DevilDriver works hard, rocks harder, and kicks ass all the way – from their albums to their shows. This band does not take rocking lightly. It is heavy and heavy as we like it. They recently revealed the track listing for their new effort Winter Kills, and the RockRevolt staff went ape shit. We await with baited breath for the album that releases August 27, 2013. To kill some time until then, we tracked down lead singer Dez to get to the root of the album.
What led you to call the album “Winter Kills”?
I love the idea of rebirth of things after the long winter, to watch new growth happen after the frost kills off most things. For DevilDriver though, with a new label, as well as a new bass player, the title is very fitting. To me, this record, as well as DevilDriver‘s music in general, is a killing stroke, meaning it will be one of those records even bands around us will take notice of for sure!
Being on tour with Coal Chamber, was it hard to write and record a new DevilDriver record?
No. I wrote on the road, then tracked in my home studio when I was off tour. In fact, it added so much magic writing on the road because I could read the lyrics to the band at the end of the day. My home time was spent recording, but I was still home, so I had the best of both worlds!
You recently guested on the Cancer Bats latest record, how did that work?
I love the band and they are great friends! We were talking, they had a song, and I was home – so it worked out perfect. I wrote my own verse and switched around the pre-chorus to make it my own. I do enjoy working with other artists. It’s always a good time. 
Did you guys write the song together or did you write your own lyrics and record them over your parts?
The song was done. I wrote my own lyrics to my lyrics to my verse and twisted the pre-chorus on my part.
What can we expect from DevilDriver this time? Did you guys set out to top Beast or did Winter Kills develop its own sense of being?
This record has its own life completely. We didn’t set out to best any other effort. Instead, we wrote from our hearts and gave it 110%! Then punched the groove button! You’ll get what I feel is our best record to date. It’s full of hook and huge groove, as well as very tight arrangements. It’s one of those records that you automatically want push play as soon as it’s over!
Tell us about your writing process, how does a song develop in Devil Driver?
Riffs then drums/ demo/ then I write vocals, and we go from there. I like to fuck with arrangements a lot as well. I did not demo vocals on this one in order to capture that first take feel, and it worked out, as most of the vocals are all first takes.
We go back and forth a lot during the demoing of the music to establish direction – then everyone goes into writing mode.
And did the song writing process differ on this record or do you have a strict method?
No strict method. When the juices are flowing, it’s time to write! I did write on the road however, which is very different for me, as I normally write in a solitary environment.
Lyrically, what were your motivations for Winter Kills?
Passage of time, human relationships, other realms of thought and possibility, witchcraft, the metaphysical…but I tend to write very “keep your head up” type of lyrics, to empower rather than the normal metal thing. Exploring human relationships is always a topic for me as well.
Watch “Ruthless”
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Were they different than the lyrical motivations you had for Beast, or more a progression of those?
Far different – far far different. Growth through experimentation with hooks to fit the grooves, plus on Beast I was in a terrible headspace due to many things in my personal life at the time.
I’ve seen you destroy Sound Wave Festival in Australia in past years – any plans to come back and destroy us yet again?
Love that Festival! Should we be invited, love to come down and have a great time! The fans are Bad-Ass! Plus – I’m from Cali, so it feels like home for me – go to sound check, then go surfing. What can be better!?
What were your favorite parts of recording this new record?
Recording at home! It just lent such a good vibe and headspace.
What songs make you hard? Tell us about your favorite tracks on Winter Kills?
“Ruthless,” Winter Kills,” “Shudder!” It’s difficult to name just one, as I’m still jamming to the whole record man! “Ruthless” was the first track I recorded, so it holds that magic for me. I hope everyone enjoys the record. We worked very hard on it.
Editors Note: was that “hard” reference an intended pun? hmmm…
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