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Would it be blasphemous to compare DevilDriver with the almighty Pantera? Sure, perhaps. But the only reference for the bludgeoning brutality of Beast is the latter days of the Texas-based metal militants and their pushing of the envelope into breakneck energy, aggression, and power. Former Coal Chamber singer Dez Fafara has used the double-D vehicle to indulge in his love of groove metal, but this takes it to the extreme (not the band). Speaking of Pantera: "Coldblooded" shamelessly rips off the breakdown of Pantera's "Hollow," and that's probably the most original moment here. First single and leadoff number "Dead to Rights" is the key accessible song - which in this particular context is like an ax to the face as opposed to a hatchet to the gut. Pinch harmonics abound, but the coolest moment might be the take on "Black Soul Choir," an alt-country track originally twanged out by 16 Horsepower. Which suggests that there might be something deeper rolling around here than "There's nothing that will change me/There's nothing sure as shit" ("Bring the Fight"). Probably not, but if you want to bang your head, this will do the trick.
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