The Devin Townsend Project's 'Ghost,' which came out almost four years ago, slipped by me.

For one thing, Townsend is a ludicrously prolific artist who is capable, in one band or another or by himself, of releasing about 16 records a year. For another, Townsend came to strident prominence in the industrial metal community. And so maybe this CD, which is acoustic and dreamily symphonic and almost an ambient, go-to-sleep style soundscape — far more “As Falls Wichita So Falls Wichita Falls” than Strapping Young Lad — never particularly caught on with his usual fanbase. Better late than never!

I love “Ghost” a lot. It’s beautiful and sad — and yet there is great comfort and reassurance in its melancholy.