Album Review: DevilDriver - Outlaws 'Til The End, Vol 1

Having interviewed DevilDriver vocalist Dez Fafara numerous times, it's readily apparent he doesn't lack confidence or conviction in his creative endeavours.

That said, it took some cojones for the groove-metal behemoths to release an entire album covering outlaw country songs. An outspoken country fan, Fafara delved into his contact list, including Lamb Of God and Fear Factory personnel, to realise this project. Meanwhile, enlisting Cash family members and Hank III (helping recreate one of his own tunes; one of the highlights) adds a whiff of authenticity.

Only the most dedicated country devotees will likely be familiar with certain songs. For many, Steve Earle's Copperhead Road (here featuring Brock Lindow of 36 Crazyfists) may be among the few cuts they were previously familiar with. This probably plays in DevilDriver's favour, some songs only faintly recognisable as re-imaginations of country tunes anyway; such is the presence of Fafara's distinctive roar and the turbo-charged guitars. This ensures certain tracks exude the aggression fans desire, with a few twists, and means they could possibly slot into the band's live set-list and cause an unsuspecting punter to potentially mistake them for DevilDriver originals. Conversely, a take on Dwight Yoakam's A Thousand Miles From Nowhere welcomingly affords a moodier flavour during what can on occasion feel like a one-paced outing.

​Outlaws 'Til The End, Vol 1 is a curious concept, but arguably outstays its welcome. Perhaps saving the best cuts and issuing an EP would have heightened the impact.