### Devildriver: The last kind words

#### 09/07/07 || Euthanatos

We all know Devildriver, right? That freaky looking dude from Coal Chamber decided to call it a day with that god awful nu metal crap (thank Satan), and moved on to the next genre of the moment, “American Metal”, “Metalcore”, or whatever you want to call it. He may be a trend-surfing prick, but hey, at least he always gets the timing right.

There was some interesting stuff on Devildriver’s first album, and Fafara’s vocals were surprisingly fitting. Still, it was a tad sub-par, and expectations were high for the second record. Which just happened to be a huge pile of steaming shit. Third time’s the charm? Let’s see.

The thing that captivates me about Devildriver is their solid death metal influence. The band doesn’t just deliver surgeon-precise musicianship and ride the coat-tails of their peers, they distill venomous heaviness that really creates a brutal atmosphere. No, I have no idea what I meant by that either. I have the flu and I’m only sitting upright because of drugs, so have some compassion.

Fafara’s vocals once again are straight up noticeable as being a highlight here, as well as the very secure drumming of John Boecklin. Hell, even if no half-decent riff appeared on this record, the drumming alone would be worth a listen.

Fortunately, there is a cool riff here and there, particularly in “Bound by the Moon” and “The Axe Shall Fall”. These guys deserve praise for also dropping any hint of nu metal, keeping things interesting.

The problem is, though, no song really stands out. Well, some kinda make you think that they will, but they end up being not really something to write home to your mom about. I’d much rather listen to Nile’s or Gorefest’s new records if I’m into getting my death metal fix. Sure, if you’re into death metal with more groove (and even keyboards), and that has some quality vocals, but really belongs at the “metal/mallcore” aisle, perhaps Devildriver may just be the thing for you.

The cover: Just random Photoshop bullshit. Pass.

5 weird piercings, make-up and dreadlocks out of 10.

- Information
- Released: 2007
- Label: Roadrunner Records
- Website: www.devildriver.com
- Band
- Dez Fafara: vocals
- Mike Spreitzer: guitars
- Jeff Kendrick: guitars
- Jon Miller: bass
- John Boecklin: drums

- Tracklist
- 01. Not All Who Wander Are Lost
- 02. Clouds Over California
- 03. Bound by the Moon
- 04. Horn of Betrayal
- 05. These Fighting Words
- 06. Head on to Heartache (Let Them Rot)
- 07. Burning Sermon
- 08. Monsters of the Deep
- 09. Tirades of Truth
- 10. When Summoned
- 11. The Axe Shall Fall