New Black

The project is ultimately a showcase for Devin Townsend--the singer/producer of the group--whose sound garners respect from many diverse parts of the music scene. On The New Black, guests include Bif Naked--who contributes vocal licks to the untitled track (also known as "F--ker")--and GWAR's Oderus Urungus, who enhances Townsend's diatribe against the music industry in "Far Beyond Metal." The title track is a standout, showcasing the Lamb of God influence on the band (Townsend produced LOG's As the Palaces Burn) while at the same time displaying the nearly bionic talents of drummer Gene Hoglan. One of SYL's strengths is its frontman's ability to write and perform in a number of different metal styles, and the slowed-down beauty of "Almost Again" is the perfect place for Townsend's warm, full pipes. Hands-down, the winner of the "future-devil-horn-anthem" award goes to "You Suck" with its hilarious call-and-response chorus, filled with words far too unprintable to be quoted here, but definitely worth checking out. --Denise Sheppard