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May 17, 2012 |
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DEVILDRIVER - The Fury Of Our Maker's Hand
Roadrunner (2005) |
8.5/10 |
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01. End Of The Line
02. Driving Down The Darkness
03. Grinfucked
04. Hold Back The Day
05. Sin And Sacrifice
06. Ripped Apart
07. Pale Horse Apocalypse
08. Just Run
09. Impending Disaster
10. Bear Witness Unto
11. Before The Hangman's Noose
12. The Fury Of Our Maker's Hand
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If you've never heard them before, I already know what you're thinking: "Umm, DEVILDRIVER, isn't that the new band from that guy that used to front COAL CHAMBER? I hate nu-metal...I even hate calling that crap metal!" I've heard that phrase, or a slight variation thereof, so many times. What kills me is that these close-minded people often haven't even heard the album - amazing how they can pass judgment without ever hearing the material in question. It's time to put those assumptions to rest and give this CD a spin as it may end up appearing in many top-lists for the year, at which point you'll feel foolish for never listening to it.
As mentioned previously, DEVILDRIVER is indeed the latest project of former COAL CHAMBER vocalist Dez Fafara. However, Dez has left his former band completely behind him with every facet from songwriting, to lyrical content, to presentation. DEVILDRIVER are not a heavier version of COAL CHAMBER - it's an entirely different entity, and I hope people will get past their hang-ups ("Nu-metal? Ewww!") and listen to this CD as if every member is unknown to them.
Rounding out the band are guitarists Mike Spreitzer, and Jeff Kendrick, bassist Jon Miller, and drummer John Boecklin. These five men have put together a CD that is sure to rattle your brain with its relentless assault on the senses. As a band, DEVILDRIVER have progressed significantly since their last release. The extreme double-bass work ("Ripped Apart"), off-beat work ("Impending Disaster", "The Fury Of Our Maker's Hand"), and overall tight drumming throughout show that Boecklin is serious about this band, and has really stepped it up as a musician since the debut. The frenzied bass-work by Miller makes this CD real tight as far as a rhythm section goes. The guitar duo lays down thick riffs, plenty of chops, and some melodic, shredding solos ("Pale Horse Apocalypse").
Back to Dez...vocally speaking, he sounds real pissed off. Grunts, growls, and screams erupt from deep within him like no tomorrow. Lyrically, and vocally, "Grinfucked" is a perfect example of his anger, and I'm particularly glad it's not directed at me. His voice is still recognizable, but it's far more guttural and punishing then it ever was before ("Driving Down The Darkness").
The production is almost outstanding, with what I would call a perfect mix of vocals, drums, and guitars. Only the bass guitar could stand to be brought into the mix a little more. Everything else is way up front, chaotic, right in your face, and straight down your throat. A few of the songs are quite simple, utilizing the tried and true "intro-verse-chorus-verse-chorus-outro" template. However, they prove to be effective, and ultimately memorable due to the sheer aggressiveness of the guitars, intense drumwork, and occasional metalcore-style breakdowns. I found no real filler as after a few listens, every song seemed to grow on me. "Before The Hangman's Noose" is a very addictive track with its catchy chanted line, "It's a good day to die!". "Impending Disaster" is one of the fastest songs, and "The Fury Of Our Maker’s Hand" is musically my favorite and a perfect closer which slowly drifts away to let the listener recover before pressing play again to start the journey all over.
There may still be some slight nu-metal influences scattered amongst the tracks on this album but unless you are one to sit and analyze every note and riff, they tend to blend right in with what's being served up as a riff-laden metal album. Dez had stated "The influence to start this band was that I wanted to do something that was heavier, darker and full of more of my metal influences that I listen to on a daily basis. Every time I get on stage, I want to feel the music behind me. That is DEVILDRIVER." He has succeeded.
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