DevilDriver: The Journey from California to Success
American groove metal band DEVILDRIVER have a career that has firmly cemented their place at the top of the game. From their self-titled debut released in 2003 they secured a dedicated fan-base that 15 years on is still indestructible. The band have recently released some re-issues of their back catalogue from DevilDriver through to Beast and we thought we’d check them out and have a flashback on the journey of the Californian metallers.
DevilDriver (2003), Roadrunner Records.
The re-issue of DEVILDRIVER’s self-titled debut is still as crushing as it was 15 years ago. Revisiting the album reminds you exactly why the band kicked up a storm with iconic songs such as I Could Care Less, Cry For Me Sky (Eulogy Of The Scorned) and Revelation Machine. Coming from his successful stint in COAL CHAMBER, vocalist Dez Fafara stepped up to the mark in his new band and together they set the bar high. Despite at the time music critics responded negatively to the album deeming it ‘too mainstream’, it is now a staple in their career.
The Fury Of Our Maker’s Hand (2005), Roadrunner Records.
Two years after the release of the band’s self-titled debut album, The Fury Of Our Maker’s Hand was dropped. This album saw DEVILDRIVER stem away from the more mainstream sound they was criticised for with their debut and this proved to be a hit with music critics this time round. This album was considered to be their ‘true second debut’, and understandably so. Putting the first two re-issues together you can hear the jump the band made in their sound and it was with The Fury Of Our Maker’s Hand where they secured support slots with the likes of IN FLAMES, MACHINE HEAD and many more prominent names.
The Last Kind Words (2007), Roadrunner Records.
The Last Kind Words was another step up for DEVILDRIVER. It was here where the band knew what their sound was from the preceding album and fine-tuned it here. The album was held high in regards to music critics reviews and by fans. It was promoted at Download Festival 2007 and the music saw what could have been the world’s largest circle pit if Guinness Book of Records had allowed it to pass.
Pray For Villains (2009), Roadrunner Records.
Pray For Villains as a re-issue is probably a bit more crushing than the original release. Perhaps it’s the reminder that this album is considered one of the best in their back catalogue. It beat the records The Last Kind Words set and firmly set DEVILDRIVER’s career as established and one that was on a mission.
Beast (2011), Roadrunner Records.
The last of the re-issues is 2011’s Beast. The album is the last that features bassist Jon Miller, Miller left the band to better himself. It was easy to see the impact that DEVILDRIVER were having at this point, they managed to crash the Roadrunner website when Dead to Rights was released as a single due to the sheer demand. This was the last album released with Roadrunner with the band moving onto Napalm Records for their future records.
It doesn’t feel like there is much need for the re-issues but it’s a pleasant reminder of the growth of DEVILDRIVER. They started off on high ground, but still found ways to strengthen who they are and the messages they put out there. It puts some unforgotten gems back onto the map and proves why the band have such a revered status in 21st century metal.
The first five reissued records from DEVILDRIVER are out now via BMG.
The reissues are also available on different coloured vinyl and can buy here:
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