Review Summary: Hate the way you pussies talk shit, hiding on the web
How many times is it possible to use the same distortion settings on an amp and macho, over-the-top lyrics? Well, apparently, 3 albums worth, with the latest installment in the Five Finger Death Punch discography. From songs listing supposed American culture staples to the obligatory anti-suicide/bullying ballad, this album is very much just another Five Finger Death Punch record.
As with most of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal, this has all the basic staples. The melodic, semi-shredded guitar solos, harsh/clean, verse/chorus patterns are all here in force, as well as the downtuned chugging chorus. In fact, that isn't even the most aggravating thing about this record. The fact that the profanity is downright abused to the point where it doesn't even add another dimension to the record creates the feeling that the vocalist Ivan Moody was left staring at the lyrics, and felt that he couldn't correctly convey his anger without adding in 8 choice swear-words into one verse. Yes, one single verse. This downright lack of creativity or anger-for-the-sake-of-being-angry is infuriating, as it makes it look like a child just learnt how to speak.
The title, and downright core of the album comes across as being very haphazard. Whilst most of the album revolves around the idea of American and its nationalist pride, as well as the trappings of the culture, it seems to emphasize just how little the mainstream metal scene will accept from it's front runners. Whilst the performance is not horrid, the guitars are played well, as well as the vocals being more or less on mark, it's the things that these are performing which brings this record down as for the most, the riffs are simplistic, the drums formulaic and the bass nonexistent, which is pretty much the par for any record being released by a groove/hard rock band in the current period of time.
The saving grace of this record is the solos and the riffs, as well as the musical performance of the rest of the band. As previously mentioned, the performances are all spot on, ignoring the actual content of them. The vocal harmonies, whilst nothing original are executed well, for the most. The aggression in the vocals also helps get the message across that yes, the band is
pissed.
In conclusion, a thoroughly unexceptional album, from an otherwise unsurprising band.
Johnny Cash
And PBR
Jack Daniels
Nascar
Facebook
Myspace
IPod
Bill Gates
Smith and Wesson
NRA
Firewater
Pale Face
Dimebag
Tupac
Heavy Metal
Hip-Hop
