Full Breakdown
DevilDriver Announces New Album and North American Tour
4/17/2026, 12:17:15 PM
Album Release and Lead Single
DevilDriver, the Californian groove-metal band, has announced the release of their 11th studio album, *Strike and Kill*, set to drop on July 10, 2026, via Napalm Records. In conjunction with this announcement, the band has unveiled the lead single, “Dig Your Own Grave,” which showcases a heavier take on their signature sound, blending elements of melodic death metal and metalcore. The single features aggressive riffs and eerie synthesizers, highlighting the band's current twin-guitar lineup of Alex Lee and Gabe Mangold.
Frontman Dez Fafara described the song as a reflection on the consequences of poor decisions, stating, “One wrong decision, one wrong move can see your whole world turned upside down.” He emphasized the importance of being cautious with one's choices, particularly at vulnerable moments.
Background Context
The announcement of *Strike and Kill* and its accompanying tour comes approximately one year after Fafara canceled a 2025 tour for his nu-metal band Coal Chamber due to severe health complications from long COVID. This context adds significance to the upcoming album and tour, marking a return to form for Fafara and the band.
Tour Details
DevilDriver will embark on a North American tour starting August 14, 2026, in San Diego, California, and concluding on September 5, 2026, in Anaheim, California. The tour will feature support from metalcore band Upon a Burning Body and blackened deathcore outfit Ov Sulfur. The tour will cover several major cities, including Las Vegas, Austin, Chicago, and Reno. Pre-sales for tickets are currently underway, with public sales beginning on April 17, 2026.
Tour Dates:
- 08/14 – San Diego, CA @ Observatory North Park
- 08/15 – Las Vegas, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl
- 08/16 – Phoenix, AZ @ Marquee
- 08/18 – San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theater
- 08/19 – Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live
- 08/20 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues
- 08/22 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
- 08/23 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom
- 08/25 – Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge
- 08/26 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
- 08/29 – Colorado Springs, CO @ Sunshine Studios
- 08/30 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
- 09/01 – Boise, ID @ Treefort Music Hall
- 09/02 – Reno, NV @ Club Underground
- 09/03 – Sacramento, CA @ Goldfield
- 09/04 – San Jose, CA @ The Ritz
- 09/05 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
Official Statements
Dez Fafara expressed pride in the band's unique sound, stating, “DevilDriver has never sounded like any other band, we do our own thing in our own way.” He emphasized that the album aims to deliver relentless music that reflects their heavy California groove.
Verbatim Quotes
- “is about how one wrong decision, one wrong move can see your whole world turned upside down, effectively ‘digging’ your own grave… it’s that simple.” — Dez Fafara, Frontman
- “Metal is our outlet as listeners and writers, so on this record we focused on ‘getting it all out’ lyrically, and backing those lyrics with savage, relentless music that fuels the heavy California groove like no other.” — Dez Fafara, Frontman
Conclusion
With the release of *Strike and Kill* and an extensive North American tour, DevilDriver is poised to make a significant impact in the metal scene in 2026. The combination of a new album and live performances marks a pivotal moment for the band, especially following Fafara's health challenges.
