Published: October 21, 2020
In an October 2020 conversation with Gino Alache, DevilDriver frontman Dez Fafara discusses Dealing with Demons I, its personal themes, and the band抯 continued evolution within modern metal.
DevilDriver returned in 2020 with Dealing with Demons I, a release that pushed the band deeper into introspective and emotionally charged territory while maintaining the aggressive edge that has defined their sound for years. Led by Dez Fafara, the band continued to evolve, exploring darker themes both musically and lyrically.
In this interview recorded on October 21, 2020, Fafara speaks with Gino Alache for Rockum Radio, offering insight into the mindset behind Dealing with Demons I and the circumstances surrounding its creation during a time marked by global uncertainty and lockdowns. The conversation reflects an artist navigating both external challenges and internal reflection.
At the center of the discussion is the album itself, with Fafara describing Dealing with Demons I as a work rooted in personal confrontation and emotional honesty. The title serves as a direct reference to facing one抯 inner struggles, a theme that runs throughout the record and gives it a distinct identity within DevilDriver抯 catalog.
The interview also explores the creative process behind the album, highlighting how the band approached songwriting and production while maintaining their signature intensity. At the same time, Fafara reflects on how this release compares to previous albums, emphasizing a more introspective direction without losing heaviness.
Visual elements are also part of the album抯 identity, with its artwork featuring dark, symbolic imagery梤einforcing the themes of mortality, demons, and internal battles. These elements combine to create a cohesive concept that extends beyond the music itself.
Beyond the album, Fafara discusses his musical influences, shares experiences from years on the road, and reflects on the realities of the modern music industry. His perspective offers a balance between experience, resilience, and adaptation, shaped by decades of work within the metal scene.
The conversation also turns toward advice for emerging musicians, with Fafara emphasizing the importance of commitment, authenticity, and perseverance in an increasingly competitive landscape. These reflections underline the mindset required to sustain a long-term career in heavy music.
Capturing a moment of both introspection and continuity, this interview presents DevilDriver as a band that continues to evolve while staying true to its core梒onfronting the past, navigating the present, and pushing forward within the ever-changing world of metal.
