I’ve never given DevilDriver a chance, and until a few days ago, I had never listened to an album in full. With Dealing With Demons Vol. II sat in my inbox, I debated whether I should give the band a chance, after all, my dislike of Coal Chamber should not influence my thoughts decades later. In the end, I relented and decided to give it a go, and I had to do it properly.

As the album title says, this is volume 2 of the Dealing With Demons saga, so in order to give Vol. II its place, it is only good form to listen to the Vol. I. first, not just for comparisons sake, but also to get the overall feel for what is essentially a double album, albeit spread across 3 years.

Opening with, ‘I Have No Pity’, the initial feeling of the uninspiring nature of the track dissipates as the song progresses and the groove kicks in and the band expel their creative juice. This expulsion then explodes as the, rather superb, ‘Mantra’ showcases an unexpected groove-laden heaviness. It is an album highlight and is mightily impressive. Placed early in the album, it is a strategic masterstroke to get the listener invested in the album.

explodes as the, rather superb, ‘Mantra’ showcases an unexpected groove-laden heaviness. It is an album highlight and is mightily impressive. Placed early in the album, it is a strategic masterstroke to get the listener invested in the album.

Vol. II then settles down into a rhythm, catchy underlying riffs are accompanied by thoughtful melodies, Dez Fafara spits out a strong vocal performance, albeit one that lacks variation – but hey, if you do a job well, keep doing it, and the album canters along giving moments where the head will bang and the horns will flash! All is well in my introduction to DevilDriver.

It isn’t all gravy though, midway through Vol. II, the album almost loses its way. The brooding darkness of, ‘Bloodbath’ deflates the album, not because it is a bad song, it just doesn’t seem to go anywhere. Following track, ‘It’s a Hard Truth’, is repetitive and, in the context of the rest of the album, a bit of a filler.

Fortunately, DevilDriver ramp it back up again for the final 2 tracks, especially where the solo in ‘If Blood is Life’ breaks-up the song and leads into a seriously catchy riff. Groove Metal at its finest. The last of the 9 tracks on offer almost, but not quite, pulls of the big finish.

Dealing With Demons Vol. II. is a relatively strong album. Fluid riffs, good vocals and a couple of tracks with insane drumming, it just about holds your attention throughout, with just a couple of slips that threaten to derail the album

The Dealing With Demons duology is an interesting concept, and while you don’t have to listen to Vol. I. to enjoy Vol. II., it would be worth your while to do so.

This is a recommended listen.

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