Key Takeaways

• New Album: DevilDriver’s latest album, Strike and Kill, showcases a strong songwriting approach.
• Life Lessons: Each song on the album carries a meaningful lesson aimed at listeners.
• Positive Impact: Dez Fafara hopes the album inspires strength in those facing challenges.
• Dynamic Collaboration: The band has established a solid working dynamic, especially with returning bassist Jon Miller.

At 11 albums in, there’s still room for growth in DevilDriver and Dez Fafara reveals that one approach to their new album Strike and Kill has made this one of their strongest albums to date.

After giving his bandmates instruction to look at their DevilDriver logo and to write for it, Fafara himself accepted the challenge as well and delivered one of the more open and direct albums of their career.

“This record is about making sure that your life stays on track, stays on path and it’s got a ton of lessons in it,” says Fafara. “I’m gonna say that right now. Every song has a lesson in it. I’ve never really gone there as a writer, but I kind of said to myself, write for the logo you guys, and me personally, I’m gonna write as if it was my last record or my first record. Because those records are the most essential in your life, in your career and in your messaging, right?”

He adds, “This messaging on this record is very powerful. I’m hoping it gives people strength to kinda pull up their bootstraps and get on with life if they’re going through hard times. Or if you’re just having a great time in life and everything is easy, this is the one you wanna put on on a Saturday, crack a beer with friends, get a barbecue going, and listen to the new DevilDriver, Strike and Kill.”

Elsewhere within the chat, Fafara digs into the working relationship with the band and in particular the strong relationship established with returning bassist Jon Miller, the impact of positivity both in his personal life as well as in the music and he also digs into several new songs from the record.

Plus, Dez discusses how his love for playing live has evolved and he shouts out several acts while sharing his belief that modern metal is alive and well.

Check out more of the chat below.

It’s Full Metal Jackie and I am so psyched to welcome back to the show Mr. Dez Fafara of DevilDriver. Always great to talk to you because when we’re getting you on the show, there’s obviously something big happening and that thing is this new DevilDriver record, Strike and Kill. It’s been an interesting few years with an overhaul of the band’s lineup, but the guys really seem to be thriving and played a big part in this new album. Can you talk about finding the working dynamic on Strike or Kill and what you saw from your bandmates as this album was coming together?

The one correction is it’s not an overhaul of the band, right? So Alex, my guitar player, my drummer Davi, and is have been with me a pretty long time now. And my original bass player is back, who wrote the first five records with me. After a very long hiatus, he’s come back.

The one new guy is Gabe, the guitar player. He’s incredible. He also is a great producer and working with him was wonderful in the studio. He just knew how to work with me, really. I wanted things in first and second takes or I didn’t want it. I wanted to really get after the fire of it, and we’re not gonna sit there and labor five hours over a three-minute song. So that was fantastic.

But I think the one thing that we did say was, “Listen, we’ve got a lot of records. We’ve touched on a lot of ground.” DevilDriver really doesn’t sound like anybody out there. We’ve got our own sound. We have strayed from the path on different records, but I think that’s an important thing to do is to keep art alive and to keep what you’re doing fresh.

What I did say to them is I said, “Listen, look at the logo.” We’re all on the phone. I said, “You guys have a computer in front of you. Pull up the logo. Yeah. Write for the logo. Write for what that thing needs.” I go, “I surely will do the same.” And when I started getting the demos, it was very clear to me that the territory we were going was right on spot, right on the money.

Myself, when I started writing lyrics, it came very quickly to the point where I was sending them voice notes of me singing the songs, obviously in the studio, just kind of singing them on voice note. Because it was coming so quick, I was wondering if I was, “Is it coming too quick for me? Is this lazy because it’s coming out of me so hard and so quick?” And they all said the same thing: “No, don’t change anything.” And none of it really changed from then to the recording. So it was a great process to go through. I think we found a good stride.

I think people will absolutely love this record. If you’re a fan of especially the first five or six records, you’re gonna really dig into this one hard. It’s getting a lot of praise and there’s nothing more humbling and better than that because you work your ass off on records.

DevilDriver, “Strike and Kill”

Dez, one of the things in listening to the record is that the songwriting is pretty strong. You’ve got plenty to say and it’s crafted well. What is said is often as important as how it sounds. You’ve been doing this for some time now, but do you feel it’s a continual evolution as a songwriter? Are you always learning? Is there something that’s particularly inspiring your writing as you approached this album?

Right. I think when you stop learning, you need to quit. So I learn every day. On this one, I really tested myself lyrically and vocally as well in laying down tracks but lyrically really tried to craft something new for myself. I have been blessed Jackie for years in both of my bands and with few members who have even come and gone from DevilDriver to play with great players right? Great people great players.

These guys together as a team is unbelievable and it’s unmistakable on this record. You know people are kind of saying “Oh DevilDriver is back” and I’m like “Well did we ever really leave?” But I know what they’re saying they’re saying the sound of what they grew up on what they listened to what maybe four or five records represented.

They’re gonna get that and much more I’m very proud of musicianship on this record I’ve got some amazing players my drummer is probably one of best drummers in industry both my guitar players I would put them up against anybody my bass player Jon Miller I’m so glad he’s back we’re best friends he is an absolute monster onstage we call him Jon Miller Shark Killer that guy is just a monster so I’m surrounded by great guys great players.

We’ve got a great record I’m really looking forward to it we wanted summer release I think this is one those records when it cracks out when drops cracks people are gonna grab that thing go barbecue go pool party go their friend’s house when they’re with other people they’re gonna be like “Have you heard this?” “No.” “Let me put this on.” And they’ll turn it on it’s one those records you wanna listen its entirety we were only gonna put 10 songs but realized would be too short so it’s got 13 tracks.

You never once say yourself “Okay let’s go okay skip next track” like never do that with this record that’s fantastic thing have art some my favorite records out there you say yourself “You know I’m not really into song skip next track” but you’re not gonna get here so I’m very pleased musicianship everything around cannot wait share whole record world.

When this album was announced right out gate we had banger that was released “Dig Your Own Grave” which is powerful statement impact decisions can have repercussions that come from it This obviously came from somewhere while may have inspired person particular instance broad enough message can apply larger audience From what you’re seeing world is this warning call warranted Is there need more civility accountability our actions?

This always truth life right? And I think that don’t mean be cryptic however just don’t want give up ghost what who song could be about Or what notion could be about But do have watch your actions life right?

You make wrong left turn all sudden it’s four five six years headache or danger ahead So you’ve gotta be careful with moves make life always think about how it’s going affect someone else how it’s gonna affect yourself your life And when make move be prepared stand by because may take rocky waters you’ll have raise flag give no quarter That certainly where I’m at right now Raise flag give no quarter we’re going war And Strike and Kill essentially that.

This record about making sure your life stays track stays path it’s got ton lessons it I’m gonna say right now Every song has lesson it I’ve never really gone there writer but kind said myself write logo you guys me personally I’m gonna write if was last record or first record Because those records most essential your life career messaging right?

So this messaging this record very powerful I’m hoping gives people strength kinda pull up their bootstraps get on with life if they’re going through hard times Or if you’re just having great time life everything easy this one wanna put Saturday crack beer friends get barbecue going listen new DevilDriver Strike and Kill.

DevilDriver, “Dig Your Own Grave”

Dez another strong track record “Dead Water” Fans comparing it some work early albums DevilDriver did you yourself spoken positive messaging Sometimes know you’ve got something special hands Did feeling hit you with “Dead Water”? And what your response how fans been embracing it?

I actually did And think by me saying “Listen guys when write let’s write for logo Let’s write for what thing needs” we obviously got few old school tracks out that.

Now don’t know time when hear track until vocals get laid on it And think this just one those ones where even said “Are you…” my drummer who kind runs band me right now call him number one right like he’s my number one dude run together And said him “Are sure want second track?” And he’s like “You have do second track People will feel old school vibe” This very much along lines first three records You’re gonna get some more this record well.

I think “Dead Water” track will resonate people if get down vocals get down lyrics what about And essentially same thing right If make bad moves life you’re all sudden gonna find yourself dead water In chorus say know eyes eyes like eyes Eyes stay locked when ground gives away Another day another dollar Well no matter what goes on your life still gotta pick up go work get done come home do what gotta do pull bootstraps up get with that’s what song about It resonates strength gives people hopeful attitude that’s where come from.

Anybody knows me has heard interviews knows I’ve had real rough life past especially when younger live very positive place because that’s place need be mindset need be get through life Strike Kill carries all way through.

DevilDriver, “Dead in the Water”

Dez talked little earlier about DevilDriver band before I’d remiss if didn’t mention return Jon Miller It’s been long journey DevilDriver but has meant not only have Jon’s talent back lineup also have someone has reference point what band started out back day?

Right It means world me Jon and always closest He shared all early road miles us He slept floor hotels everything me He knows where band came from He knows where went knows where we’ve gotta go future.

The conversation him called don’t mind saying think men admit realism life him tears We were tears hour talking each other It was like having long lost brother family member actually found desert island That’s how relate it.

Just having guy come back fold he’s such positive beacon light world we’re music itself And he himself wrote lot this record helped guide process said no no no no let’s not go there let’s go here know he very excited sending demos me He very excited hear them So much would send demo be like Have heard I’m like No man still driving Like let get home Let get my fortress solitude kind my studio where can pull up Then did hit him back say This stuff amazing would grateful feeling same way he was.

So him being back band absolutely anchored us can’t wait move future These guys already writing right now So that’ll tell where at We’re train right now incredible feels like first years DevilDriver kind train we’re positivity going within band writers surrounded direction we’re going.

DevilDriver doesn’t sound like anyone I’ve said once I’ll say again for me most important thing out there we have our own sound do our own thing.

Dez these last few years you’ve had health issues while found earlier year Mikey Coal Chamber gone cancer battle These types things tend make take stock What does mean both these bands relationships be what they are stage your life how feel about future both bands?

When speak Coal Chamber speak Mike Mike joined band when was 16 Now he’s his 40s He just survived stage four cancer most people wouldn’t He just got clean slate maybe month two ago called every single day There wasn’t day didn’t call We got be tight.

In beginning Coal Chamber course because age difference toured together were friends but never tight tight He couldn’t understand had wife children home couldn’t relate because kid 17 18 19 20 years old Now he’s got house He’s wonderful father kid Bash absolutely amazing He’s straight A’s His wife wonderful.

Having survive cancer absolutely amazing watched positivity watched go work chemo watched work art me when had chemo knowing positivity kind things can get through saw firsthand kid still call kid know mean But saw that.

And there has been health challenges me There been health challenges wife You either bounce back survive woe woe me woe will drag down That take energies down twice hard anything else know Especially when going through something cancer Everybody has family member gone cancer lost someone cancer knows someone that’s going through cancer.

Going through with wife watched … This how Anastasia deals let tell how she deals things She’s going cancer She knows coming surgeries come home she’s got record player listening Donna Summer roller skates house roller skating around girl just most positive person I’ve ever seen.

This whole conversation really based living life properly looking too far future not looking past trying present those people around Dealing two bands I’m very fortunate right now everybody gets along everybody’s having good time There’s lot positivity around everyone.

I just did two festivals last month where played day Coal Chamber next day DevilDriver then other one DevilDriver first Coal Chamber first So everybody around same time Watching all my band members conversations talk meet catering highlight my life right? And wanted bite off wanted try do something not lot guys done which play both bands weekend went fantastic They loved feel blessed feel humbled be position.

The only reason here fans music still wanna hear still wanna listen I’m only gonna here short time don’t know long I’m gonna planet certainly not gonna go stage can’t kill If can’t give 110 percent take 20-year-old kid going before after me can’t take him out quit certainly feel like knife sharp point So let’s go Let’s go jugular.

My drummer liked say it’s like we are jaguar jungle We’re coming out stalking you’re not gonna see us until too late for you That’s where thing going right now.

This summer finds back road Upon A Burning Body Ov Sulfur Obviously studio its own thing but what your love live experience Is same has approach playing live changed when were just starting out?

Great question Jackie Okay first people need know can hear tour bus coming mile away The tour bus usually comes house picks When hear generator front get butterflies stomach same way did my 20s.

I carry humbleness carry non-egotistical view around but when hand microphone it’s on Get hell way right now It’s coming So love playing live There’s nothing better having crowd front you.

I don’t care there’s 4 or 500 people room like festivals we’re getting ready do 60 70 80 thousand people energy same If can look eyes people playing music that’s actual epitome what it be musician.

You can spend whole life studio until get out play live show after show different city every day maybe tour bus may break down maybe not have great time hanging out crew other crews other bands.

I think Upon A Burning Body’s fantastic band think Ov Sulfur doing something killer Very much love having come road us We just added Cultus Black should check them out well They’re fantastic They’ve toured Cradle Filth lot other bands They’re great.

I just look forward nice strong summer tour It’s not too many dates for me right? It’s like 16 or 20 dates something like that normally go about 40 shows But just wanted touch water let’s break right now then we’re start running really hard We’ve got lot coming end year We’ve got lot coming next year well Some big festivals coming Coal Chamber October Aftershock doing Sick New World looking we’re gonna add Halloween show bunch other big bands very special bands Orange County So listen keep ear ground.

Dez someone eye music are newer acts grabbing attention these days Do feel good state metal new bands coming along?

There are many killer new bands Yes I’ve ear ground You could name any single band that’s out there doing their thing And think that’s one question get asked all time Like what’s state metal? It’s like state metal well.


Kids when say mean under 20 or under 22 like they’re out doing They’re trying go radio They’re trying build presence make big They’re doing art what they’re doing If takes off then that’s great thing.

Like band Ov Sulfur did just way In recent years Lorna Shore come hard they did their own ground Great guys I’ve obviously met several times But think heavy music alive well.

READ MORE: Dez Fafara Shouts Out ‘Best Metal Band Earth’

I don’t agree Gene Simmons dynamic rock dead surely know he’s talking about he’s talking Spotify other stuff right? But think actually opposite think alive well think gonna get heavier.

I think heavy music actually gonna get heavier you’re seeing getting heavier mean look bill taking Quite clearly band Ov Sulfur heavier than DevilDriver We’re groove metal band And like taking those kinds acts.

I personally listen lot real heavy music So yeah state music well alive heavy metal genre sure.

Thanks DevilDriver’s Dez Fafara interview Be sure pick Strike Kill You stay date band through their website Facebook Instagram Find hear Full Metal Jackie’s weekend radio show here.

Below Dez Fafara names his 11 favorite groove metal albums.