REVIEW: Devin Townsend, TesseracT at Palladium Times Square | 05.09.2025
Devin Townsend’s PowerNerd Tour rolled through New York City last weekend, with TesseracT in tow, for a packed performance at Palladium Times Square. As if the chance to hear Townsend perform tracks from his new album PowerNerd wasn’t reason enough to grab a ticket the moment the show was announced, fans had another major incentive: a recent video announcement in which Townsend revealed this would be his last tour for the foreseeable future.
“That doesn't mean I'm done playing live,” he clarified. “But right now I need to be present for the people who need me, and to give myself the space to reflect on everything I've been through.”
After more than three decades as a relentless creative force, who could blame him for taking a moment to breathe? It’s a well-earned break. But knowing an indefinite touring hiatus loomed on the horizon made what was already set to be a special night in Times Square feel even more meaningful.
TESSERACT
Watching TesseracT perform is epic theatre: from bassist Amos Williams’ barefoot struts to vocalist Daniel Tompkins’ impromptu dance moves, the band surrenders to the immersive force of their sound. Songs like “Legion” highlighted Tompkins’ wide vocal range—soaring to ungodly heights while plunging into the raw depth of his screams.
The band performs with a strong sense of confidence—not only in their ability to play in seamless lockstep with one another, but in their undeniable power to pull the crowd into a trance with every anthem on their setlist.
DEVIN TOWNSEND
In his aforementioned video, Devin Townsend promised that this tour would be “digging deep into the catalog, pulling out some big ones, and making these shows a true celebration.” True to his word, Townsend and his backing band delivered a mesmerizingly uplifting performance.
I’m perpetually blown away by Townsend’s masterful vocals and guitar playing—and touched by how genuine, grateful, and kind he is on stage. I’m convinced that if someone’s car broke down on the highway and Townsend happened to drive by, not only would he stop—he’d probably hand them his keys without a second thought, excited to take the broken car instead because he “likes to tackle a good challenge.” He just seems like an all-around great guy: driven by the urge to create, and to lift others up along the way.
The setlist spanned a wide swath of Townsend’s back catalogue and included in a jaw-dropping encore performance of “Deadhead.” Throughout the night, Townsend paused to take it all in with visible gratitude, met equally by the crowd’s energy, applause, and enthusiastic participation.
If this is to be Devin Townsend’s last performance in New York City for the foreseeable future, he made it count. He poured his heart into every moment, giving fans every ounce of power he could deliver. If you’re in Dallas, Denver, or LA and aren’t already planning to see him this week—cancel your other plans and buy a ticket.