DevilDriver: Strike and Kill
Entering their second decade with multiple world tours and ten full-length albums behind them, DevilDriver return with their latest release, ‘Strike And Kill’, out on 10 July via Napalm Records. Formed in 2002 in Orange County, California, by vocalist Dez Farara, formerly of nu metal outfit Coal Chamber, DevilDriver have built a reputation as one of modern metal’s heaviest bands. Their blend of crushing riffs, technical musicianship and Farara's unmistakable guttural vocals has made them a force within the genre. After ‘Dealing With Demons Vols. I & II’ spent 15 weeks at the top of the metal radio chart, the band could easily have slowed down. Instead, they return with an album that proves they have no intention of easing up.
Opening track ‘Dig Your Own Grave’ hits like a freight train from the very first second. Thick, crushing guitars immediately set a punishing pace, making it the perfect introduction to the album. The chorus brings a welcome sense of atmosphere before the track launches back into intricate solos, Farara’s growled vocals and the furious double-bass work of drummer Davier Pérez Ortega. The accompanying music video places the band in a run-down bar while a biker gang gambles, brawls and eventually buries a fallen comrade. Although the storyline feels a little obvious, the cinematography and editing are excellent, and the band’s intimidating performance matches the song’s intensity.
‘Dead in the Water’ keeps the momentum going with another relentless assault. Its music video takes a more stripped-back approach, simply showing the band performing against a black backdrop and allowing the music to take centre stage. Lyrically, the song captures the feeling of reaching a dead end while having no choice but to keep moving forward. ‘Sanctified in Scars' is one of the album’s standout tracks. A stomping intro, industrial-inspired rhythms and Farara’s scorching vocal delivery combine to create a track that feels tailor-made for the live stage and is sure to ignite mosh pits.
The title track, ‘Strike And Kill’, delivers everything fans expect from DevilDriver. An atmospheric opening soon gives way to crushing breakdowns built for headbanging, while the faster sections ensure the energy never drops. It’s easy to see why this track lends its name to the album. Packed with rapid-fire blast beats, crushing riffs and lyrics about overcoming hardship, it perfectly captures the band’s signature groove-driven sound. The return of founding bassist Jon Miller also adds an extra layer of weight, giving the album an even more powerful edge. ‘In The Moonlight’ highlights the band’s ability to balance technical guitar work with sheer heaviness. Fans of Children of Bodom’s intricate musicianship and Lamb of God’s crushing groove will feel right at home.
If you’re a fan of complicated solos, ‘Headed for the Fall’ will undoubtedly be a favourite. ‘Shut the Silence On’ has a catchy groove that carries the verses along, with a distinctly thrash flavour in places. Guitar duo Alex Lee and Gabe Mangold really aren’t holding back across this album. ‘Oath of Iron’ continues to blend the technically complex guitars and relentless drumming DevilDriver are known for. Brutal but short, it’s a track that leaves no room to breathe. A groove-driven song that Farara utilises his previous nu metal experience on, the vocals come fast and furious, making it feel quintessentially DevilDriver.
‘All Bets Are Off’ ends the album on a blisteringly heavy high, leaving fans craving more. With another top-notch album under their belts, fans will no doubt be desperate to hear these tracks live – and thankfully, they won’t have to wait long, with DevilDriver set to embark on their US tour in August and September 2026.