Devin Townsend announces “Devolution #3 – Empath Live In America”

Canadian singer, guitarist, songwriter, and producer Devin Townsend has announced the release of a new live album, “Empath Live In America“, on August 4 through InsideOut Music.

The Devolution series so far has comprised some unique live performances, and this one is no different. “Empath Live In America” is a document of the tour that was cut short in early 2020 due to the onset of the pandemic. Featuring a stripped back version of the “Order of Magnitude” band, this release captures a raw and off-kilter performance, and you can now check out the first track from the release , “Evermore”. Listen to it below.

The line-up for the tour saw Devin joined by former Frank Zappa guitarist Mike Keneally, former Haken keyboardist Diego Tejeida, Nathan Navarro, Morgan Ågren and Ché Aimee.

“Hello everyone,” Devin says, “continuing in the Devolution series of albums (which has been an avenue for us to release cool little curiosities on the side of regular releases) we bring you Devolution #3 – Empath Live In America.

“This was a very unique tour for me, and one that was regrettably cut short by the pandemic. It was a stripped back version of the Order Of Magnitude band (without choir and a few other members…), but as i try to do with each tour, the goal was to make this a unique and special night. Therefore, this tour marked a ‘free form’ version of the material. There were no backing tracks, click tracks, or even a setlist, so every night was unique and different. The audience yelled out requests and we just rolled with it. The material was therefore interpreted in unique ways and the experience was a very special ‘fly by the seat of our pants’ musical night.“

“It’s a raw and off kilter performance and I’m thrilled to have documented it. Until the next ‘real’ release, I hope you enjoy this rarity from a special, albeit ill-fated tour.”

Devin Townsend will join Dream Theater and Animals As Leaders on the Dream Sonic US tour throughout June and July.

“Empath Live In America” will be available as a limited CD digipak, gatefold 180g 2LP and as digital album. You can pre-order the album here.