DevilDriver - 'Pray For Villains'

DevilDriver’s fourth full-length Pray For Villains follows down the same path of 2007’s The Last Kind Words, but is even more accessible. It’s not mainstream by any means, and producer Logan Mader (Machine Head, Soulfly) accentuates the groove and melody without reducing the intensity.

The typical song on Pray For Villains has heavy riffs and thundering drums, but also memorable choruses and downright catchiness. The title track opens the CD and sets an aggressive tone with twin guitars, prominent drums and harsh vocals from Dez Fafara. “Back With A Vengeance” is a standout track, opening with a retro sounding riff then settling into a groove

“I’ve Been Sober” has a brief power metal moment before intensifying into the band’s usual sound. Melodic moments and the return of the power metal vibe for a guitar solo make it a very accessible song. DevilDriver also uses synths effectively on songs like “Waiting For November,” adding depth and atmosphere.

Pray For Villains is 13 songs and nearly an hour long. It drags a bit in places, and a couple of songs could have easily been cut to make things more streamlined and focused. But with every album DevilDriver are perfecting their sound, and they are staking a claim as a band that can expand their appeal to the metal masses while retaining their original fan base.

(released July 14, 2009 on Roadrunner Records)