When did you last listen to Devildriver? For me, it must have been over a decade ago. I blame Dez Fafara for my retirement from the pit when I pulled my hamstring charging around to Clouds Over California at the NIA in Birmingham when they opened for Machine Head (circa 2011).
Devildriver – Strike And Kill
Release Date: 10 July 2026
Words: Paul Hutchings
I admit I was not even aware of Devildriver’s last few releases, and it has been over eight years since the band played the UK.
In terms of ferocity, nothing has changed on Strike And Kill. The surging aggression that was a distinguishing feature of the Devildriver albums I remember is even more vicious than before.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Farfara sounds absolutely pumped on this album, and the opening double aural assault of Dig Your Own Grave followed by Dead In The Water are both snarling monsters. If you did not like this brutal melodeath assault then, you will not like it now, for there is an unstoppable, rabid passion here that rages.
There is a blend of melody underneath the ferocious onslaught, and Farfara’s instantly recognisable jagged yet controlled delivery. It is relentless for the first few tracks, even if the band dip into a more groove-ridden stomp on Sanctified In Scars.
And it is that slight change of pace and tone that makes this album well worth a listen. There is an assault on the senses that is to be expected, but there are elements of industrial tempo, huge blast beats that dominate without overpowering.
If explosive aggression ticks your boxes, then Never Coming Home with its definite Machine Head vibe is for you. Thundering along like an express train, it is savagery in its finest. The mix of melodic vocals on the chorus provides an unexpected bonus.
The musicianship is on point. Guitar duo Alex Lee and Gabe Mangold shred for fun here with some of the screaming solos that fire out of the speakers, simply awesome. It is a real head kicker.
Thrash, Melodeth, Black Metal. All are represented, as well as the more traditional Metal Styles. Founding bassist Jon Miller has also returned, and he sounds immense as he locks down the low end with the master drummer Davier Perez.
Ultimately, whether you like this album or not is obviously your choice. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Devildriver circa 2026 are still as interesting as they were in 2004.
Devildriver release Strike And Kill on 10 July 2026 via Napalm Records. For more details, visit lnk.to/DevilDriver-StrikeAndKill/napalmmrecords.
