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As DEVILDRIVER enter their third decade with nine full-length albums, countless international tours and worldwide renown, they are more resilient than ever. As the world was upended in 2020, iconic groove metal leaders DEVILDRIVER didn’t pause, releasing the highly-acclaimed first instalment of their two-part Dealing With Demons saga, Dealing With Demons I. Now, as society emerges more hardened and determined than before, so does DEVILDRIVER’s 10th full-length, Dealing With Demons Vol. II.
Once again produced and engineered by Steve Evetts with additional engineering from guitarist Mike Spreitzer, Dealing With Demons Vol. II is inarguably heavier and relentlessly harsher than its predecessor. The new album represents not only the most vicious of the two records, but also the darkest recesses of celebrated frontman Dez Fafara’s psyche and the final purging of his demons that have long haunted the band’s music.
The initial taste of this new onslaught can be experienced today via the band’s first single entitled ‘Through the Depths’. The burner features black metal-esque passages, deft guitar work and menacing lyricism – showcasing the evolution of DEVILDRIVER in this new decade. The track is accompanied by an official music video sure to get your head banging!
DEVILDRIVER frontman Dez Fafara says about ‘Through the Depths’:
“‘Through the Depths’ is a conversation between a higher power and humans regarding the power of thinking ideas into existence, but being very careful of being arrogant behind those wants and needs. The first lines give this away: “Attention attention, you’re seeking, you’ve asked for, it’s given” (the higher power says). Then the lines of the chorus are that same higher power speaking to humans, saying: ‘through the depths to the ascension, nothing you wouldn’t do for my attention, held to the fire it’s not my crime, you’ve pinned it on me for the last time.’ Meaning – don’t blame the Gods (pin it on them) for your fuck ups. Meaning – put it out there and take steps to attain goals and take accountability. This track is the essence of Dealing With Demons Vol. II, and the conversations within the record get way deeper than even this. Enjoy.”
International media mainstays like Metal Hammer, Kerrang!, Revolver and Consequence lauded Dealing With Demons I, which debuted at #4 on the US Current Hard Music Albums Chart. Blabbermouth stated, “If the second half of this mammoth endeavor matches the first, this will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the DEVILDRIVER story.” Rest assured, Dealing With Demons Vol. II doubles down on the brutality – and then some!
If there is any question as to whether DEVILDRIVER is slowing down any time soon, Dealing With Demons Vol. II proves that 20 years into their career, even with their demons in tow – they move forward at the forefront of metal.
Dez Fafara adds:
“Dealing With Demons Vol. II is – simply put – a conversation in its entirety about Dealing With “Inner” Demons. It’s a conversation in song form between ‘self and a power apart from one’s self, and trying to bury old entities.'”
Pre-Order Dealing With Demons Vol. II HERE:
Dealing With Demons Vol. II track listing:
1. I Have No Pity
2. Mantra
3. Nothing Lasts Forever
4. Summoning
5. Through the Depths
6. Bloodbath
7. It’s A Hard Truth
8. If Blood Is Life
9. This Relationship, Broken
Dealing With Demons Vol. II will be available in the following formats:
CD Digipak (4 Panels)
CD Jewelcase (Signed) – Napalm North American mail order only, limited to 1000
1 LP Gatefold Purple
1 LP Gatefold Inkspot Splatter Yellow/Purple/Black with Slipmat – Napalm worldwide mail order only, limited to 500
Music Cassette (Yellow Tape/Black Print) – Napalm worldwide mail order only, limited to 100
2x CD Digipak Dealing With Demons I & Dealing With Demons Vol. II – Napalm European mail order only
CD Digipak (4 Panels) + Notebook + Metal Symbol Bundle – Napalm worldwide mail order only
Digital Album
DEVILDRIVER are set to play the UK’s BLOODSTOCK FESTIVAL this coming August, so UK headbangers can expect to hear some of these hot new tracks while setting new records for the highest number of circle pits in a single set then!
Before that though, DEVILDRIVER kick off the first leg of their ‘Double Trouble Live’ USA co-headlining tour with labelmates CRADLE OF FILTH tomorrow! Support comes from Black Satellite and ONI – see below for a complete list of those dates.
CRADLE OF FILTH & DEVILDRIVER
‘Double Trouble Live’ 2023 USA Co-Headline Tour Dates
w/ Black Satellite & ONI
March 8 – Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
March 9 – San Diego, CA @ Observatory North Park
March 11 – Santa Ana, CA @ Observatory – SOLD OUT
March 12 – Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
March 14 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox
March 17 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
March 18 – Colorado Springs, CO @ Sunshine Studios
March 19 – Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
March 21 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
March 22 – Dallas, TX @ Amplified Live
March 23 – Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live
March 25 – El Paso, TX @ The Rockhouse
March 26 – Albuquerque, NM @ Revel
DEVILDRIVER is:
Dez Fafara – Vocals
Mike Spreitzer – Guitar
Jon Miller – Bass
Alex Lee – Guitar
Davier Pérez – Drums
FIND DEVILDRIVER ONLINE
[Photo Credit: Jeremy Saffer] [Album Artwork: Johnny Jones at COMA]
