DevilDriver’s Pray for Villains, their fourth album, is a truly remarkable effort—as heavy and uncompromising as the band has ever been, yet marked by a newfound accessibility. The biggest change is that rather than relying so much on pure speed (though many of the songs still move at a breakneck pace), they build songs around thrashy grooves that are as catchy as they are heavy. The influence here is more Pantera than death or black metal.

Beyond that, I’m trying to decide just why I love this album as much as I do. Frontman Dez Fafara is an obvious starting point. Without a doubt, he gives the strongest performance of his career, adjusting his signature growl to add hooks and hints of melody without resorting to clichéd clean vocals—“Fate Stepped In,” “I’ve Been Sober” and “It’s in the Cards” are perfect examples of this. Aided at times by a layering effect, he sounds absolutely monstrous.

Then again, guitarists Mike Spreitzer and Jeff Kendrick provide a fair share of highlights, as well. They continue their emergence as stars in the genre, with ferocious riffs, tasteful leads and shredding solos. You never hear them mentioned with the best, but you’d be hard pressed to find a band with a better combo than these two. Take a listen to “I’ve Been Sober” if you don’t believe me.

Of course, the album wouldn’t be what is without the contributions of bassist Jon Miller and drummer John Boecklin, either. Boecklin gives the record’s standout performance. He doesn’t merely provide a foundation or keep time, his almost inhuman playing augments every song. Drumming like this is something special. Again, I point to “I’ve Been Sober,” but remember that the extra sound you’ll hear will be your jaw hitting the floor.

It all adds up to an easy album of the year candidate, and with each band member at the top of his game, it’s one that improves with each listen. It’s captured perfectly by producer Logan Mader (Silent Civilian, Five Finger Death Punch), who gives the band a thick, punchy sound that bursts from the speakers like a caged beast sniffing freedom for the first time. DevilDriver already has three solid albums under its belt. Leaving even The Fury of Our Maker’s Hand (2005) far behind, Pray for Villains catapults them into the metal elite. As Dez intones in the title track’s rallying cry, your heroes might let you down. DevilDriver has done the opposite.