Devin Townsend - Ocean Machine - Biomech
Released: 1997

Interneted.com

"There is not a bad song on this record from the oceanic opening track "Seventh Wave," to the melodically uplifting "Life," to the dark urban landscape of "Bastard." For those who have heard Devin's work with Strapping Young Lad, it should be mentioned that although this is a departure from the bone-crushing speed of SYL, it is still an altogether heavy album, both emotionally and musically. Ocean Machine's Biomech is an all-around beautiful record and it should not be missing from any music fan's collection."

"Tying everything together is Devin's voice, and it's great to hear him really singing again. Anyone who heard the Vai album will know that his voice is top-notch, with the ability to go from aggressive bark, to high-pitched wail, to soft emotional whisper in the space of one song. This album truly shows him to be one of the most versatile and accomplished vocalists of his era"

"Grand and touching, Ocean Machine is truly a monumental work for Devin Townsend. Both immediately catchy and lasting in interest, Biomech is more than likely one of those metal records you overlooked. Though a bit of a chore to find anywhere, it is ultimately fulfilling and worth the quest."

"Get this album so that you can hear what perfection sounds like. There's no risk of you not liking it: if you don't, check yourself into the nearest clinic and ask for them to turn the power on the ECT machine all the way up"

"It is really pleasant to lose myself in the swirl of the symphonic sounds which are woven into the music so thickly they could suffocate you... The powerful vocals, which can't be distorted, even if he sings at the top of his voice, were what attracted me when I first heard his singing on Vai, and is made the best use of ... This is profound music. ... 87/100"

"Unlike 'City' which punishes the senses, 'Biomech' provides an uncomfortable massage of the emotions. A concept album akin to the sensuality and escapism of Pink Floyd, Devin lyrically and musically explores real and not particularly uplifting topics such as death, isolation, and depression.... Epic, grandiose and highly emotive, 'Biomech' is a work of extreme artistic and musical merit. 10/10"