PHOTO CREDIT: Stephanie Cabral (@stephaniedcabral)

Sometimes new music comes from feeds and sometimes (specifically in this case) it’s a cool recommendation comes from friends and changes your whole world. Recently, I was introduced to DevilDriver through some friends as they praised the band’s latest single, “Dig Your Own Grave.” The groove metal powerhouse has had a long and successful career spanning 10 albums, international and domestic tours, and critical acclaim across the globe. Now DevilDriver is sharpening their teeth for a brand new album Strike and Kill which promises to bring all their hard hitting energy back to the scene.

Pre-save Strike and Kill here

The new release “Dig Your Own Grave” is full of that high energy haunting excitement. There’s no slow ramp up in pacing as the song opens screaming the title in your face. Combined with the dizzying guitar and chaotic drums it takes you on a wild roller coaster ride to your doom. The guitar cycles through wild effects from screeching siren-like highs to deep heavy chugs. At points it almost sounds like Alex Lee and Gabe Mangold are challenging each other. That battle is backed by a bassline that truly shines in the breakdown. Jon Miller manages to make that bassline sneak in below the guitar to deliver a surprise attack when they break away. The collective vocals make it into a fun sing along despite the morbid nature of the lyrics. Dez Fafara offers up his best screams, growls, and gravelly clean lines to bring the whole piece this grand epic energy. Throughout it all Davier Ortega Perez is relentless on drums. Blasting through every beat and providing these heart thumping rhythms.

When six feet isn’t deep enough for the depths of your hate, DevilDriver hands you a shovel and demands you keep digging. In a punishment of your own making this song is an unapologetic reality check that sometimes you create your own hell and deserve it.

Watch the music video for “Dig Your Own Grave” below;

The music video is an action-packed story of gambling, deceit, and swift punishment. Quite literal to the lyrics as the chips come falling and the protagonist is forced to dig his own grave. It has a bunch of interesting effects, calls on the old school biker look, and never seems to slow just like the song. Between the story you get to see DevilDriver having the time of their lives. The band is wildly animated as they play which shows off how much they just love making music. The constant hair flipping movement as sweat pours and they grin through every note. Their enthusiasm definitely reduces the intimidation factor but ramps the fun up so much that you leave the video wanting to rock out with them.

The full album is shaping up to be something full of the values DevilDriver have always held dear.

"My headspace hasn't changed, 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.” - Dez Fafara on Strike and Kill

*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"

Once Strike and Kill makes its official debut, DevilDriver will be doing a run of shows across Dallas, TX, Chicago, IL, Salt Lake City, UT, and Reno, NV and Anaheim, CA (this is my formal petition for a NYC, NY detour) Tickets for that run are live now, and if you go, please send pictures.

Those of us missing the current live lineup can at least take solace in a very pretty merch bundle for the vinyl or CD that offers multiple color variants, a 24 pg Booklet, Certificate, and Covercard depending on your preference.