Editing Accelerated Evolution (section)

==Critical reception==
{{Album ratings
|rev1=[[AllMusic]]
|rev1score={{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="allmusic-review"/>
|rev2=[[Blabbermouth.net]]
|rev2score=8/10<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/reviews/accelerated-evolution|title=Reviews - Accelerated Evolution|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=September 12, 2022}}</ref>
|rev3=[[Chronicles of Chaos (webzine)|Chronicles of Chaos]]
|rev3score=8.5/10<ref name="hoose-20030521"/>
|rev4=[[KNAC.com]]
|rev4score={{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="hawkins-20030506" />
}}
''Accelerated Evolution'' was well received by critics.<ref name="sharpe-2005-p115">Sharpe-Young, Garry (2005). ''New Wave of American Heavy Metal''. pp. 115. New Plymouth: Zonda Books Limited. {{ISBN|0-9582684-0-1}}.</ref> Mike G. of ''[[Metal Maniacs]]'' called ''Accelerated Evolution'' "the album of the year", praising it for "the hard-to-accomplish trick of being extreme yet accessible, simultaneously heavy 'n' rockin' yet majestic and beautiful."<ref name="maniacs-200309">G., Mike (September 2003). "The Devin Townsend Band: No Holds Barred." ''[[Metal Maniacs]]''.</ref> William Hughes of ''Sputnikmusic'' called it "amazing", saying the album "has elements that will appeal to fans of all different genres, from [[progressive rock|progressive]] to [[heavy metal music|metal]]."<ref name="sputnikmusic-review">Hughes, Mike (November 29, 2007). "[http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?albumid=8709 Devin Townsend: ''Accelerated Evolution'']." ''Sputnikmusic''.</ref> Alex Henderson of ''[[Allmusic]]'' called the album "excellent", and praised Townsend's ability to blend genres and influences: "The Canadian rocker provides enough downtuned guitars to put this CD in the alt rock category. And yet ''Accelerated Evolution'' has a big sound that suggests the pop-metal, arena rock and hard rock of the '70s and '80s – big melodies, big harmonies, big guitars, big vocals, big production."<ref name="allmusic-review">Henderson, Alex. "[{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r634643|pure_url=yes}} ''Accelerated Evolution'': Review]." ''[[Allmusic]]''.</ref> Chris Hawkins of ''[[KNAC.com]]'' said, "Like always, what Devin manages to do is take the most infectious rhythm, place his stamp upon it, and thus create something completely original."<ref name="hawkins-20030506" /> Xander Hoose of ''[[Chronicles of Chaos (webzine)|Chronicles of Chaos]]'' compared the album favorably to ''SYL'', noting that "there is more variation, and the songs are more memorable and layered than their one-dimensional ''SYL'' counterparts." Hoose added, "For those who thought ''Terria'' was going too much in the wrong direction, ''Accelerated Evolution'' will probably come as a relief."<ref name="hoose-20030521" />