Let’s assume, just for the sake of argument, that you’re quite enthusiastic about In Flames. You are a bit hesitant when it comes to Anders …. clean vocal tendencies, though, and quite frankly, you wish he’d stop being a pussy and get into the brutal stuff.

‘Listen’, I’d say, ‘I think you wouldn’t be too far off if you got the latest from DevilDriver.’

Although the Americans have established their own sound on this third release of theirs, I’d insist any day that fans of In Flames would enjoy ‘The Last Kind Words’.

The album is a driving thrash monster and the gas pedal is hardly let alone. Hard as steel and precise in execution, the guitar work could make most thrashers weep from joy as it cycles along, yet with a melodic solo waiting for you around just about every corner.

Dez Fafara is, as I think I also stated in my review of 2005’s ‘Fury of Our Maker’s Hand’, very metal. And he still is. Brutal as ever, screaming and shouting as if he actually means it, he carries his style right through.

Now, am I even more sorry that I had booked a business trip to Finland when DevilDriver played one of my local venues on the tour with Life of Agony? YES, God dammit! Sodding planning!

P.S. Note the end of The Axe Shall Fall – sheer harmonic brilliance after a full album of no slowing down. Lovely.