After releasing “Ki” in May 2009 it is time for the 2nd instalment of the series of four albums under the moniker DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT. Again, a different collection of session musicians are involved who were chosen based on what the theme of the album is and the vibe that the album is trying to project. For “Addicted” Devin Townsend got vocal support by a well-known female voice: Anneke van Giersbergen, ex-The Gathering. Hence, be prepared for a very special dual vocal delivery on “Addicted”.

Check out some words straight from Dev:

“With “Ki”, I kind of strode out in uncharted territories for myself musically, and loved the experience. However, during the course of writing this four record project, it was inevitable that I would end up writing a selection of tunes that were very much in line with my back catalogue. This group of songs is the second record in the series, and it is called “Addicted”

Musically, “Addicted” is along the lines of the big, wall of sound hard rock/heavy metal of Ocean Machine and Accelerated Evolution, even Physicist at points. It is a very direct and 'to the point' album with an emphasis on groove and the chorus. In the past, lots of my records end up taking a kind of Pink Floyd-ish route (between-song-meandering etc.). “Addicted” is really simple: 10 rocking songs and no bullshit.

I wanted to make a record that was heavy, without being dark or depressing. When I got into metal it was for the energy behind it, but somewhere along the way that energy started getting really negative. In music right now, there's a ton of heavy bands that are really depressing to listen to loudly. I wanted to make a record without any real deep metaphor on the surface. Something that sounds good, has a good beat, and a positive feeling. It is still heavy as-all-get-out, but I think there's a differentiation to be made between being 'peaceful', and being peaceful but wanting to celebrate loud, crushing music.

The vocal duties on this record are handled by myself and Anneke van Giersbergen, formerly the voice of The Gathering. I wanted to have male and female vocals kind of 'tell the story' so to speak. It's an honour to work with her and she has a lovely, lovely energy. I love this record, it affects me in a way that I wasn't prepared for. It's a fully rocking album of optimism. If you just want to 'play it loud' without any crazy metaphor, this album might be for you!”

“Addicted” will be supported live by worldwide touring activities that will be a real treat for every fan of wizard/musician/producer Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad, Steve Vai, Lamb Of God, Darkest Hour) as the tour will be a cross-section of his work: “We will start touring in early 2010, representing all the back catalogue of solo material, from Ki, Addicted, Physicist, Ziltoid, Terria, Ocean Machine, DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT, Infinity etc... I have some big plans for this and rehearsals are sounding amazing.” The touring entity will be called 'Devin Townsend' and is essentially a way for Devin to get out there and interact again and showcase 15 years of music that never really got it's fair shake.

“So I hope you will enjoy “Addicted” in the theme of the DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT, the reason “Addicted” exists is maybe a little deeper than what the record sounds like up front. But up front, it kind of states: 'Life is tough, the world can be an ugly place...so lets forget about the dramas and ROCK - here's some heavy guitars, big choruses and killer beats’.”