment of the movie that led up to the actual execution of that plan of action right up until the point to just before the plan/action was executed. That is, at least, how I would utilize this song if I were deciding the use for it in a movie, anways lol.

Thank you for another thoughtful reaction Doug! Devin can really do a "Beauty and the Beast" kind of thing. If possible, you should listen/react to "A Newer Reign" from his quarantine projects series. The vocals can get pretty harsh at times but they are juxtaposed with a heavenly beauty. Kind of like jumping into the sauna after the snow. A wall of sound with power-chords that will shake you to your core! Keep up the fine work!

Devin is a favorite of mine. 2 amazing songs in the prog world to check out: Salt by Caligula's Horse; Low Lands by Gojira

Devin is definitely from the Vai school of guitar :) Great song! Hoping for an Eric Johnson reaction sometime too.

Just found your channel. I've unsubscribed from a lot of reactors recently because they were getting to be too much of the same, but it's cool to hear new commentary and insight from a different background, so I've subscribed to you. I'm sure that you're getting a lot of recommendations/requests, but just in case you don't already have an over-flowing hopper I'll throw some into the mix. I've tried to suggest songs that are musically interesting, at least to me, and I hope they are interesting to you too, and I hope at least some of them are ones you've never heard of before. When I've given multiple suggestions for an artist, I've tried to suggest starting points that cover their range and maybe give you some places to jump off from. * Devin Townsend, "Universal Flame" and "Deadhead" (both live at Royal Albert Hall) * Devin Townsend, "Call of the Void" (Quarantine Project #8), which is his take on: * All India Radio, "Can You Hear the Sound" * Delain, "Masters of Destiny" * Delain, "The Gathering" (from Masters of Rock 2017) and "Nothing Left". Both Feature Marco from Nightwish on male vocals. It's a pity that early this year Delain broke up and Marco decided to leave Nightwish and take a step back from performing. * Within Temptation, "Whole World is Watching" (there are two versions, one with Dave Pimer, one with Piotr Roguki; I prefer the one with Piotr myself but it's a potato/potatoe thing) Within Temptation, "Paradise (What About Us)". This features Tarja (1st lead vocalist of Nightwish) * Unleash the Archers, "Awakening", "Tonight We Ride", "Northwest Passage", and "Legacy" * Johanna Kurkela, "Kuolevainen". Johanna is married to Tuomas Holopanien (big brain and keyboardist of Nightwish), is a successful Finnish solo recording artist herself, makes occasional appearances in Tuomas's his other work I'm sure that the Nightwish Army has filled your hopper with Nightwish suggestions, so I won't make any myself. All I'll say is that the Human :||: Nature album (both disks) is an incredibly brave release to make because it's in a lot of ways a very different Nightwish album. Every song on Disk 1 is different from what they've done before but at the same time they are still noticeably Nightwish. The last song is the first time I've heard the rarest of genres: Symphonic Doom Metal. Disk 2 is an orchestral piece composed by Tuomas and mostly performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra with minimal contribution from his bandmates. Rather than make Nightwish suggestions, I'm going to suggest songs from two of Tuomas's side projects which I can definitely hear elements of in Human :||: Nature. * Tuomas Holopainen, "Lifetime of Adventure". The album it comes from is based on a Scrooge McDuck comic, which was apparently incredibly popular in Finland and is supposedly one of the books that Tuomas learned English from as a child. * Auri, "The Space Between". Auri is Tuomas, Johanna, and Troy Donockley (also of Nightwish)

He does country music too. His side project Casualties of Cool.

AURORA 'Through The Eyes Of a Child' (Live at Nidarosdomen)

I still say queen The Prophet's Song

Anathema - Flying (Live @ Plovdiv with Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra)

Howdy! Could you possibly please react to Woods of Ypres - Travelling Alone? Trying to shed some light on a band where the frontman died just before their last album was released. In my humble opinion it is a hidden gem.

godlike

I’m trying to guess the key like you do but it’s more of a guessing game I’m not even close 🤣

You should react to "Blotted Science - 'Cretaceous Chasm' in 12-Tone Fragments". It's an instrumental metal band, which writes their songs using an own version of Schoenbergs' 12-tone-technique. I think it would be very interesting to hear your thoughts on it!

Tomorrow is Fan Friday. I am still looking forward to you reacting (with piano) to Hagelslag feat. The Hirsch Effekt - Kollaps.

The analysis/reaction of the song Schwarzalbenheim by the band Therion would be awesome!

I would love to see your reaction to Genesis by them. Very strange(for a lack of a better term), but amazing song.

it's a Devin Doouuuuuuuuug