Devin Garrett Townsend (born May 5, 1972 in New Westminster, Canada) is an influential Canadian multi-instrumentalist musician. He is a vocalist and record producer, drawing on progressive metal with influences from free jazz, blues, industrial, ambient and classical music. He is the founding member of the extreme metal outfit Strapping Young Lad, and has released a multitude of his own albums under the likenesses of Ocean Machine, Devin Townsend and The Devin Townsend Band.
His five-album contract deal with Strapping Young Lad was fulfilled with the 2006 release of The New Black, leaving the band on indefinite hiatus. The Devin Townsend Band was also retired from touring later that year, although, Townsend has stated that he will pursue his role as a record producer for other bands and will continue to write and release self-produced albums from his home studio.
