Words by Bodine Antrobus
For a band that has had the lifespan of two decades, you can be forgiven for mistakenly assuming that DevilDriver may have lost their touch. But rest assured, Dealing With Demons Vol. 1 is DevilDriver in, arguably, it’s best form.
Long time fans are in for a treat, as this is no diversion from the quintessential metal that DevilDriver have spent 20 years cultivating. Creative and neck injury-inducing groove, chest-pummelling drumming, and the ferocious onslaught of Dez’s guttural anguish drive the entire length of the album.
Apart from some well-executed, albeit minor, clean vocal work towards the centre of the album with “Wishing”, Dealing With Demons Vol.1 is heavy, angry and relentless out of the gate from the opening track “Keep Away From Me”, all the way through to the more melodic and retrospective closing track “Scars Me Forever”.
Is this DevilDriver’s best work? Probably not. But it’s certainly a fist in the face of anyone who thought that DevilDriver weren’t up for the task of solidifying themselves as one of the heaviest and creative forces around.
It will certainly be interesting to see what they will pull out from their arsenal for Volume 2.
Watch lead single “Keep Away From Me” below:
