For quick categorization, every DevilDriver merch and album would probably fit best under the heavy metal label. There are some arguments though over which sub genre the band’s music really belongs to. Depending on which album you’re listening to, there are mixed elements coming from groove and death metal.
The arguments over which genre the band plays is probably a reflection of the group’s difficult beginnings. They became a group at a time when each member had various other affiliations. Dez Fafara who handles lead vocals was once a part of Coal Chamber but wanted to leave the group. Drummer John Boecklin, guitarist Jeff Kendrick and bassist Jon Miller were already part of Area-51 when they were still in high school. Fafara met Boecklin and then an additional would be member, guitarist Evan Pitts. DevilDriver became an official group in 2002.
Deathride was the first original name choice for the group. This however was not the best choice of name because other groups, musical or otherwise, were already using it. The group settled for DevilDriver being more original and menacing. The cross of confusion became the group’s official sign, one that illustrated the philosophy of questioning everything. The symbol and the name are all elements from Fafara’s own life, having had a rough past, Italian roots and having been brought up in a questioning environment.
Each DevilDriver CD is seemingly unique from the other. Critics think however that what is most likely strikingly different from everything the group has ever done is their self-titled release. This initial work has received considerable negative feedback despite the good sales of band related goth clothing. Some critics had the impression that the band wanted to enter the mainstream scene more than make music. After this release, Pitts made his exit and Mike Spreitzer took over.
Redemption came for the group with their second release, The Fury of Our Maker’s Hand in 2005. This was recorded in a remote ranch to screen out frequent distractions to the members’ creative output. The album took the 117 spot in the Billboard 200 and has been regarded by some as more deserving as an introductory release. The title of the body of work is again lifted from Fafara’s life, a reflection of his troubled personal history.
The second album put the band on a roll and they released The Last Kind Words. They promoted their work in the Download Festival where music legends like Iron Maiden were also in attendance. In 2009, more success came for the group when Pray for Villains took number 35 in the Billboard 200. This got the band even more pumped up for work and led them to make more plans for 2010. Another album has been set for release. Although there might be shifts again in the band’s musical approach, listeners can only tell for certain once the work has been released. Fafara has already said though that the fifth release will be different from the other four.
There’s no way to put every DevilDriver album into just one category. Creating structure however may not be so pressing for the group. After all, music should be more important than categorization.