Album Review: Five Finger Death Punch’s "War is the Answer"

When Five Finger Death Punch came out with their debut album The Way of the Fist in 2007, it sent them straight to the top of the rock charts at an unprecedented pace. All three singles off of that album were massive hits, all landing in the top 20 of the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart. In 2009, the band is back at it again, with their latest release War is the Answer. From beginning to end, this is definitely one of the best albums of the year. Right from the beginning of the first track, “Dying Breed”, you are hit with pounding drum beats and thrashing guitar riffs. The entire album is definitely strong, and showcases the band’s ability to create songs that are heavy and fast-paced, and displays a softer, more melodic side as well (Notably on the track “Far From Home”). In each song, it is easy to see the passion that the band puts into their songs, especially vocalist Ivan Moody. Whether it’s the anger and hatred that he puts into “Burn It Down” and “No One Gets Left Behind”, or the tortured, sobering singing on “Far From Home” or the cover of “Bad Company” by the band of the same name, Moody definitely brings a fire that is always welcomed, and embraced. The guitar solos on each track are technically crisp, and fit very well with the sound, and the beat that consistently is violent, and does not let up. Five Finger Death Punch have definitely built upon the success of Way of the Fist with this album. Overall, it I a strong release and I recommend getting it as soon as possible, in addition to seeing them on tour with Shadows Fall, Otep, and 2 Cents.

Overall score: 9.5

Key Tracks: “Dying Breed”, “Hard to See”, “Burn It Down”, “No One Gets Left Behind”, “Bulletproof”

-Melldawg-