Interview by Tyler Crooks
Los Angeles-based heavy metal band DevilDriver are currently on a six-week North American trek as support act to Gwar, a tour which started in mid-October and will run all through November. Even though the band is still promoting their fifth studio album, the early 2011 release ‘Beast’, they have parted ways with Roadrunner Records, signed a new record deal with Napalm Records, and are working on material for the next album. A few days ago, at the Hollywood stop of the Gwar tour on November 4th, our man Tyler Crooks caught up with singer Dez Fafara for an interview. Read the brief conversation below, and visit the band on their official website and facebook page for more info.
This tour has been going on for about 21 days now. How has been touring with Gwar?
It’s been killer! We’re almost a month into the tour now. The last time we did their tour was about six years ago, I think, and it was probably one of the funnest things we’ve ever done. Right now it’s fall time, it’s monsters, perfect time for Gwar. We love the guys, we’re great friends with them, so it just seemed appropriate. We’ve got another month left and it’s pretty much flying by because it’s been just a fun time.
We’ve been hearing rumors lately of a new album. Can you tell us a little bit about that?
Well, we’re working on it. We record the music in December and in January I’ll record the vocals. We’re looking for a late fall release next year, and that’s really all I can say, besides saying that it’s a complete groove record. I mean, it’s filled with groove and hooks. It’s been really fun to write it, and I’ve been really enjoying it. The tunes are amazing.
Excellent! We’re all looking forward to that. In July, you guys announced that you’d made a transition from Roadrunner Records to Napalm Records. How has that been for you guys so far?
We love the label [Napalm]. We love everyone whom they’re working with. They’re hiring all the outside press that we want as well. They’re really working with us. To see the passion in a label like that is really killer, and we’ll just see how it goes. We’re going to hand them a really good record, and we hope they do what they’re going to do, you know.
On this tour so far, have you had any crazy run-ins or incidents?
Nah, it’s been pretty much just a good time with good shows and good friends. It’s been great!
Another interesting aspect of the tour is, you’re not only playing with Gwar but you also have Cancer Bats.
Yeah, I love the Bats, and when Oderus asked me who I think we should put on this thing, I said the Bats, and I’m glad that he did it. Watching Gwar and Cancer Bats every night is absolutely great. I mean, how can you not have a good time watching these bands?
Just to wrap this up, would you like to say anything else to the fans?
Come on out, and see DevilDriver on this tour! We’re not going to be in the States for at least another year, so this is it for us for at least a year, or more. So if you can catch a show on this tour, come out and see us. We’re having really, really relentless shows. The shows have been insane. So come and join us!