These Knuckleheads started all the way back in 2005! Not a lot of bands or artists get a chance in life to become as successful as Five Finger Death Punch. Their name comes from a mythical combat technique first introduced in old Martial Arts films and expanded upon in the “Kill Bill” film series. To date, they have 25 top 12 hit singles and 13 #1 singles. Five Finger Death Punch also has over 7.6 billion streams, and they currently have over 3 billion video views on YouTube alone. 

They are one of the top global streaming bands in the hard rock/metal genre as a result of this. They have also become one of the most recognizable names in rock and metal music. The lineup of the band has changed a little bit over the years. As of 2022, the lineup consists of Ivan Moody (Lead Vocals) Zoltan Bathory (Rhythm Guitar) Andy James (Lead Guitar) Chris Kael (Bassist) Charlie Engen (Drums). Their ninth Album “Afterlife” was released on August 19th, 2022.

As for me, I have been a diehard 5FDP fan for years now.  While they are my favorite band, my review of their newest album Afterlife I will be completely unbiased with my review. So, here I go! 

“Welcome to the Circus” (No pun intended) 

This song has an intro that makes you feel like you’re at a circus. They came swinging out of left field with this one. As soon as Ivan Moody sang “Welcome to the Circus”, it went right to the metal side of things. When listening to Ivan Moody sing this song the theatrical side is definitely heard and is nothing but simply outstanding. I give this song a 10/10.

“Afterlife”

They had an instrumental intro to this track that had you getting pumped up for what was to come. It sounds like an intro to a concert. As for Ivan Moody’s vocals, and the band, they did not disappoint. I thought it was different but I love it. Also, their fans know them to be generally more of a heavy metal band, this song has an upbeat rock feel to it. I give this song a 10/10.

“Times Like These”

When listening to this song, Ivan’s vocals are much more different.  They’re lighter in sound but yet still deep and raspy throughout. This song will have the whole crowd singing at a concert. It definitely has a cool vibe with a feeling of mixed genres to it. I give this song a 10/10.

“Roll Dem Bones”

They went heavier on this one then they did on some of the other songs from this album. Throughout this song the drums sound like they’re going 1000 mph. People will definitely lose their minds if the band plays this one live. I give this song a 10/10.

“Judgment Day”

The intro is very hip-hop like and then it mixes rock into it. After listening to the chorus you’ll find yourself singing and really feeling the music because of how infectious this song is both  lyrically and instrumentally. It also sounds like it could be a soundtrack to a movie. I give this song a 10/10.

“IOU”

This song’s intro sounds like Ivan is singing in a voicemail. Right after that, the song just kicks in with some good old fashioned heavy metal. The second that this one starts right after the intro it just goes from 0 to 100 in 1 second. But, at the same time it slows down and it goes between both heavy and slow throughout this track. I give this song a 10/10.

“Thanks for Asking”

This one has more of a relaxed beat to it. It is definitely different from any Five Finger Death Punch song.  This one has more of an early 2000s rock feel to it.  I give this song a 10/10.

“Gold Gutter”

This is the heaviest song on this album and also sounds like it could be on their debut album “The Way Of The Fist.” My favorite part of this track is definitely when the breakdown comes on. Also, as far as musically this is my favorite song on this album.  This song is definitely a mosh pit igniter. I give this song a 10/10.

“The End”

This one is a lot slower than the previous track. When Ivan starts speaking the lyrics in the middle of this song along with the beat of the music I would have to say that this is my favorite part of this song. There are suttle distinctive vocals and instrumental parts in this song that connect with some of their other songs. I give this song a 10/10.

There are more songs on this  album that I would love to give my review on but I could not due to the length that my article would turn out to be. I recommend this album whether you are a fan of Five Finger Death Punch, a fan of Heavy Metal or just a fan of music because this album has something to offer for everyone. Go check out this album now!

If you would like to learn more about Five Finger Death Punch, check out my interview with Founder/ Rhythm Guitarist Zoltan Bathory.