After more than two decades at the forefront of heavy music, DevilDriver continue to evolve while staying true to their identity. With the upcoming release of Strike And Kill, frontman Dez Fafara has delivered what he describes as one of the most honest and intense records of the band’s career.
“This is a record that’s years in the making,” Fafara explained. “You need to write for what DevilDriver is. It commands its own space.”
That mindset shaped every aspect of the album. Rather than chasing trends or outside expectations, the band focused entirely on delivering something authentic to their sound. The result is a record that leans heavily into aggression while maintaining the signature groove that has defined DevilDriver for years.
The writing process was extensive, with the band crafting nearly thirty songs before narrowing it down to thirteen.
“It was hard to choose,” Fafara admitted. “We could have picked any of eleven or twelve tracks as singles. That’s how strong the record is.”
One of the defining elements of Strike And Kill is its raw approach to vocals and production. Fafara intentionally avoided overproduction, choosing instead to capture performances in the moment.
“If you don’t catch that fire right then, you lose what the song should be,” he said. “A lot of this is first and second takes. I wanted it to be rough and real.”
To achieve that intensity, Fafara pushed himself deep into the creative process, both physically and mentally.
“I was sleeping on the studio floor some nights,” he revealed. “I wanted to put myself back in that place where I was younger, hungry, and pissed off.”
That mindset paid off. According to Fafara, the finished product captures a version of himself that fans have not heard in years.
“When I was done, my wife looked at me and said, ‘You sound like you’re 22 again.’ That’s exactly what I wanted.”
The current lineup also played a major role in shaping the album’s direction. With the return of bassist Jon Miller and the addition of guitarist and producer Gabe Mangold, the band found a renewed sense of focus.
“I’m running with some wolves right now,” Fafara said. “Everyone understood what this band needed.”
Mangold’s role proved especially important, as he brought both an understanding of DevilDriver’s legacy and the ability to capture its raw energy in the studio.
“He knew what it took,” Fafara explained. “He wasn’t trying to come into an Italian restaurant and make Chinese food.”
Despite the album’s return to a heavier and more aggressive foundation, experimentation still plays a part in the overall experience.
“There’s a track called ‘In The Moonlight’ that’s experimental, but it’s still DevilDriver to the core,” he said. “It’s going to surprise people.”
The album rollout will coincide with the band’s return to Australia, where they will tour alongside Cradle of Filth. Fafara spoke highly of the connection the band has with Australian audiences, calling it one of their favorite places to perform.
“It feels like home to me,” he said. “We’ve always had incredible support down there.”
In a move that reflects that connection, DevilDriver will release Strike And Kill while in Australia, with fans getting the chance to experience new material live as it drops.
“We’re going to play new tracks down there first,” Fafara confirmed. “Australia is going to hear it before anyone else.”
As anticipation builds, Fafara remains focused on the music itself rather than outside noise or expectations.
“I don’t read the comments,” he said. “I just put the blinders on and do what I have to do, which is make the best record possible.”
With its combination of raw intensity, focused songwriting, and a renewed sense of purpose, Strike And Kill stands as a powerful statement from a band that continues to refine its sound without losing its edge.
DEVILDRIVER head to Australia with CRADLE OF FILTH in July
Cradle Of Filth and DevilDriver Australian Tour Dates
Thursday 9th July BRISBANE, The Tivoli
Friday 10th July SYDNEY, The Enmore
Saturday 11th July MELBOURNE, The Forum
Tuesday 14th July ADELAIDE, Hindley Street Music Hall
Thursday 16th July PERTH, The Astor
Tickets:
On sale now rom: https://thephoenix.au/cradle-of-filth-and-devildriver/ or https://metropolistouring.com/
