Devildriver have spent almost the last two decades pursuing a course of uncompromising artistry and dedication to the road. Led by the prolific Dez Fafara, the Californian crew have earned their reputation as one of the hardest working bands on the planet, while delivering a steady succession of brutal, yet distinctive albums along the way.
Their focus has remained laser-sharp, and never more so than on the monumental upcoming twin album project, Dealing With Demons. The first volume of the double offering – entitled Dealing With Demons I – is set for release on 9th October, 2020 via Napalm Records and will be available in several formats.
Dealing With Demons I (the band’s first release of new, original material since 2016’s Trust No One) represents the onset of a final purging of the demons that have long haunted Dez Fafara and Devildriver’s music. From its eerie, ominous intro and the self-explanatory opener, ‘Keep Away From Me’ to the poignant ‘Nest Of Vipers’ and the chilling imagery of ‘Iona’, each track on Dealing With Demons I illustrates a different demon to be dealt with, or released.
To coincide with the announcement of Dealing With Demons I, Devildriver have unleashed new track, “Keep Away From Me”, alongside a new lyric video – a thought-provoking clip that paints a picture of positivity at its end. Watch the visual, directed by Vicente Cordero here….
Regarding “Keep Away From Me”, frontman Dez Fafara tells us: “I’ve been social distancing since I was born. I’ve learned to try and embrace my Agoraphobia all my life. This is what the lyrics are about as we are all sheltered in place. They seem very clear. Now is not the time bands should shy away from the obvious, by trying to push the narrative through their art as if everything is alright with the world and ‘it’s metal video visual as usual time’, as it is clearly NOT that time.
We as artists should speak up, inspire and change lives, or paint a picture – a time capsule if you will – by the narrative we push in uncertain times. This video is one such art piece as my band and thousands of others are forced into quarantine – cannot rehearse, take photos, or perform – to make a music video for the very people that have supported us for years. It’s trying times for the world and my outlook through this video is simply this: ‘here’s what we are going through as a family on this planet and as we embrace what is yet to come… please Stand Together’.”
