DevilDriver frontman Dez Fafara has revealed he was diagnosed with a non-cancerous tumour near his salivary gland two years ago, discovered after a bout of vertigo forced the cancellation of a Coal Chamber tour. Fafara, who turned 60 in May, is now speaking openly about the health scare as the band releases its eleventh studio album, "Strike And Kill", saying he feels "blessed" that the tumour has been shrinking on its own, to the surprise of his doctors.

Fafara continues regular medical check-ups and a strict health regimen alongside DevilDriver's return to normal activity. The July-released album, a 13-track record, marks the comeback of original bassist Jon Miller and introduces new lead guitarist Gabe Mangold, alongside rhythm guitarist Alex Lee and drummer Davier Pérez; Fafara credits the refreshed line-up with reinvigorating the band and helping him channel a difficult personal period into the writing process.