HEVYDEVY FORUMS

Even typing this thread I can feel hundreds of SYL fans getting ready to kill me. However, as it is, I got into Devin Townsend & SYL through Devin's solo career (Terria & Accelerated Evolution) and have only heard a handful of SYL songs (Love?, SYL, Oh My Fucking God and Almost Again). I've wanted to buy through their discography for a while though and I was wondering which was the best album to start with. I toyed with getting Alien first, then I though it'd probably just be easier to buy through in order.

If it's any help my top 3 solo Devin album (right now) would probably be: Accelerated Evolution, Ziltoid The Omniscient and Infinity.

So yes, what's the best SYL album to start off with, or would it be better just to purchase through them in release order? Discuss!?

Not only was Alien my introduction to SYL, it was also my introduction to Devin himself - and what an intro it was. That would be my rec, closely followed by City, which is a better album, but less immediate and more frenetic. Save self-titled and Heavy As.. for last - they're good in their own right but pale in comparison.

I would say Alien or City. Different feels to them, but both awesome in their own right. Just like all of Dev's music--different and enormous.

I'd go with The New Black.

I'd actually suggest Physicist as a transition from DTB to SYL.. but I think I might be alone in that suggestion. Just get everything

Hughie wrote:I'd actually suggest Physicist as a transition from DTB to SYL.. but I think I might be alone in that suggestion. Just get everything

No, that actually makes alot of sense. Get Physicist, and then get City. Then get everything else!

you should not have asked this because everyone will give you his/her own opinion and confuse you. just buy any album they are all awesome. (but i think city would be good start. not because i heard that one first but because its is "THE SYL" album..if you know what i mean)

Cool, well come my next payday (Friday) I think I'm gonna make the plunge as it were and get City and Alien. Cheers guys

Heavy as a really heavy thing, No doubt. the album that started me on the road to SYL gripped me with my favourite song In The Rainy Season. Reminds me of back home in Liverpool

Alien was my first introduction to Devin's work, so I Jumped straight in the deep end.
Followed by City, The new black & S.y.l.
Their self titled album is my latest purchase & favorite so far.
Yet to get my hands on Heavy as a really heavy thing.

Sad to see such a fucking EPIC group disband, I'm kicking myself I didn't find them earlier.

I recommend Alien first, since that was my first Devin album as well. Then if you want more Strapping either go for City or Self Titled next

You can't do any wrong if you go with Alien!

I ended up picking up Alien and Heavy As A Really Heavy Thing both of which are quite awesome. Cheers for the input here guys. From here on out I think I'll get 'em in chronological order

City or The New Black, I think... Alien is difficult to understand at once with it's chaotic riff structure. S/T is more straightforward and, I think, it doesn't shocks so much, when you listen to it for the first time.

I only ended up getting Heavy last month.

This month I made the plunge and brought City, SYL, Alien AND The New Black in one go. So I'll have a lot of Dev to tide me over until Addicted comes out