Published: June 4, 2026
Dez Fafara and company unveil the second single from their upcoming Napalm Records album while continuing the campaign that began with “Dig Your Own Grave”
DEVILDRIVER have released their new single “Dead In The Water” alongside an official music video, offering another preview of the band's upcoming studio album “Strike and Kill”, scheduled for release on July 10, 2026 through Napalm Records.
The song follows the previously released lead single “Dig Your Own Grave”, continuing the rollout of the band's first studio album since completing the two-part “Dealing With Demons” project.
Rockum previously covered the beginning of the album campaign in DevilDriver Announce 'Strike and Kill' Album and Release 'Dig Your Own Grave' Video Ahead of 2026 Tour.
The band was also featured on Gino Alache's Rockum Radio Show on CFRC 101.9 FM, alongside artists including Venom, Soulfly, Voivod, and Armored Saint.
Readers can also revisit Rockum's exclusive interview with frontman Dez Fafara in DevilDriver's Dez Fafara on Dealing with Demons I – Interview with Gino Alache.
Built around aggressive drumming, melodic guitar harmonies, and Dez Fafara's unmistakable vocal delivery, “Dead In The Water” presents another side of the musical direction explored throughout “Strike and Kill”.
According to Fafara, the lyrics emerged from a difficult period in his life and ultimately developed into a message centered on perseverance and personal growth. He described the song as one of the most positive lyrical statements he has written, encouraging listeners to remain committed to their path and allow circumstances the opportunity to improve over time.
Musically, Fafara noted that the track revisits elements associated with earlier periods of DevilDriver's sound, something longtime followers of the band may recognize immediately.
“Strike and Kill” follows “Dealing With Demons Vol. 1” (2020) and “Dealing With Demons Vol. 2” (2023), albums that represented one of the most ambitious periods in DevilDriver's career.
The new record continues the band's established combination of groove metal, melodic death metal influences, and aggressive songwriting while introducing a new collection of material shaped by the current lineup.
Throughout the album, DevilDriver balance heavy riff-driven passages with melodic guitar arrangements and atmospheric moments, reflecting a band that continues evolving while remaining connected to the sound that has defined its catalog for more than two decades.
STRIKE AND KILL TRACKLIST
1. Dig Your Own Grave
2. Dead In The Water
3. Sanctified In Scars
4. Strike and Kill
5. In the Moonlight
6. Ride or Die
7. Headed for the Fall
8. Shut the Silence On
9. Never Coming Home
10. Summoning Shadows
11. You're Just a Ghost
12. Oath of Iron
13. All Bets Are Off
FORMATS
“Strike and Kill” will be available in the following editions:
CD Digipak
Solid Blue Vinyl
Translucent Green Vinyl (Napalm Records Mailorder Exclusive)
Splattered Vinyl (Napalm Records Mailorder Exclusive)
White Label Vinyl (Napalm Records Mailorder Exclusive)
Solid Orange Vinyl (Indie Merch Exclusive)
Digital Album
DEVILDRIVER ON TOUR 2026
August 14 — San Diego, CA — Observatory North Park
August 15 — Las Vegas, NV — Brooklyn Bowl
August 16 — Phoenix, AZ — Marquee Theatre
August 18 — San Antonio, TX — Aztec Theatre
August 19 — Austin, TX — Come and Take It Live
August 20 — Houston, TX — House of Blues
August 22 — Dallas, TX — House of Blues
August 23 — Oklahoma City, OK — Diamond Ballroom
August 25 — Chicago, IL — Bottom Lounge
August 26 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave
August 29 — Colorado Springs, CO — Sunshine Studios
August 30 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Depot
September 1 — Boise, ID — Treefort Music Hall
September 2 — Reno, NV — Club Underground
September 3 — Sacramento, CA — Goldfield Trading Post
September 4 — San Jose, CA — The Ritz
September 5 — Anaheim, CA — House of Blues
DEVILDRIVER ARE
Dez Fafara — Vocals
Alex Lee — Guitar
Gabe Mangold — Guitar
Jon Miller — Bass
Davier Perez — Drums
Formed in California in 2002, DevilDriver emerged from the American groove metal scene through a combination of aggressive riffing, melodic influences, and the distinctive voice of Dez Fafara, previously known for his work with Coal Chamber. Albums such as “The Fury of Our Maker's Hand,” “The Last Kind Words,” “Pray for Villains,” and “Beast” helped establish the band's reputation internationally, while frequent touring reinforced their standing within modern heavy metal.
With “Dead In The Water,” DevilDriver continue building anticipation for “Strike and Kill”, a release that follows the extensive “Dealing With Demons” cycle and introduces the next chapter in the band's catalog. As the album approaches its July release date, the new single provides another look at the direction the group has chosen for its latest studio effort.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
PHOTO CREDIT: Stephanie Cabral
Watch the official music video for “Dead In The Water” below.
