DevilDriver
DevilDriver is an American groove metal band formed in 2002 in Santa Barbara, California, by vocalist Dez Fafara after the dissolution of his nu-metal band Coal Chamber, initially under the name Deathride before renaming to DevilDriver—a term inspired by a book on Stregheria suggested by Fafara's wife.[1] The band is known for its punishing, aggressive sound blending elements of groove metal, metalcore, and melodic death metal, with lyrics often exploring themes of hate, chaos, and revenge.[1][2] As of 2025, DevilDriver's current lineup consists of Dez Fafara on vocals, guitarists Gabe Mangold and Alex Lee, bassist Jon Miller, and drummer Davier Pérez, following recent changes including the departure of longtime guitarist Mike Spreitzer in 2024 and Mangold's addition in October 2025.[1][3] Over their two-decade career, the band has released ten studio albums, including their self-titled debut in 2003, The Fury of Our Maker's Hand (2005), The Last Kind Words (2007), Pray for Villains (2009), Beast (2011), Winter Kills (2013), Trust No One (2016), the covers album Outlaws 'til the End, Vol. 1 (2019), and the Dealing with Demons series in 2020 and 2023.[1] Signed to Napalm Records since 2018, DevilDriver has built a reputation for relentless international touring, sharing stages with acts like Slipknot, Lamb of God, and at festivals such as Ozzfest, while evolving from Fafara's nu-metal roots into a cornerstone of modern heavy metal.[2][1]History
Formation and self-titled debut (2002–2004)
DevilDriver was formed in 2002 in Santa Barbara, California, by vocalist Dez Fafara following a hiatus from his previous band, Coal Chamber.[4] Initially named Deathride, the project emerged from Fafara's desire to explore heavier, more aggressive sounds beyond nu-metal constraints.[5] The band quickly assembled an original lineup consisting of Fafara on vocals, Evan Pitts on lead guitar, Jeff Kendrick on rhythm guitar, Jon Miller on bass, and John Boecklin on drums.[6] This configuration reflected Fafara's local connections in the Santa Barbara metal scene, with members like Boecklin and Kendrick contributing from prior collaborations.[7] Due to trademark conflicts with other acts using the name Deathride, the band rebranded as DevilDriver in mid-2003, a suggestion from Fafara's wife inspired by the term "devil driver" in Raven Grimassi's book on Stregheria, referring to bells rung by Italian witches to ward off evil.[8] Shortly after formation, DevilDriver signed with Roadrunner Records, securing a deal that aligned with the label's roster of heavy acts.[9] The group entered the studio to record their self-titled debut album, produced by Ross Hogarth at Hogarth's studio in Van Nuys, California, with additional engineering by Dan Certa.[10] Released on October 28, 2003, via Roadrunner, the album featured 12 tracks emphasizing raw aggression and personal turmoil, with standout songs like "Grinfucked" and "I Could Care Less" showcasing Fafara's guttural vocals over mid-tempo grooves and breakdowns.[10] Lyrically, it delved into themes of frustration, betrayal, and inner conflict, marking a shift from Fafara's earlier work toward a more visceral, groove-oriented metal expression.[11] In support of the release, DevilDriver embarked on their initial tours across the United States, Europe, and Australia, including opening slots for Fear Factory and appearances at festivals like Ozzfest's second stage.[12] These early shows helped build a grassroots following, highlighting the band's intense live energy despite the debut's raw production. Critical reception was mixed, with praise for the album's groove metal ferocity and heavy riffs but frequent comparisons to Coal Chamber's nu-metal style, leading some reviewers to question its originality while others lauded its straightforward brutality.[13] Outlets noted the intensity of tracks like "Devil's Son," yet critiqued the occasional mainstream leanings, positioning DevilDriver as a promising but transitional effort in the early 2000s metal landscape.[11]The Fury of Our Maker's Hand era (2005–2006)
Following the success of their self-titled debut album, which helped establish DevilDriver in the heavy metal scene, the band returned to the studio in early 2005 to record their sophomore effort.[12] The recording process emphasized a heavier, more aggressive sound, with guitarist Mike Spreitzer contributing to the lineup for the first time and frontman Dez Fafara evolving his vocal delivery to include more vicious, intense growls that showcased greater range and ferocity compared to the debut. Produced by Colin Richardson, the album featured intricate guitar work and influences from Scandinavian death metal, resulting in tracks that balanced groove-oriented riffs with melodic elements.[14] The Fury of Our Maker's Hand was released on June 28, 2005, through Roadrunner Records.[15] Standout tracks included "Hold Back the Day," praised for its anthemic hooks and driving rhythm, and "Grinfucked," which highlighted the band's penchant for brutal, straightforward aggression with pounding riffs.[16] The album's themes centered on religious overtones, exploring anger and personal reckoning, as Fafara noted in interviews that the title track and overall content drew from his reflections on faith and fury.[17] To promote the album, DevilDriver embarked on extensive touring in 2005 and 2006, including direct support slots on Slipknot's Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) tour dates and as direct support for GWAR's 20th Anniversary Fall Tour alongside A Dozen Furies and Mensrea.[18][19] These U.S. runs allowed the band to build a stronger live following, performing high-energy sets that emphasized the album's intensity. The record debuted at No. 117 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling approximately 10,402 copies in its first week and demonstrating growing commercial traction.[20] Critically, the album received improved acclaim for its enhanced production quality, tighter songwriting, and heavier overall intensity, marking a clear evolution from the debut's rawer approach.[16] Reviews highlighted the polished sound and standout moments like the melodic death-infused "Sin and Sacrifice," though some noted inconsistencies in pacing and occasional filler tracks.[16] Overall, it was viewed as a promising step forward, solidifying DevilDriver's reputation for aggressive, groove-laden metal.[12]The Last Kind Words and Pray for Villains (2007–2010)
DevilDriver recorded their third studio album, The Last Kind Words, at Sonic Ranch studios outside El Paso, Texas, during 2006 and 2007.[21] The album was produced by Jason Suecof and engineered by Mark Lewis, with mixing handled by Andy Sneap.[22] Released on July 31, 2007, in the United States via Roadrunner Records, it marked a shift toward incorporating more melodic elements into the band's groove metal sound, particularly evident in tracks like "Clouds Over California" and "The Last Kind Words," which featured soaring guitar leads and structured choruses alongside aggressive riffs.[23] The album debuted at No. 48 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling over 14,000 copies in its first week.[24] In 2009, DevilDriver released their fourth album, Pray for Villains, produced by Logan Mader at various studios including The Lair in Los Angeles.[25] Issued on July 14, 2009, via Roadrunner Records, the record emphasized thrash metal influences through rapid, riff-driven compositions, as heard in standout tracks like the title song "Pray for Villains" and "Rez Metal," which addressed personal struggles such as sobriety and broader social themes of redemption and conflict.[26] It peaked at No. 35 on the Billboard 200, representing the band's highest chart position at the time. Lyrics across the album often explored introspective and societal issues, including tracks like "I've Been Sober" and "Forgiveness Is a Six Gun."[27] During this period, DevilDriver gained significant touring momentum, supporting Metallica on their 2008 European leg alongside Megadeth, which included performances at major festivals such as Download and Rock am Ring.[28] The band also headlined North American packages in 2009 and 2010, sharing stages with acts like Suffocation and Goatwhore, solidifying their presence in the heavy metal scene.[29] Reception for The Last Kind Words was mixed, with critics noting the introduction of melodic shifts as a departure from the band's earlier raw aggression, though the album's high energy and technical precision were widely praised.[30] Similarly, Pray for Villains received commendations for its intense thrash-infused drive but faced criticism for occasional repetition in song structure.[31]Beast and Winter Kills (2011–2013)
Following the melodic experiments of their prior releases, DevilDriver returned to their aggressive groove metal roots with their fifth studio album, Beast, which was produced by Mark Lewis and recorded at Sonic Ranch studios in Tornillo, Texas, during 2010–2011.[32] The album was released on February 27, 2011, in Europe via Season of Mist and on February 22, 2011, in the United States via Roadrunner Records, debuting at No. 42 on the Billboard 200 chart after selling over 11,000 copies in its first week.[33] Tracks such as "Dead to Rights" and "Bring the Fight (To the Floor)" exemplified the album's raw, groove-laden sound, characterized by pounding riffs, double-kick drumming, and Dez Fafara's guttural vocals, emphasizing unrelenting heaviness and primal energy.[34] Critics acclaimed Beast for its intensity and spite-fueled aggression, marking it as the band's most ferocious effort to date with a polished yet brutal production that amplified its live-wire ferocity.[35] DevilDriver maintained their momentum into 2013 with the release of their sixth album, Winter Kills, produced by Mark Lewis at Audiohammer studios in Sanford, Florida.[36] Issued on July 9, 2013, in the United States and August 27 internationally via Napalm Records, the album debuted at No. 31 on the Billboard 200, selling approximately 11,000 copies in its first week.[37] Key tracks like "The Wolf and the Hung" and "Curses (All for Nothing)" highlighted themes of resilience amid adversity, with lyrics confronting betrayal, inner strength, and survival through brutal sonic assaults of chugging guitars and thunderous rhythms.[38] Reception praised Winter Kills for surpassing Beast in brutality and heaviness, delivering a darker, more oppressive groove metal assault that retained the band's signature energy while pushing boundaries with refined aggression.[39] During this period, DevilDriver solidified their touring presence with headlining runs across the United States and Europe, including a co-headlining North American trek with Trivium in fall 2013 supported by After the Burial and Sylosis, which extended to a second leg through December.[40] In Europe, they co-headlined a 2013 package with Cannibal Corpse, alongside The Black Dahlia Murder and Winds of Plague, while also performing at major festivals such as Knotfest 2013 and Summer Breeze Open Air.[41] These outings showcased the band's commanding live energy, blending tracks from Beast and Winter Kills to captivate audiences with their raw, high-octane performances.Lineup changes, hiatus, and Trust No One (2014–2016)
In October 2014, DevilDriver announced an indefinite hiatus, primarily to allow frontman Dez Fafara to focus on reuniting with Coal Chamber for a new album and tour, amid the band's internal restructuring.[42] This period also coincided with personal challenges for Fafara, including family health concerns, which contributed to the pause in activities.[43] As part of the lineup adjustments, longtime drummer John Boecklin and guitarist Jeff Kendrick both departed the band on October 29, 2014, with the split described as amicable and without drama, enabling members to pursue other opportunities during the break.[43] To maintain momentum, DevilDriver quickly recruited replacements: ex-Chimaira drummer Austin D'Amond joined in January 2015, followed by guitarist Neal Tiemann (formerly of Burn Halo) in March 2015, allowing the group to resume writing and rehearsals.[44][45] During the hiatus, Fafara channeled creative energy into Coal Chamber's 2015 album Rivals, but DevilDriver's core members, including guitarist Mike Spreitzer and bassist Chris Towning, began developing material for a return. The band entered Audio Hammer Studios in Sanford, Florida, in late 2015 to record their seventh studio album, Trust No One, produced by Mark Lewis, who had previously helmed Winter Kills (2013).[46] Released on May 13, 2016, via Napalm Records, the album marked a refreshed lineup and sound, emphasizing raw aggression and thematic distrust born from the band's turbulent years. Standout tracks like "Bad Deeds" and "My Night Sky" showcased DevilDriver's signature groove metal riffs intertwined with atmospheric melodies and soaring choruses, creating a dynamic blend that highlighted the new rhythm section's tightness.[47][48] Trust No One debuted at No. 43 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 11,000 copies in its first week and marking Napalm Records' highest U.S. chart entry at the time, while also reaching No. 3 on the Hard Rock Albums chart.[49] Critics praised the release for its renewed vigor and intensity post-hiatus, noting how the lineup refresh injected fresh energy into the band's established style without straying from their groove-oriented roots.[48][47] To support the album, DevilDriver resumed touring with a U.S. headline run in spring 2016, followed by the "Bound by the Road" tour later that year alongside Death Angel, Winds of Plague, The Agonist, and Azreal, reaffirming their live prowess and fan connection.[50]Outlaws 'til the End and Dealing with Demons Vol. I (2017–2020)
In February 2017, DevilDriver announced plans for Outlaws 'til the End: Vol. 1, a covers album paying homage to their favorite outlaw country songs by reinterpreting them in a heavy metal style. The project featured collaborations with artists such as Hank Williams III on "Country Heroes," Lee Ving of Fear on "Whiskey River," and John Carter Cash alongside Lamb of God vocalist Randy Blythe on "Ghost Riders in the Sky," highlighting the band's appreciation for classic country influences like Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash. Released on July 6, 2018, via Napalm Records, the album debuted at No. 172 on the Billboard 200 chart.[51] Critics commended the album for its aggressive, groove-laden arrangements that infused fresh intensity into the source material, with Metal Injection noting the "savage and slamming metal interpretations" that honored the originals while showcasing DevilDriver's signature sound.[52] The release followed the success of Trust No One, allowing the band to explore side projects amid a stable lineup featuring vocalists Dez Fafara, guitarists Mike Spreitzer and Neal Tiemann, bassist Diego "Ashes" Ibarra, and drummer Austin D'Amond. Building on this creative momentum, DevilDriver shifted focus to original material with the announcement of Dealing with Demons, conceptualized as a double album addressing personal and inner struggles.[53] Volume I was recorded from late 2018 through 2019 and produced by Steve Evetts, with additional engineering by guitarist Mike Spreitzer at The Omen in Santa Barbara, California.[54] Released on October 2, 2020, via Napalm Records during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the album debuted at No. 89 on the Billboard 200. Standout tracks such as "Nest of Vipers" and "Iona" exemplify the album's thematic depth, exploring themes of confronting inner demons, vengeance, and emotional turmoil through blistering riffs and Fafara's raw vocals.[55] The pandemic severely restricted live touring, leading to virtual performances and online fan engagements as alternatives to connect with audiences.[56] Reception highlighted the record's ferocious energy and return to the band's groove metal roots, with Blabbermouth praising its "obscene amounts of fun" and heaviness as a pivotal evolution.[55]Dealing with Demons Vol. II and recent developments (2021–2025)
Following the release of Dealing with Demons Vol. I amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, DevilDriver faced delays in completing the companion album, ultimately issuing Dealing with Demons Vol. II on May 12, 2023, through Napalm Records.[57] The record was produced and engineered by Steve Evetts, with additional engineering from guitarist Mike Spreitzer, maintaining the band's signature groove metal intensity while delving deeper into themes of personal turmoil and resilience.[58] Tracks such as "Through the Depths" and "If Blood Is Life" exemplify the album's aggressive evolution, blending blistering riffs, melodic undertones, and Dez Fafara's raw vocals to explore ongoing motifs of inner struggle and defiance.[59] The effort debuted at No. 62 on the Billboard 200 chart, underscoring its commercial impact within the metal genre. Critics praised it as a ferocious capstone to the Dealing with Demons saga, highlighting its unyielding brutality and cohesive songwriting as a testament to the band's enduring ferocity.[60] In 2022, the band underwent significant lineup shifts, with original bassist Jon Miller rejoining after an 11-year hiatus to anchor the rhythm section, while guitarist Alex Lee came aboard on rhythm guitar, bringing fresh energy from his Holy Grail tenure.[61] Drummer Davier Pérez also integrated into the fold around this period, replacing Austin D'Amond and contributing to the revamped lineup's cohesion during the album's promotion.[59] Further changes marked 2024 and 2025, as founding guitarist Mike Spreitzer departed in September 2024 after two decades, citing a desire to focus on full-time musicianship with his project Verona on Venus.[62] Gabe Mangold, known from Enterprise Earth and Dead Icarus, joined as the new guitarist in October 2025, injecting progressive technicality into the group's sound.[3] Vocalist Dez Fafara encountered serious health challenges in early 2025, prompting the cancellation of planned Coal Chamber and DevilDriver co-headlining tours in January to prioritize recovery from undisclosed medical issues.[63] Despite this setback, the band rebounded with high-profile appearances, including a dynamic set at the Louder Than Life festival on September 20, 2025, where they delivered fan favorites amid a sea of mosh pits.[64] They closed out the year aboard the Headbangers Boat cruise from October 31 to November 3, 2025, joining Lamb of God and others for an all-star metal voyage that included a collaborative tribute to Ozzy Osbourne.[65] In October 2025, the band announced they are already working on a new studio album.[66]Musical style and influences
Style characteristics
DevilDriver's music is primarily classified as groove metal, incorporating elements of thrash metal, death metal, metalcore, and hardcore punk, with a signature emphasis on mid-tempo, palm-muted riffs, crushing breakdowns, and relentless double-kick drumming that drives the rhythmic intensity.[55][35][11] This blend creates a brutal yet accessible sound, often featuring churning, technical guitar work that alternates between aggressive chugs and occasional melodic leads to add depth without diluting the heaviness.[35][55] Vocalist Dez Fafara delivers a distinctive style characterized by harsh, guttural growls and snarls that convey raw anger and menace, frequently layered with clean shouts for contrast and emphasis in select passages.[35][55] His delivery has evolved toward greater variation, incorporating scabrous roars and grittily soulful cleans, moving beyond earlier, more uniform aggression to enhance emotional range while maintaining a venomous edge.[55][11] The band's instrumentation centers on heavy, down-tuned guitar tones that prioritize bass-driven grooves and riff-centric structures, with the rhythm section providing a powerhouse foundation through pounding bass lines and dynamic drumming.[35][55] This setup fosters a groove-oriented heaviness, where palm-muted chugs and breakdowns dominate song structures, occasionally punctuated by thrashy uptempo sections or death metal-inspired picking for added ferocity.[11][35] Lyrically, DevilDriver explores themes of personal demons, seething anger, betrayal, and resilience, often through abstract and metaphorical language that evokes emotional and cosmic turmoil.[55][35] Songs confront inner struggles and vengeance with direct, incensed narratives, such as those targeting adversaries or reflecting on human frailty, fostering a cathartic intensity.[35][11] Production has progressed from the raw, high-energy capture of their 2003 self-titled debut, which emphasized unpolished aggression and solid riff clarity, to increasingly refined efforts in later works.[11] Subsequent albums, particularly those helmed by producers like Jason Suecof and Mark Lewis, feature polished mixes that highlight instrumental separation, subtle atmospheric details, and amplified aggression without sacrificing the core brutality.[35][55] This evolution ensures clarity in the dense riffing and vocal layers, enhancing the overall impact.[55] In live performances, DevilDriver maintains a high-energy presence that encourages audience participation through mosh pits and circle pits, delivering passionate, enthusiastic sets that translate the album's groove-driven heaviness into visceral, crowd-igniting experiences.[67][68]Influences and evolution
DevilDriver's sound draws heavily from groove metal pioneers Pantera, whose riff-driven aggression shaped the band's emphasis on heavy, swinging grooves.[69] Thrash influences from Slayer contributed to the high-speed intensity and technical ferocity in DevilDriver's compositions.[70] Tribal rhythms and percussive elements echo Sepultura's early work, adding layered, primal textures to the band's rhythmic foundation.[71] Black Sabbath's doom-laden heaviness informs the darker, atmospheric undertones.[14] Vocalist Dez Fafara's background in nu-metal with Coal Chamber carried over an aggressive, industrial-edged ferocity into DevilDriver's early output, blending it with heavier metal structures to create a more brutal hybrid.[72] The band's evolution began with their 2003 self-titled debut, characterized by raw nu-metal aggression tempered by emerging groove elements.[13] By the mid-2000s, albums like The Last Kind Words (2007) introduced greater melodic depth and cleaner production, expanding beyond initial heaviness while retaining core intensity.[73] The 2010s saw a thrash revival on Beast (2011), with faster tempos and sharper riffs amplifying the band's speed-metal leanings.[74] In the 2020s, the Dealing with Demons series (2020–2023) incorporated death metal edges, featuring brutal breakdowns and growled vocals for a more extreme, visceral tone.[75] Producers played key roles in these shifts: Jason Suecof on The Last Kind Words (2007) refined the band's raw energy into a polished yet aggressive sound.[76] Later, Mark Lewis on Trust No One (2016) emphasized modern production clarity, enhancing the thrash and groove balance.[77] Steve Evetts handled production for Outlaws 'til the End (2018) and the Dealing with Demons series, further amplifying the aggression. Critics initially compared DevilDriver to Coal Chamber due to Fafara's involvement, but early reception noted the band's nastier, heavier identity as a departure from nu-metal.[12] Over time, reviews praised the progression toward an independent groove metal sound, with albums like The Last Kind Words marking a maturation beyond prior associations.[78]Personnel
Current members
The current lineup of DevilDriver as of November 2025 features vocalist Dez Fafara as the band's founding member and lead singer since its inception in 2002.[1] Bassist Jon Miller, an original member from 2002 to 2011, rejoined the group in 2022 and contributed to their 2023 album Dealing with Demons Vol. II.[79] Guitarist Alex Lee joined in 2022, providing rhythm guitar duties and appearing on Dealing with Demons Vol. II.[79] Drummer Davier Pérez came on board in December 2022, delivering the percussion for Dealing with Demons Vol. II and subsequent live performances.[80] Lead guitarist Gabe Mangold, formerly of Enterprise Earth, officially joined in October 2025, bringing fresh technical prowess to the band's evolving sound.[3]Former members
Mike Spreitzer served as the lead guitarist of DevilDriver from 2004 to 2024, joining shortly after the band's formation to replace founding member Evan Pitts and contributing as a co-founder in practice through his long-term involvement.[62][7] As a primary songwriter, he co-wrote material for every studio album up to Dealing with Demons Vol. II (2023), shaping the band's groove metal sound with intricate riffs and melodic leads.[81][82] His departure in September 2024 was motivated by a desire to focus on his side project, Verona on Venus.[83] Jeff Kendrick performed as rhythm guitarist from the band's inception in 2002 until 2014, providing foundational groove elements across the band's first six studio albums, from DevilDriver (2003) to Winter Kills (2013).[43][84] John Boecklin played drums from 2002 to 2014, anchoring the band's aggressive rhythms on early releases like The Fury of Our Maker's Hand (2005) and contributing to the songwriting process during lineup shifts.[43][85] Austin D'Amond performed as drummer from 2015 to 2022, providing rhythms for albums such as Trust No One (2016) and Dealing with Demons Vol. I (2020), before departing in December 2022.[80] Evan Pitts was the original lead guitarist from 2002 to 2004, appearing on the self-titled debut album and helping establish the band's initial death metal-infused style before stepping away for touring commitments.[7][82] Neal Tiemann handled rhythm guitar duties from 2015 to 2021, supporting the band's recovery from earlier departures and contributing to albums such as Trust No One (2016).[61][86] Chris Towning served as bassist from 2013 to 2016, filling the role during a transitional period and performing on Winter Kills (2013) while bringing experience from prior bands like Bury Your Dead.[87] Diego Ibarra played bass from 2016 to 2022, providing stability on releases including Dealing with Demons Vol. I (2020) after previously working with Static-X.[88][87]Discography and videography
Studio and cover albums
DevilDriver has released nine studio albums and one cover album since their formation, showcasing their evolution within the groove metal genre. The band's early releases were issued through Roadrunner Records, transitioning to Season of Mist for their 2011 album Beast, and then to Napalm Records for subsequent works. Production has typically involved collaboration with experienced engineers and producers in the metal scene, with albums often featuring 10 to 12 tracks and released in multiple formats including CD, vinyl, and digital. The cover album Outlaws 'til the End, Vol. 1 marked a departure, reinterpreting outlaw country songs in a heavy metal style. Chart performance on the Billboard 200 has varied, with peaks ranging from the top 30 to outside the top 100, reflecting consistent fan support in the hard rock and metal categories.| Album Title | Release Date | Label | Billboard 200 Peak | Tracks | Producer(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DevilDriver | October 28, 2003 | Roadrunner Records | — | 12 | Ross Hogarth | Debut studio album; recorded at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California. Formats: CD, cassette, vinyl reissue (2018).[89] |
| The Fury of Our Maker's Hand | June 28, 2005 | Roadrunner Records | No. 117 | 12 | Neal Avron | Second studio album; first to feature guitarist Mike Spreitzer; special edition includes bonus tracks and live recordings. Formats: CD, 2xLP.[90] |
| The Last Kind Words | July 31, 2007 (US) | Roadrunner Records | No. 48 | 12 | Jason Suecof | Third studio album; debuted with 14,000 first-week sales. Formats: CD, digipak.[91] |
| Pray for Villains | September 29, 2009 | Roadrunner Records | No. 35 | 11 | Logan Mader | Fourth studio album; produced by former Machine Head guitarist Logan Mader. Formats: CD.[92] |
| Beast | February 22, 2011 | Season of Mist | No. 42 | 12 | Mark Lewis | Fifth studio album; recorded at Sonic Ranch studios in Texas. Formats: CD, LP.[91] |
| Winter Kills | August 27, 2013 | Napalm Records | No. 32 | 11 | Jason Suecof | Sixth studio album; limited mediabook edition includes DVD. Formats: CD, 2xLP.[91][93] |
| Trust No One | May 13, 2016 | Napalm Records | No. 43 | 11 | Jason Suecof | Seventh studio album; peaked at No. 2 on US Hard Rock Albums chart. Formats: digipak CD, LP.[49][91] |
| Outlaws 'til the End, Vol. 1 | July 6, 2018 | Napalm Records | No. 172 | 12 | Steve Evetts | Cover album of outlaw country songs; features guest appearances including Randy Blythe and Hank Williams III. Formats: CD, JC (jewel case).[94][95] |
| Dealing with Demons Vol. I | October 2, 2020 | Napalm Records | No. 89 | 10 | Steve Evetts | Eighth studio album; first part of a double album project; debuted at No. 4 on Current Hard Music Albums chart. Formats: digipak CD, LP.[96][97] |
| Dealing with Demons Vol. II | May 12, 2023 | Napalm Records | No. 62 | 9 | Steve Evetts | Ninth studio album; conclusion to the double album series, presented as a shorter, intense effort. Formats: digipak CD, purple vinyl, die-hard edition.[98][99] |
Music videos
DevilDriver has produced a series of official music videos to promote key singles from their albums, emphasizing high-energy live footage, narrative-driven horror elements, and visual motifs of aggression and inner conflict that complement the band's groove metal sound. These videos, directed by a range of filmmakers including Nathan Karma Cox and Vicente Cordero, have been instrumental in building the band's visual identity, with early releases airing on MTV and later ones premiering on YouTube through labels like Roadrunner Records and Napalm Records. The videos often tie into album themes, such as the personal demons explored in the Dealing with Demons series, where apocalyptic imagery underscores tracks like "Iona," depicting a dark, vengeful road through emotional turmoil.[100] The following table catalogs select official music videos, focusing on those tied to major album promotions:| Song | Album | Video Release Year | Director | Notes/Themes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I Could Care Less | DevilDriver (2003) | 2004 | P.R. Brown | Promotional single video featuring intense band performance; aired on MTV.[101][102] |
| Hold Back the Day | The Fury of Our Maker's Hand (2005) | 2005 | Joe Lynch | Narrative-driven clip with themes of defiance and struggle.[103][104] |
| Not All Who Wander Are Lost | The Last Kind Words (2007) | 2007 | Nathan Karma Cox | Explores themes of wandering and chaos through shadowy, disorienting visuals.[105][106] |
| Clouds Over California | Pray for Villains (2009) | 2009 | Unknown | Atmospheric video evoking California's underbelly with venomous, predatory imagery.[107] |
| Pray for Villains | Pray for Villains (2009) | 2010 | Nathan Karma Cox | High-contrast visuals highlighting villainy and moral ambiguity.[108] [Note: YouTube link from Roadrunner playlist] |
| Dead to Rights | Beast (2011) | 2011 | Unknown | Confrontational performance video emphasizing retribution and finality.[109] |
| The Appetite | Winter Kills (2013) | 2013 | Unknown | Dark, hunger-driven narrative with raw band energy.[110] |
| Sail (cover) | Winter Kills (2013) | 2014 | N/A (lyric video) | Animated lyrics for the AWOLNATION cover, focusing on stormy, introspective vibes.[111] |
| My Night Sky | Trust No One (2016) | 2016 | Unknown | Nighttime themes of isolation and betrayal in a brooding setting.[112] [Napalm Records official] |
| Daybreak | Trust No One (2016) | 2016 | Shan Dan | Dawn-breaking motifs symbolizing renewal amid aggression.[113] |
| Iona | Dealing with Demons Vol. I (2020) | 2020 | Vicente Cordero | Apocalyptic journey through revenge and letting go of the past; heart-gripping visuals.[100][112] [Napalm Records] |
| Wishing | Dealing with Demons Vol. I (2020) | 2020 | Unknown | Reflective on unfulfilled desires with demonic undertones.[114] |
| Through the Depths | Dealing with Demons Vol. II (2023) | 2023 | Unknown | Plunging into darkness, aligning with the album's demon-confrontation themes.[115] |
| This Relationship, Broken | Dealing with Demons Vol. II (2023) | 2023 | Unknown | Explores severance in toxic partnerships after years of turmoil.[116] |
| If Blood Is Life | Dealing with Demons Vol. II (2023) | 2023 | Unknown | Vitality and survival motifs in a brutal, life-affirming context.[117] |