Devin Townsend Saves the Day with “PowerNerd”, Album Due October 25

Canadian madcap maestro Devin Townsend is a treasure. From Strapping Young Lad to Ziltoid to the Casualties of Cool, the guy creates what he wants and you’re welcome to decide whether you want to join him on the ride or not. Earlier this morning, he dropped a ridiculously high energy single “PowerNerd” to announce his forthcoming album of the same name.

Set to drop on October 25, PowerNerd is the product of just 11 days of writing. Historically known for being extremely meticulous over his past works, Townsend he purposely sought to streamline his processes when making the record.

“It was a conscious thing. I thought, ‘I’ve spent so much time overthinking every aspect of my work – what would happen if I didn’t?’ Maybe I would have the opportunity to be a bit more direct with what it is that I’m trying to do. I really wanted to see if I could cut through some of the meandering.”

What we got out of that different approach — if the single is an indicator — is a fun, high-energy, and irreverent slate of music that honestly only Townsend could pull off.

As you’ll see in the video below, Townsend took a DIY approach with the introductory single, opting to run around his home in a self-made superhero costume and “saving the day” in very silly ways. It’s honestly all so joyful and fun, which is exactly what we all need on a Friday morning.

As for what exactly a “powernerd” is, ol’ Devy’s got the answer:

“I would say that a powernerd would be somebody that has a tendency that society has deemed weak or not valuable, whether that’s empathy or being an insular person or an introvert, and turns that into a type of personal power. It’s like, ‘OK, yeah, I’m sensitive to this, that and the other thing, but man, I am going to pull through! I am going to do things with that sensitivity that are rooted in strength.’”

PowerNerd will be released on October 25, but you can preorder your copy today.