Since 2002, Devildriver has believed in working as hard as possible and not taking the easier route. Instead of using the acclaim he had from former his old group, Coal Chamber, frontman Dez Farafa opted to start the band from the bottom and move up just like any brand-new band would. And while he has admitted it was a tougher road to take, the band has now climbed to a well-earned place in the world of death metal, having released five studio albums (a sixth is due out next year). Last year’s Beast is a solid effort that features everything that appeals to a death metal fan. It features impressive guitar-work, unrelenting drum-lines and dark lyrics delivered with potent screams. (Mendez)