DEVILDRIVER's 'Strike And Kill': A Fierce Return Amidst Personal Battles
The metal world is buzzing as DEVILDRIVER unleashes their eleventh studio endeavor, 'Strike And Kill,' an album that marks both a triumphant return and a personal battle for frontman Dez Fafara. Recently, Fafara revealed on the 'Garza Podcast' that he has been grappling with a non-cancerous tumor near his salivary gland. Discovered two years ago amidst a terrifying episode of vertigo that forced the cancellation of a COAL CHAMBER tour, the tumor has shown signs of shrinking, much to the relief of Fafara and his medical team. As he navigates this tumultuous chapter, the band is back in action, ready to unleash their raw energy upon the metal masses.
'Strike And Kill' sees the return of original bassist Jon Miller and the addition of new lead guitarist Gabe Mangold, breathing fresh life into the DEVILDRIVER sound. Fafara, now 60 and brimming with renewed vigor, describes the new album as a tightly wound collection of 13 aggressive tracks that showcases the band's evolution while staying true to their roots. In an exclusive interview with BLABBERMOUTH.NET, Fafara expressed his excitement about the new lineup and the creative synergy they’ve fostered.
Reflecting on Miller’s return, Fafara shared, "It’s been wonderful. He’s a wonderful guy. We talked for hours, sharing laughter and tears, and he truly understands what DEVILDRIVER is all about. Having him in the writing process has been a blessing. He knows the legacy, and together with the new guys, we’ve created something fierce." The camaraderie in the band has been palpable, with Fafara praising the talents and personalities of Mangold and rhythm guitarist Alex Lee, both of whom have injected humor and skill into the recording process.
As the band gears up for their next chapter, Fafara acknowledges the challenges he’s faced, stating, "I don’t want to say it was a 'good time' to be in DEVILDRIVER, but the struggle has fueled my creativity. I feel blessed to be surrounded by such talented musicians who inspire me to rise to the occasion lyrically and vocally." The album title 'Strike And Kill' encapsulates themes of resilience and overcoming adversity, a nod to the trials Fafara has faced and conquered, echoing the spirit of the metal community.
With 'Strike And Kill' released in July, the album has been described as a relentless barrage of sound—Fafara insists there’s no filler in this fierce collection. As he puts it, "If someone is going to invest in a physical copy or take the time to stream it, they deserve nothing less than a complete experience. This album is all killer, no filler, and I couldn’t imagine leaving any track off the record." For fans and newcomers alike, DEVILDRIVER's latest offering stands as a testament to their enduring legacy and a celebration of survival in the face of adversity.