Pray For Villains Review

Released: Jul 14th, 2009
Genre: Groove Metal
Label: Roadrunner
Number Of Tracks: 13
Pray for Villains is DevilDriver’s fourth platter of crunchy, chunky and always angry metal. By now, you should be asking, “Coal Chamber who?” That’s because DevilDriver have truly come into their own now.

Sound:	9.7
Lyrics:	8.3
Impression:	9.3
Overall rating:	9.1
Users rating:	8.5
Comments:	50

overall: 8.3

Featured review by: UG Team, on july 14, 2009

Sound: DevilDriver are on their fourth album and they’ve certainly developed and cemented a signature sound with Pray for Villains. If you want to run through a checklist, fine. Gargled-with-razorblades-and-sewage vocals? Check. Pulse-quickening riffs packed with crunchy noise? Yep, those are here. Thunderous drumming that undoubtedly nails the band’s musical backbone down to the floor? Oh hell yeah and it’s safe to say that drummer John Boecklin is the mechanism that makes the band tick, that makes DevilDriver go. His beats are nothing short of detonated bombs going off in rapid-fire succession. DevilDriver have all the necessary qualities that comprise a solid metal band and album. The band hasn’t thrown the rage to the wayside on Villains nor have they lost a step. It’s plain and simple metal; there’s no trace of trends, such as quiet-loud dynamics or a stringing together of parts. The metal wheel – or steel- isn’t being reinvented here, but that’s not really DevilDriver’s intention, either. Quality metal that impacts like a billion left hooks to the jaw is! Want your brain to feel like a pinball? Then put your volume to its highest setting for the blackened, groove-tastic “Pure Sincerity,” the slightly punk rock influenced and musically interesting “Fate Stepped In” or the title track. “Back With a Vengeance” serves as the album’s most audible anthem, while “Fate Stepped In” has intricate guitar work about three minutes into the song and it’s unlike anything the band has ever done. A real step up, for sure! // 9

Lyrics and Singing: There’s a bit of a renegade theme to Pray for Villains, with songs titles like “Forgiveness is a Six-Gun.” For the first time in DevilDriver’s history, vocalist Dez Fafara, who shot to fame in nu metal superstars Coal Chamber in the late 1990s, enunciates and his lyrics are clearer and more discernible. You can actually understand what he is saying without having to yank out the lyrics sheet or booklet. His phlegmy vocals are as enraged as ever, as he spews dude’ish subjects; that is, he’s all about releasing the demons and getting the testosterone out. Vengeance, sobriety, the open road and not seeing the last o’ me are common lyrical touch points and they fit the album’s tone and texture. There’s a unifying, ominous thread to the lyrical bend and subject matter. // 8

Impression: Again, DevilDriver aren’t hypertech nor are they are hybrid band seeking to be everything to everyone. Rather, they have a singular goal to craft eye of the tiger metal. It may be mirthless music –and really, what metal isn’t a little bit on the dark side?— but it’s certainly an excellent candidate for background music when working out like a fiend. DevilDriver have definitely doled out another slab of meat and potatoes metal. // 8

- Amy Sciarretto (c) 2009

overall: 9.7

Reviewed by: systematication, on july 14, 2009

Sound: Wow. What can you say about this one? I have heard every song off of here without downloading a leak (stupid). I am pretty sure I can make some accurate statements here. DevilDriver have most definitely upped their anty here. Everything here is layered incredibly thick. It sounds great. No raw, unproduced LoG sound here.

The boys on guitar have stepped up. This time around they've topped riffs from "The Last Kind Words" with heavy as hell power chord riffs and the same old groove metal riffs. Not to mention some songs featuring some sweet as hell solos and sweep picking sections. Johnny B. On drums is still kicking ass. His double bass patterns here are murder (Pray For Villains, I See Belief). The bassist sounds good here too. Definitely adds to the overall sound.

I don't think they've sounded this good before this record. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: Dez has definitely found a groove metal sweet spot. His lyrics are simply great here. The choruses are simple words as always, but his rhythms are great... (Pray for Villains, Back With a Vengeance, etc.). He really has stepped it up this time around. The chorus on every song sounds great.

Not only are the lyrics great, but his voice actually sounds great with the songs here. They layered some stuff for reverb and whatnot, but for the most part it sounds great. // 9

Impression: I think this is definitely DevilDriver's strongest effort. They've gotten some technical stuff added to their writing, but it doesn't take away from that sweet as hell groove metal sound we love.

01. Pray For Villains
02. Pure Sincerity
03. Fate Stepped In
04. Back With a Vengeance
05. I've Been Sober
06. Resurrection BLVD
07. Forgiveness Is a Six Gun
08. Waiting For November
09. It's In The Cards
10. Another Night In London
11. Bitter Pill
12. Teach Me To Whisper
13. I See Belief

Out of those, I think the best are Pray For Villains, Back With a Vengeance, Another Night In London, Waiting for November, Fate Stepped In, and Bitter Pill. Something strikes me about them. I love this album in it's entirety. There is nothing not to like, except for in a few sections, there is no traditional DevilDriver rapid fire double bass drumming. I don't own the album yet, I've only heard it. I will definitely be buying the album, probably the special edition. If it gets stolen I will undoubtedly buy it again.

Go buy this if you have any sense. Pray For Villains wretched! // 10

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: HardAttack, on july 24, 2009

Sound: Looking at DevilDriver's work it's hard to believe they've blown through 3 albums already and they've been touring constantly before and after writing & recording a new one. I pray that these guys don't tour themselfs to death because plenty of people here know that life on the road can be like. It takes its toll. I'd love for this band to be something that lasts as long as it can go. Hell, 15-20 years would be great. DevilDriver exploded onto the metal scene with vocals only Dez Fafara can possibly produce, insame drumming courtesy of John Boecklin, and some wonderful guitars from a couple of then relatively unknown guitarists. I think this band is definitely Dez's best project to date, and from the looks of things, I think he intends to keep it going.

The music they make evolves a little bit each album. From their self titled album to 'Fury of Our Makers Hands' they went from a fully agressive style with amerature lyrics (sorry DevilDriver fans, I love them but it's true) to a band that added in some cleans and better song transitions with some improved lyrics. From that album to 'The Last Kind Words' I saw them tune their guitars up from Drop B to Drop C and make a more melancholy album revolving around betrayal and sorrow rather than references to overall evil. This new album is something I see as a collection of everything that's great about the band with yet again, some added innovations. The track arragement is clearly well put together, and fused in such a way that it could be played in its entirety without stopping between songs, as if the music would stay fresh without an ending. The lyrics are better, yet again and there is more lead guitar work than ever before proving that these guys don't rely on only palm mutes and speed picking to get the job done. There is some serious bonding going on between all the instruments and I couldn't be happier as a result of that. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: Dying is Easy
It's living that's hard
It's so disturbing to hear what you're fearing
Rain of terror out in the cold

Nothing stupid sounding in there. Groundbreaking? No. Truth with emotional influence? Absolutely. Listening to this song for the 12th time (according to iTunes) the effects of the collaboration between spoken word and instruments are still there. It comes together great, and I'll say right now that Dez has not lost his mojo. I'm very surprised guys like him can keep their vocal chords in working order after a couple of songs, nevermind after four albums and several tours. // 8

Impression: You know, when I read that people think this album isn't as good as ___(insert random number)___ I can't help but wonder: Why? The vocals are just as strong, guitar work is even more well thought out, there are plenty of songs, they made a special edition album along with the normal release and they have tons of tracks which fit together very well. All I can say is that I believe that this is their overall best work. Others who say that the band keeps maturing are the ones I absolutely agree with. This CD/DVD set is a purchase I treasure and I'd absolutely pay the band and the label again if the CD got lost or stolen somehow (don't get any ideas).

If you liked any of DevilDrivers past work (and I mean any) or you'd like to explore another avenue in the Metal world that combines intelligent and skillful( but not overly crazy) lead guitar, some of the fastest drumming in the world and skull rattling vocals, look no further. // 10

Comments

[ingames]

First. Never heard them, I hope this reviews aren't like the overhyped new Chimaira album's ones.

[chimera2510]

Once again, DevilDriver has turned out another beautiful album. Great reviews guys.

[webbtje]

ingames wrote:

First. Never heard them, I hope this reviews aren't like the overhyped new Chimaira album's ones.

They are. This album is a massive step down from Last Kind Words.

[Nite`]

^^ don't say that i was just starting to get excited

[Deece]

On par with last kind words, maybe a tiny, baby step down. which means its still awesomeeee. I think the drums are mixed a bit too loud, but thats about it. 8/10

[kfong03]

ingames wrote:

First. Never heard them, I hope this reviews aren't like the overhyped new Chimaira album's ones.

dude you're missing out on a lot of good stuff... get "the last kind words" now!

[Random3]

Bought the album yesterday, absolutely brilliant

[the agony scene]

It sounds great. No raw, unproduced LoG sound here.

what!?
sacrament is one of the most painfully overproduced album ever in my eyes.

[Lion_Slicer]

^Yeah but I do believe they are referring to Wrath, which did bring the production back down rather nicely. Surprising how much good that does for a band like LoG, Sacrament to me sounded... manufactured.

[Reviewer Pete]

Meat and potatoes = 8?

[SilverSpurs616]

I've only heard the title track so far and thats enough for me to want to get the album. I'll be buying this within the next few days!

[[Azrael]]

I got it and it's amazing

Guitars are ace on it. Ressurection Blvd. sweep riff is awesome!

[rebofthetemple]

They are. This album is a massive step down from Last Kind Words.

I would argue differently. While Pray for Villains does have some filler songs imo, the songs Pray for Villains, Waiting for November, and Resurrection blvd more than make up for them. I would say this is about on par with the Last Kind Words.

[Connah]

this album is great. devildriver delivers! drumming is really good, awesome riffs. 4 solid albums of pure awesome

[shreddage1471]

i love this album, ressurection blvd is one of my current favourite songs, and i heard oin the radio last night! even though it was a rock show lol

[may666]

the album is really great..
especially the special edition \m/ the bonus tracks are awesome

[Atax1a]

Best DevilDriver album

[nobrightskys]

I have listen to the whole album a few times. I must say I am impressed. Its more then a noteworthy effort.

[efferus]

the agony scene wrote:

It sounds great. No raw, unproduced LoG sound here.

what!?
sacrament is one of the most painfully overproduced album ever in my eyes.

*Puts on flamesuit* Although the musicianship improved, I much preferred the Sacrament production to Wraths by a long shot.

On that note, I'm still going to be checking this new DD album out...

[Corey Taylor]

webbtje wrote:

ingames wrote:

First. Never heard them, I hope this reviews aren't like the overhyped new Chimaira album's ones.

They are. This album is a massive step down from Last Kind Words.

*sigh, unfortunately i agree. i was hoping for an epic album from them, but this just wasn't that good at all

[ThatWouldBeJon]

clouds over california - if you havent heard it yet, buy it its a classic beatdown song

[TheTortured]

Listening to some of the songs of youtube, and holy ****, this is heavy. Better than the last album which was pretty good too.

[kontarisjohn]

AMAZING ALBUM! i liked the fury of our makers hand a lot and this one tops it!! great modern metal much much much better than the last chimaira..

[Jasonleo15]

never really listened to much of the earlier stuff, but the drums on this album were insane! not to mention the riffs made me just want to break stuff

[EpiExplorer]

Resurrection Blvd is the only song I've heard more than once. I think its amazing, if a bit repetitive. The vocals sound a bit different to me though...almost like hes doing a Robb Flynn and using the growling-sing style thing that doesnt sound amazingly good. Not really like his multi-octave scream from LKW. But cant ignore the guitar work I'm really looking forward to this, waited 2 weeks after ordering it online from play.com o.x

[LarksTongue67]

webbtje wrote:

ingames wrote:

First. Never heard them, I hope this reviews aren't like the overhyped new Chimaira album's ones.

They are. This album is a massive step down from Last Kind Words.

Disagreed.

[Archetype00]

i cant stand this album at all.

[JMonKeyBAlls]

Strait AWESOMEness

[Karmapolice911]

I think I've Been Sober is the best song on the album. The guitar work, especially towards the end, is unbelievable. It also has such a sick drum intro. I also like Teach Me To Whisper, where he says it in the chorus and then starts screaming his head off. Awesome album.

[Vypor]

webbtje :
ingames wrote:

First. Never heard them, I hope this reviews aren't like the overhyped new Chimaira album's ones.

They are. This album is a massive step down from Last Kind Words.
POSTED: 07/14/2009 - 08:40 am / quote |

Im ready to hear this album, Last Kind words was good but a disappointment to me, it seemed to "run" and rush. the whole album sounded like that.

Fury was the best, in my opinion.

And also.. The new chimera album kicks ass too, in no way was it over hyped.

[z1mo]

I think this one is overproduced which takes the sharpest edge off which in my mind isn't a good thing. I liked The Last Kind Words more.

[AnEvilWalrus]

I love this album. Easily one of my favorites of all time. The only competition I can see it having this year is the new Dethklok album in September.

Amazing.

And why has noone mentioned It's In the Cards? That song is f**king heavy as s***.

[Everblack]

I really feel like it's a lot less aggressive than their previous albums, which makes it a lot less enjoyable for me, the aggressive sound was one of the things I really enjoyed about them.

[Judas_rising]

Karmapolice911 wrote:

I think I've Been Sober is the best song on the album. The guitar work, especially towards the end, is unbelievable. It also has such a sick drum intro. I also like Teach Me To Whisper, where he says it in the chorus and then starts screaming his head off. Awesome album.

+1 For I've Been Sober..kickass song....although the album is just a TEENY TINY bit of a step down from The Last Kind Words....a bit too overproduced....but still a kickass album overall...

[koikomoru]

i was just wondering where these guys have been. I love all their albums so far. This is probably going to be one of the few i actually purchase.

[RUSTDOGG666]

This is a great band. Amazing how they can come up with this already cause that album with Clouds Over California is still pretty new. yeah Coal Chamber aint shit compared to this band and I dont care if Coal Chamber ever came back again.

[Thedarkchild]

yeah, it's a really great album...i've been sober is one of my favforites. i like the intro to that song a lot...
i hope my copy arrives soon (i live in germany and imported the special edition because an autographed booklet will come with it )

[[x]Huffy[x]]

Great album. Saw DevilDriver at Download, they did an awesome set, and when they played the title track from this album, the crowd went insane.

[systematication]

the agony scene wrote:

It sounds great. No raw, unproduced LoG sound here.

what!?
sacrament is one of the most painfully overproduced album ever in my eyes.

I was talking more Wrath. Because this album is Wrath's competition for the year.

[Kelicon]

Wow, no one has mentioned Pure Sincerity from what I've seen. Am I the only one that thinks that song is insane? But I agree and disagree with everyone. Definitely think this is about 1 notch lower than Last Kind Words, but still, an amazing effort.

[peg-leg97]

yeah i think this album is a little bit of a step down from last kind words but that is only by a hair this album is still an awesome album the song "ive been sober" really relates to things that have happened in my life so i really like this album

[peg-leg97]

and i agree with systematication this album is some competition for wrath i saw lamb of god and devildriver in concert in 2007 and it was a kick ass concert

[goest]

webbtje wrote:
They are. This album is a massive step down from Last Kind Words.

I offer up that each album has gotten exponentially better.

...Fury is still my favorite, though...

[punisher_spawn]

man this album kicks arse..
vocally i think its a tad of a step-down..
but the ****ing groove is there!! and thats what makes these guys so good..

this is definately #2 after last kind words..
i think it was the outro of "the axe shall fall" that did it for me.. gives me goosebumps everytime.. now thats musicianship..
is that even a word?
XD

[petersth0688]

good solid album a tiny step down from last kind words and fury but its nice 2 see them trying 2 evolve and try somthing different, in my opinion the drums are untouchable and the guitars should just stay simple because thats what make devildriver 2 me and dez is just god

[systematication]

punisher_spawn wrote:

man this album kicks arse..
vocally i think its a tad of a step-down..
but the ****ing groove is there!! and thats what makes these guys so good..

this is definately #2 after last kind words..
i think it was the outro of "the axe shall fall" that did it for me.. gives me goosebumps everytime.. now thats musicianship..
is that even a word?
XD

Oh I know. That ending was damn amazing. The same can be said about Fate Stepped In's ending. Although not as good as TASF's, it's still pretty sweet.

[SoundOfDeity]

Due to this album, i've now got a massive dilemma. What is my favourite album of 2009, Behemoth - Evangelion, Devildriver - Pray for Villains or Lamb of God - Wrath?!
Whatever, the point is, this album is sick!
Well done Devildriver!

[rebornmaster9]

every thing i have heard of this album is ****ing amazing

[JD Blue Venom]

its the intro on 'ive been sober' that really blows me away, and of course, the heavyer they get the better the groove is, I love LOG but i prefer this to wrath, sorry :/

[djGentoo]

I can barely believe this is the same band that made their self-titled. They've just improved so much it's hard to believe. The Last Kind Words was a sign that they were going to get better, I guess, but this is just... holy shit. Awesome.