Artist description One of the most diverse and multi-dimensional extreme metal groups, while possessing a sound that many describe as the single most insane, hostile thing they've ever heard.

Music Style Extreme Hardcore Metal

Musical Influences Steve Vai, Testament, Death

Similar Artists No One

Artist History After spending several years doing projects at the behest of other people (a list that includes such diverse groups as Steve Vai's band, Frontline Assembly, Jason Newsted's IR8, The Wildhearts, and Geezer Butler's g//z/r), singer/guitarist/songwriter Devin Townsend finally decided in 1994 that it was time to please himself. He promptly assembled some local Vancouver, Canada talent and recorded a demo that caught the attention of Century Media Records, who wasted no time in issuing the band's debut record, Heavy As A Really Heavy Thing, in 1995. Although the aggressive nature of the material represented a significant departure from most of Devin's previous recorded output, the album's underlying sense of melody and lighthearted subject matter was a refreshing change of pace from the Prozac-popping mentality and one-dimensional songwriting technique of the majority of the aggro genre's leading outfits. During the two years that followed, Townsend continued to compose material for the album's projected follow-up while getting himself involved in a variety of projects that included an appearance on the acclaimed Rush tribute Working Man, a pair of vocal contributions to the solo debut of former Testament axeman James Murphy, and a co-production stint on the second album from Atlanta's Stuck Mojo. After enlisting ex-Death/Dark Angel drummer Gene Hoglan (who has discontinued work with Testament to now join the band full time) to replace the departed Adrian White, Strapping Young Lad entered Steve Vai's own Mothership Studios with acclaimed Swedish engineer/producer Daniel Bergstrand (Meshuggah, Stuck Mojo) in July of 1996 to record their sophomore outing. While not as hyper-kinetic and loose as the debut, City represents another twisted chapter in the unpredictable career of the 25-year-old Canadian, further reinforcing the band's status.

Group Members Devin Townsend - Vocals/Guitars Jed Simon - Guitars Byron Stroud - Bass Gene Hoglan - Drums

Albums No Sleep Till Bedtime - Live EP, City, Heavy as a Really Heavy Thing

Location Vancouver - Canada

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