On October 11th, 2011 Five Finger Death Punch will release their third major studio album “American Capitalist.”
Over the past five years, Five Finger Death Punch have launched themselves into the upper echelon of hard rock and heavy metal and continue their fast rise to the top with their new record “American Capitalist.”
“American Capitalist” continues where the bands two previous albums “The Way of the Fist” and “War Is the Answer” left off. However, the hard hitting, melodic tough guy metal group from Los Angeles deliver their most versatile record to date.
The album opens up with the title track “American Capitalist” and hits you hard from the get go. The signature heavy bass drumming sets the tone for the rest of the record as the first line delivered from vocalist Ivan Moody growls “I'm a red blooded rough neck son of a bitch/ I'm a god damned American Capitalist”.
“Under and Over It” is the second song and main single released from “American Capitalist” and continues the pace set from the opening track. It is a romper-stomper song with a high energy vibe and infectious riff perfect for rock radio. Right out of the gate, Five Finger Death Punch hit hard and leave their signature for the rest of the roller coaster ride.
“The Pride” is a unique and clever song and something different from what 5FDP have ever done before. The lyrics fit in with the theme of the album, and speak on major money-mongering American brands such as Starbucks, iPods, Brett Farve, Pepsi and Mickey Mouse just to name a few. In a way, “The Pride” is a mocking metaphor for how the band views themselves as part of living the American Dream.
What follows next, is a special moment on the album and for fans of 5FDP in general. “Coming Down” is not your typical 5FDP song and musically the band is venturing out into territory they have not yet crossed before. Featuring an acoustic introduction, the song tells the tale of a man who had contemplated suicide before deciding against it. The lyrics are uplifting with a huge chorus, definitely making “Coming Down” a stand out track on “American Capitalist.”
The next two songs are “Menace” and “Generation Dead” which are the typical 5FDP songs on the record. The fast chugging riffs and heavy drumming make both tunes blood boiling, and show the maturity of the group. 5FDP seem more together musically on this record and have advanced in the song writing department.
Continuing the high energy pace, “Back For More” is a hard hitting song featured on the Madden '12 video game soundtrack and will be the upcoming single off the album. The groovy riff and galloping bass are loud and addicting, something 5FDP is known for. Powerful lyrics about never giving up and always rising to the top make it perfect for a gym session where you need to dig deep and finish the last remaining reps
“Remember Everything” is the eighth track and my personal favorite song on “American Capitalist”, despite it being a ballad. The lyrics are honest and heart wrenching from Moody to his family and are by far the deepest words he has ever wrote. The chorus is once again huge and I could picture an entire stadium singing along. The guitar solo is beautiful, making “Remember Everything” the perfect slow change of pace tune and a standout song everyone should listen to.
The fun punkish feel of “Wicked Ways” follows “Remember Everything” and leads to “If I Fall.” “If I Fall” begins with a gloomy intro before transforming into a full out metal assault of epic proportions. The guitars and drums are lightning quick and once again at the forefront. Moody's vocals fit perfectly as he angrily growls “If I Fall I'm Taking Everybody Down!”
The closing track of “American Capitalist” is “100 Ways To Hate” and Moody addresses everything from internet warriors to ass kissers. The track is the big final fuck you sendoff and ends the album heavy and in pure 5FDP fashion.
All in all, “American Capitalist” is good hard rock/metal album and shows that 5FDP deserve their place near the top of the Mount Olympus Metal mountain. While I do not believe they have reached their maximum potential, “American Capitalist” is a step in the right direction and shows that what 5FDP do, they do very well. I enjoyed the fact that the album went to new places at times such as on “Coming Down” and “Remember Everything” and would like to see 5FDP experiment more in the future and further venture out their musical abilities. Still, “American Capitalist” is without a doubt an album every metal fan should check out as it is very enjoyable with a high replay value, which will instantly get your blood pumping.
Based on the Beavis and Butt-Head Ranking System:
3.5 Beavis' out of 5 Butt-Head's
Standout Tracks:
Over and Under It, Coming Down, Back For More, Remember Everything, If I Fall
Tracklist:
1. American Capitalist
2. Under and Over It
3. The Pride
4. Coming Down
5. Menace
6. Generation Dead
7. Back For More
8. Remember Everything
9. Wicked Ways
10. If I Fall
11. 100 Ways To Hate
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