DevilDriver at Glasgow Garage
The experience of DevilDriver is completely full on; the massive groove metal sound, Dez Fafara with his menacing stage presence and voice, and of course some of the biggest scariest circle pits in the scene. (This reviewer's battered self at Bloodstock last year is testament to this).
It wouldn't be surprising to feel you know what to expect from a DevilDriver gig due to their heavy touring schedule. But it's too easy to forget that DevilDriver have managed to secure, over a relatively short period, a status as one of the most loved and respected bands on the metal scene. That takes something special. Tonight at the Glasgow Garage they exceeded all expectations, and show themselves to be a band at the absolute top of their game. It is up there with some of the more iconic performances in recent times at the likes of Download and Bloodstock, with an awesome delivery of musical power and presence, that sums up all that is exciting and special about metal.
As the band hit the stage, the first thing you notice is Dez is wearing a kilt, obviously appreciating his Glasgow audience! Almost from the start the waves of crowd surfing start. With the Garage security, the "Mad Crew", being very gentle with the crowd surfers as they come over, even letting them shake hands with Dez once they are over the barriers adding something again to the show. The band are completely on fire, with Jeff and Mike's guitars churning out heavy melodic riffs over the intense cacophony of John Boecklin's drums and Chris Towning's bass, that you can't stop head banging too. One of the most prominent head bangers being a member of the Mad Crew security, who Dez hugs at the end of the set. A touching moment.
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A surprise during the set is their cover of AWOLNATION's Sail taken off of most recent album Winter Kills, as electronic rock meets metal, in an uplifting and mesmerising take on this song. A controversial track but DevilDriver have managed to make it their own.
What you notice throughout the set is Dez's unique connection with the audience, almost as if the audience are old friends who he is really pleased to be hooking up with again. Dez shares with the crowd, just before they launch into the raucous and melodic Clouds Over California, "In my life... period, there is no warmer reception than you get from the Scottish people!".
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They finish, of course, with Meet the Wretched, which is as punishing as ever. The circle pit is massive and the crowd surfing continues unabated. DevilDriver represent all that is best about metal, with a touching and moving connection with their audience. As they come off the stage, and patting Dez on the back, you notice his shirt is completely soaked. What a guy, what a band, and what an audience!! It doesn't get better than this!!
To view all photos taken during this set click here. There are 5 available.