Beast cover

Beast

DevilDriver · 2011

55 min · 12 tracks · melodic death metal

A relentless assault of groove-laden riffs and aggressive vocals that captures the essence of modern metal.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Bring the Fight (to the Floor) — This track exemplifies DevilDriver's signature sound with its driving rhythms and powerful anthemic chorus, making it a standout in live performances.
  • →
    Coldblooded — Featuring a haunting melody juxtaposed with fierce instrumentation, this song reflects the thematic darkness of the album while showcasing dynamic vocal ranges.
  • →
    Black Soul Choir — The track stands out for its atmospheric build-up and lyrical depth, illustrating a more introspective side of DevilDriver amidst their typically aggressive style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Beast showcases strong songwriting and production, balancing aggression with melody, though it may not have widespread influence.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a high-energy pace with aggressive riffs and intense vocals, while the second half introduces more melodic elements.
  • Several tracks feature breakdowns that emphasize rhythmic shifts, creating dynamic contrasts within the songs.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • relentless energy and aggression
  • groove-driven headbanging anthems
  • cathartic release of tension
  • late-night workout motivation

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer soft, melodic sounds
  • seek calm, soothing music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2011, Beast is DevilDriver's fifth studio album, following their 2009 effort, Pray for Villains. At this point, the band had established a solid reputation within the heavy metal scene, pushing their sound further into aggressive territory while refining their melodic elements.
Stylistic neighbors
Lamb of God· Machine Head· All That Remains

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Lend Myself to the Night

    The bridge shifts into a moment of quiet reflection before exploding back into intensity, revealing vulnerability amidst chaos.

    This contrast between calm and ferocity highlights the emotional stakes of the narrative, adding depth to the overall listening experience.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Dead to Rights 4:52
  • 2 Bring the Fight (to the Floor) 3:32
  • 3 Hardened 5:45
  • 4 Shitlist 4:03
  • 5 Talons Out (Teeth Sharpened) 4:20
  • 6 You Make Me Sick 5:18
  • 7 Coldblooded 4:05
  • 8 Blur 4:57
  • 9 The Blame Game 3:59
  • 10 Black Soul Choir 5:06
  • 11 Crowns of Creation 4:56
  • 12 Lend Myself to the Night 4:01

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata