Groove metal titans DEVILDRIVER are poised to unleash their eleventh full-length album, "Strike And Kill," on July 10, marking a significant return to their foundational sonic identity under the banner of Napalm Records. This highly anticipated release features a formidable lineup, with frontman and mastermind Dez Fafara at the helm, supported by the virtuosic guitar tandem of Alex Lee and Gabe Mangold, the explosive drumming of Davier Ortega Perez, and the triumphant return of founding bassist Jon Miller. "Strike And Kill" signifies DEVILDRIVER’s deliberate re-engagement with their most ferocious and unyielding sound, reigniting the incendiary energy that cemented their legacy within the heavy music landscape. This album is poised to be an essential listen for dedicated fans of the genre and newcomers alike, offering a potent distillation of the band’s enduring power.
A Return to Carnivorous Origins
Frontman Dez Fafara articulated the band’s creative philosophy behind "Strike And Kill," emphasizing an unwavering commitment to their core ethos. "My headspace hasn’t changed," Fafara stated. "I have not become complacent or soft in my view of the world or in my music. Metal is our outlet as listeners and writers, so on this record we focused on ‘getting it all out’ lyrically, and backing those lyrics with savage, relentless music that fuels the heavy California groove like no other. DEVILDRIVER has never sounded like any other band, we do our own thing in our own way, and I’m the most proud of that." This declaration underscores a conscious effort to eschew trends and instead delve deeper into the primal, aggressive sound that has defined DEVILDRIVER’s career. Fafara further expressed his profound satisfaction with the current iteration of the band and the resultant musical output: "I’m so proud of these musicians, this music, and the vibe around this record. DEVILDRIVER sounds like no one else out there right now, we are here to strike and kill!" This sentiment highlights a collective drive and a unified vision, promising an album that is both authentically DEVILDRIVER and refreshingly potent.
"Dig Your Own Grave": A Fiery Overture
In conjunction with the album announcement, DEVILDRIVER has unveiled the album’s opening track, "Dig Your Own Grave." Debuting on SiriusXM’s Liquid Metal, the song is characterized by its relentless barrage of machine-gun riffs and uncompromising aggression. Lyrically, the track serves as a pointed indictment of individuals whose poor choices lead to their own downfall. Fafara elaborated on the thematic core of the song, stating, "’Dig Your Own Grave’ is about how one wrong decision, one wrong move can see your whole world turned upside down, effectively ‘digging’ your own grave… it’s that simple. It can also refer to how your decisions can fuck someone else. This is why there’s the line ‘Six feet ain’t deep enough for you,’ because only a deep, deep hole is fitting for what you’ve done or tried to do to others. Be careful when you choose to make decisions at midnight." The track’s visceral impact and sharp lyrical commentary position it as a potent statement of intent for the album, offering a compelling preview of the ferocity that listeners can expect.
A Legacy Forged in Fire: Context and Evolution
The release of "Strike And Kill" follows DEVILDRIVER’s critically acclaimed double album, "Dealing With Demons Vol. 1 & 2." "Vol. 1" achieved significant commercial success, holding the number one position on metal radio charts for an impressive 15 weeks, a testament to its widespread appeal and the band’s enduring relevance. "Vol. 2" was met with widespread critical acclaim from esteemed international publications such as Metal Injection, Kerrang!, and Blabbermouth, with the latter notably praising the band’s unstoppable momentum. This recent body of work showcased DEVILDRIVER’s ability to expand their sonic palette while retaining their signature intensity. "Strike And Kill" represents a deliberate return to the band’s core, a sharpening of their already formidable weapons. The album promises to deliver DEVILDRIVER’s signature blend of melodic death metal intricacies, atmospheric black metal textures, earth-shattering grooves, and Fafara’s iconic, visceral vocal delivery. The band’s ability to consistently evolve while staying true to their roots is a key factor in their sustained success in a constantly shifting music industry.
Sonic Exploration Within "Strike And Kill"
The album "Strike And Kill" embarks on a sonic journey that meticulously crafts a diverse yet cohesive listening experience. Opening with the aforementioned "Dig Your Own Grave," the album immediately plunges the listener into a maelstrom of aggressive riffs and percussive force. Following this intense introduction, "Dead In The Water" transitions into a showcase of the vibrant melodic death metal tapestries woven by guitarists Alex Lee and Gabe Mangold, demonstrating their technical prowess and compositional depth. "Sanctified In Scars" introduces a more experimental element, incorporating industrial pulsating beats and ethereal sonic textures that create a chilling backdrop for Fafara’s venomous vocals, augmented by blackened tremolo guitar work.
The album’s title track, "Strike And Kill," stands as a powerful synthesis of personal reflection and raw aggression. It is built upon a foundation of blisteringly technical riffage and the dizzyingly swift drumming of Davier Perez, embodying the album’s central theme of confronting and overcoming adversity. Tracks such as "In The Moonlight" and "Never Coming Home" offer moments of unexpected respite, wrapping the listener in serenely blissful guitarmonies that elevate the inherent brutality with a layer of elegance and emotional resonance.
In contrast, "Ride Or Die" unleashes pure metal inertia, an unrelenting force that pulls listeners into its powerful embrace. The band further explores their technical capabilities with tracks like "Headed For The Fall" and "You’re Just A Ghost," which feature mind-bendingly off-kilter patterns designed to disorient and captivate. "Summoning Shadows" provides the album’s longest period of sonic exploration, commencing with textured acoustic guitars that build palpable tension before erupting back into a triumphant display of power. The album concludes with a surge of unadulterated thrash energy in "Shut The Silence On" and "Oath Of Iron," characterized by their ballsy riffage and blast beats, culminating in the cataclysmic finale of "All Bets Are Off," leaving a lasting impression of the band’s formidable sonic arsenal.
"Strike And Kill" Track Listing:
- Dig Your Own Grave
- Dead In The Water
- Sanctified In Scars
- Strike And Kill
- In The Moonlight
- Ride Or Die
- Headed For The Fall
- Shut The Silence On
- Never Coming Home
- Summoning Shadows
- You’re Just A Ghost
- Oath Of Iron
- All Bets Are Off
North American Tour Announcement
Complementing the album’s release, DEVILDRIVER has announced an extensive North American tour. The "Strike And Kill" tour is scheduled to kick off on August 14 in San Diego, California, and will feature support from fellow heavyweights UPON A BURNING BODY and OV SULFUR. The tour will traverse the western United States, hitting major cities such as Dallas, Chicago, and Salt Lake City, before concluding on September 5 in Anaheim, California. This tour represents a significant opportunity for fans to experience the raw power and energy of DEVILDRIVER’s live performance, bringing the intensity of "Strike And Kill" directly to audiences. Artist presale for the tour is currently live, utilizing the code DYOG777.
DEVILDRIVER on Tour:
- Aug. 14 – San Diego, CA – Observatory North Park
- Aug. 15 – Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn Bowl
- Aug. 16 – Phoenix, AZ – Marquee
- Aug. 18 – San Antonio, TX – Aztec Theater
- Aug. 19 – Austin, TX – Come and Take It Live
- Aug. 20 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
- Aug. 22 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues
- Aug. 23 – Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom
- Aug. 25 – Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge
- Aug. 26 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave
- Aug. 29 – Colorado Springs, CO – Sunshine Studios
- Aug. 30 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot
- Sep. 01 – Boise, ID – Treefort Music Hall
- Sep. 02 – Reno, NV – Club Underground
- Sep. 03 – Sacramento, CA – Goldfield
- Sep. 04 – San Jose, CA – The Ritz
- Sep. 05 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues
DEVILDRIVER is:
- Dez Fafara – Vocals
- Davier Ortega Perez – Drums
- Jon Miller – Bass
- Alex Lee – Guitar
- Gabe Mangold – Guitar
Photo credit: Stephanie Cabral