Five Finger Death Punch is the latest in a rash of
“superstar” lineup bands. The main name
players here are Ivan Moody (known as Ghost when he
fronted Motograter) and Darrell Roberts (probably
the best guitarist WASP has ever had). They are joined
by the likes of Zoltan Bathory, Matt Sneti, and Jeremy
Spencer, all regulars in mid-level metal/hard rock
bands with ever changing lineups.
The Way of the Fist is a mixed bag. I love Ivan Moody’s
voice but this is a step down for him in a lot of
ways. This is a lot less creative than Motograter,
particularly lyrically. The straight up sound has
its high points though. For one, everything works.
Less experimentation means more familiarity which
eventually equals an undeniably solid record. Darrell
Roberts and Zoltan Bathory make a good guitar team
as well but the rhythm section seems to have a hard
time keeping up throughout much of the album. A lot
of my problem here is the juvenile approach to the
lyrics. “Step to me motherfucker” and
“your ass is mine” grace the title track
more than once and while I enjoy the bounce it comes
off as pretty eight grade. If it came just about anyone
else’s throat I may have laughed out loud but
I know what Moody is capable of lyrically.
I do enjoy the raw intensity of this album. “Salvation”
is a particular high point with its soaring chorus
(totally Neon God era WASP meets Motograter) and authoritative
lyrics. Did I mention it has a great guitar solo as
well? “Can’t Heal You” is one of
the more creative moments and it disrupts the album
so profoundly that you find yourself wishing that
the band had followed this direction more fully. Few
metal singers have the range and ability that Moody
has and it shows on this one. The eighties style production
of “A Place To Die” is awesome and the
guitarists shred from start to finish.
All in all this album is a let down for the most
part. It’s not that I don’t like, because
I do. It’s solid from start to finish but when
you read about the members prior projects you certainly
have your ears set on something a little more epic
and relevant than this. If you are looking for an
album filled with testosterone and unresolved issues
than read this book by its cover.
Key Tracks: “Salvation,” “Can’t
Heal You”
Reviewed by Mark Fisher |
