According to a press release, it\'s a stunningly well-defined and more diverse effort that is soon to be a landmark in the epic pantheon of heavy metal. The much anticipated new album is set for a July 11th release.

The group, led by singer, songwriter and producer Devin Townsend, have redefined their sound, creating what is soon to be the definitive offering of their already stellar career.

The new album features vocal guest appearances by Oderus Urungus (Gwar), Bif Naked and Cam Kroetsch (The Almighty Punchdrunk). For an early sample of the record click here and hear why SYL thinks You Suck.

The album’s touring campaign kicked off when SYL hit the second stage at Ozzfest. Townsend further describes his excitement over being a part of Ozzfest and sheds some light on their new disc:

\"The recording process went amazingly well, and Strapping as a whole is really excited about this effort. We were very inspired with the idea of doing Ozzfest, and the concept we are running with on this record is really based around abhorring the current music scene, yet being a part of it in some weird way. SYL is ready to be a subversive product for the unwitting 14-year-olds to scream along with. We also intend to sprinkle a little ugly around all the pretty bands this year. You can think of us as the proverbial pubic hair in the cheesecake of this year\'s festival. We are ugly, large and angry. We have also been around longer as a band than 90% the other bands.\"

Century Media Records has just re-released Strapping Young Lad\'s 1995 debut album, \"Heavy As A Really Heavy Thing\". The re-issue features a re-mastered version of this classic debut, four bonus tracks, the \"S.Y.L.\" video and a 12-page booklet with extended liner notes from Devin himself.