From a most unexpected source comes one of the most dynamic metal albums of the year. Five Finger Death Punch has always been a good group without a doubt but with "War Is The Answer" the band proves that they have come into their own and finally the monster of a band that has always been lurking is unleashed!
Not only do you get a band that has matured, you get a band that has something to say. From the political arena to tormented relationships, Ivan Moody sings, growls and makes you believe every word he utters comes straight from the heart and the head. FFDP has put a slice of real life into this disc that seems to be the ingredient that completes the puzzle.
Round 1! With those words, FFDP starts off this album that is a roller coaster ride. From the snarling anti government sentiments of "Dying Breed" to the introspective melodic "Walk Away", this is a band that has grown up both musically and lyrically. Ivan shows that he can deliver the goods with a powerful melodic singing voice just as well as with his snarl! Musically the growth in the band is phenomenal and this is never more evident than with the instrumental "Canto 34" Taken from Dante's Inferno, the powerful melody will brings to mind a line from this epic…"The place where thou hast to arm thy heart with strength."
This album has so many highlights that it is hard to pick out one so I won't try. When you have songs like "Bulletproof" that will become a personal mantra or "Burn It Down" that is as close to a perfect as you will find in the headbangers dictionary, the choice becomes do I want to cause severe neck pain or do I want to rest up a bit with the more melodic side of the band on tunes like "Far From Home." Either way, you are going to be impressed with the range and vision that the band has on this disc.
I first met this band when they headlined a show at the Emerald Theater in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. At the time I was actually there to see another band but saw the potential of Five Finger Death Punch, especially when they tore into a masterful rendition of "Bad Company" from the band of the same name. The way that they took this song and brought it into the world of modern music was a terrific tribute to the roots from which they sprouted. Luckily for the listeners they have included this song on the new album. The old-timers who really appreciate metal or rock and roll will instantly fall in love with what they did.
I cannot emphasize enough how much of a metalhead's dream this disc is. The band has come a long way and they were very good to start off with. This one is a new, fresh Five Finger Death Punch that has grown and matured to the point where they have become a force to be reckoned with in the world of metal. They have not lost any of their punch for sure!!
Track listing:
1. Dying Breed
2. Hard To See
3. Bulletproof
4. No One Gets Left Behind
5. Crossing Over
6. Bun It Down
7. Far From Home
8. Falling In Hate
9. My Own Hell
10. Walk Away
11. Canto 34
12. Bad Company
13. War Is The Answer
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