Five Finger Death Punch exploded onto the scene in 2007 with their song The Bleeding, and quickly found their way into just about everyone’s album collection. Heavy, emo, angry – it ticked all the boxes for anyone who has ever had a breakup. I’d argue that this one song propelled their first album – The Way of The Fist – into the metal stratosphere. For me and my friends, no braai, gathering, or party was complete without at least one 5FDP song in the music rotation after that.
Thirteen years later, 5FDP are still putting out albums at a furious pace. There is no end in sight to the depth of their anger it seems. Their eighth studio album still retains the classic 5FDP sound we first heard on The Way of The Fist. What impresses me about this band is that every album delivers on its promise to be pure, unadulterated Five Finger Death Punch.
F8 (pronounced Fate) is their first album completely sober but hearing it, you wouldn’t know there is any real difference from what they have delivered before. High energy, uncaged anger and arguably the best voice in metal at the moment are staples on this album.
Five Finger Death Punch has also done what very few bands do – they have earned my respect. From supporting veterans to supporting first responders, the band has consistently raised awareness for the people in these jobs. They put out an incredibly special version of Blue on Black that had all the proceeds going to the Gary Sinise Foundation and featuring the likes of Brian May from Queen, Brantley Gilbert and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. The video is below and well worth the watch – it reminds us just how thin the line is between order and chaos and how well it’s kept by those that choose to protect and serve.
What F8 does, it does really well. This album is a put-on-and-play album, meaning you start listening to it, and only realize it over after the last track and you’ve stopped singing along and jumping around. Over lockdown and working from home, this album managed to find its way into my almost daily playlist to the point that I am surprised Simone didn’t get as sick of it as she did with Ozzy’s latest album…
The song that has stuck with me the most is track 5 – A Little Bit Off. This song has a truthfulness that I can’t explain. Simone thinks it’s not that deep, and it really isn’t. It’s a simple song, more of a ballad, but something about it is vulnerable, honest. There is no posturing, there is no ego, and I find that really human.
See, I’m a little bit off today
Five Finger Death Punch – A Little Bit Off
I cannot put my finger on it
Got up a little off today
Just to play that same old song
I don’t really wanna try today
I see nothing in my reflection
In contrast, Bottom of the Top is all ego and anger. A song directly aimed at the critics who’s only job ever since I heard of this band has been to tell me how and why I am not allowed to like this music. When 5FDP is angry, they are at their best, and this song is great in that regard. I love how vocal this band is when it comes to critics.
Is this metal enough for you?
Five Finger Death Punch – Bottom of The Top
Is it heavy enough?
Destructive enough?
Death Punch Therapy is a bonus track on this album, and I am surprised it’s not one of the main tracks. A medley of sorts, featuring lyrics and musical tones from some of their very first songs, it really encapsulates everything Five Finger Death Punch – perfectly made for the pit. It demands to be played loudly, as well it should! Anything less and you’re doing the band and yourself a great disservice.
With F8, Five Finger Death Punch have proven to us that the anger in metal never really went away, no matter what other bands might say. Five Finger Death Punch know who they are, what they stand for and what they want to say. Even if you’re one of their critics, this band still demands your respect.
And with every album being this good – respect is easily given.
