FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH - American Capitalist CD Review

ARTIST: Five Finger Death Punch
TITLE: American Capitalist
YEAR: 2011
LABEL: Prospect Park
REVIEWED BY: John Roach

American Capitalist is the third release from these Los Angeles, California natives continuing the metal crusade that began with “Way of the Fist” in 2007. They grow as musicians with each release and keep raising the bar. I remember hearing “The Bleeding” a few years ago and immediately getting sucked into the FFDP sound. It wasn’t the European sound I’ve grown to love but it was raw and heavy. I never really got completely hooked until the more refined “War is the Answer” album in 2009 which reacquainted me with that unique sound again. It has been two years since then and I’ve listened the fuck out of that album. I’d say we’re all ready for new material, so let’s get down to it and fire up the third punch in the FFDP combo.

When you hear this it’s certain that this is, without a doubt, a FFDP album. The instrumentation on the record is tight and powerful. ‘Power’ is a word that I feel I’m going to be using a lot but honestly it is an intense experience. Not to say the album does have its softer moments, “Remember Everything”, but it doesn’t take long for the guys to get back in high gear. I don’t know if it has to do with how they EQ everything but it has this really bigger than life low end to everything. The kicks and bass are full and the vocals constantly soar above with cleans and then get right down in the mix with his guttural range. Amidst all this you have guitars shredding tasty solos from start to finish and choruses that just grab you. There is something hugely appealing to me to have music that is super tasteful and true to form with a spin. FFDP deliver music that is their own and everything fits together. This isn’t a band you listen purely for the guitars or only for the drums; instead this is a band you listen to for the entire band. Everyone is pretty much on the same level and I dig that! Even the new bass player, Chris Kael, meshes seamlessly right into the act.

American Capitalist lyrically deals with what FFDP deals with best. There are two or so themes that the band touches on dealing with things from relationships to anarchy but the overall message that I take away from this album is “Fuck you. I’ve had enough. I’m my own person and nothing can stop me anymore”. This is a message that everyone can relate to, however, it all doesn’t get across unless the music is as equally inspiring and in this case it happens to be true. Another way to think of it is that you can’t throw a good punch if your footing is off and FFDP’s footing is solid!

Having a diverse taste in metal music, Five Finger Death Punch serves as that need for when I want to just rock out and drive! This record will have you head banging and is a great addition to any music shelf. If you were a fan before, then this is for you!

TRACKLISTING:

01. American Capitalist
02. Under and Over It
03. The Pride
04. Coming Down
05. Menace
06. Generation Dead
07. Back For More
08. Remember Everything
09. Wicked Ways
10. I’ll Fall
11. 100 Ways to Hate