Genre: Groove/Melodic Death

Label: Roadrunner Records

IS Rating: 8.5

Comments: Pummeling grooves, numbing percussion, and huge melodies that bore a hole in your skull. Nuff said.

Release Date: July 14, 2009

Surveying other reviews of this spanking new effort from Roadrunner darlings Devildriver would reveal a predilection for mulling the band’s nu-metal origins. But given a few spins of their latest, the question of ‘Who cares?’ is begged. Starting with an epic opener that’s destined to inspire many a violent moshpit, Devildriver prove beyond any doubt they’ve mastered the art of delivering the goods. Be it through sheer musicianship, which is well nigh jaw dropping, especially Mr. John Boecklin’s work behind the kit, or their songwriting prowess, these lads are at the top of their game.

In a solid album full of stellar cuts, the finest are “Another Night In London,” “Forgiveness Is A Six Gun” (cool song title, eh?), “I See Belief,” and that glorious anthem “Ressurection Boulevard.” Yet despite its merits, modern rock bent, and oodles of delicious guitar play, a few blemishes lend a bitter aftertaste to this delectable metallic feast. There just seems to be a dearth of lackluster songs here (read: filler), with “Teach Me To Whisper” and “It’s In The Cards” contributing little in making the band more awesome.

Nevertheless, Dez Fafara is at his howling best, sounding every inch the bad mutha his appearance projects. Bombastic twin guitar wankery from the Mike Spreitzer and Jeff Kendrick tandem rule the day on this platter’s hottest tunes. When it ends, a substandard Iron Maiden cover arrives as a bonus track, reminding the world that if these guys aren’t careful, they can still suck. Devidlriver have established their niche with this relentless “Pray for Villains,” thus giving long enamored fans new reason for extending the love affair.

Miquel Blardony