Live Review: Devin Townsend - Wolverhampton
4th April 2023
Support: Klone, Fixation
Words: Cat Finch
Photos: Tim Finch
Following a life affirming post-pandemic headline set from Devin Townsend at Bloodstock in 2021 and a critically claimed album in ‘Lightwork’ at the end of last year, it is safe to say Devin Townsend’s headline tour of the UK this April was one of the most anticipated tours of the year.
As the tour nears its end, we head to the legendary KK’s Steel Mill in Wolverhampton, to see if Devin can re-create those magical moments in the live arena once more.
The night is kicked off with Norwegian metalcore act Fixation taking control as the main room at KK’s place starts to fill up. Their songs were explosive, with an impressive mix of riffs and hooks that showcased the band's skill.
The material was diverse, with some tracks being progressively unpredictable, while others were slow paced, sweeping masterpieces. This variety ensured their performance was a class apart from what we may have expected. With an appearance at Download in their future we recommend you watch out for them this summer.
Main support are French ensemble Klone, more so than Fixation they fit exquisitely on this bill with their progressive sensibilities, taking inspiration from the likes of Opeth and Devin himself amongst others. The dual guitars of Guillaume Bernard and Aldrick Guadagnino meld styles and pace into an interesting mix of soundscapes in their songs.
Frontman Yann Ligner controls the show with his dominant vocal performance, bringing together the guitars, bass and drums behind his rasping powerful warbles. A commanding performance all round, warming up the crowd nicely for tonights main course, which was about to start.
Devin Townsend needs little introduction and the raptures he receives as he walks on stage display the fans true adoration of him.
Kicking off with ‘Lightworker’, Devin laps up the fans adoration, he is playful throughout the evenings show, talking to the crowd, taking their stuffed toys to show to the rest of the crowd and even giving some guitar pics to the guys at the front with signs politely asking for them. It’s fair to say the fans love Devin and much as he loves the fans.
The set mixes his solo material in the forms of the awe inspiring ‘Kingdom’, ‘Dimensions’ and ‘The Fluke’ with a Devin Townsend Band number ‘Deadhead’ plus the obligatory solo’s. Devin and Mike partaking in some self love this evening.
'Spirits Collide’, 'Truth’ and ‘Bad Devil’ lead us into the encore as the night seems to be hurrying to an end all too fast. ‘Why?’ with more audience frivolity follows before ‘Call the Void’ leads us into a glorious rendition of the Strapping Young Lad song ‘Love?’.
It’s easy to see why we all love Devin so much, whilst he may have his quirks, he loves interacting with the fans. His music draws the fans in and his charm keeps them there. A wonderful evening from start to finish.
All photo credits: Tim Finch Photography
