FEATURED INTERVIEWS 07                             

Five Finger Death Punch

5FDP is wasting no time. Already scheduled to headline the second stage on the Family Values Tour and successfully releasing, "The Way of the Fist," 5FDP is leading the way to bringing back the glory days of metal. Frantik talks to Jeremy to get an insight into the world of 5FDP.

By: Gian Erguiza



Gian: Your highly anticipated album, “The Way of the Fist” is coming out on July 31st. How excited are you guys to unleash your new album to the world?

Jeremy: We are foaming at the mouth! We've been sitting on this thing for a while, so the fact that it's finally time to release it is a great relief!!! We are so ready to get out there and destroy crowds every night as well!!!!

Gian: What went into making your new album as far as title of album, production, songwriting and basically getting it all together?

Jeremy: Zoltan came up with the title which is from Kill Bill. It was appropriately titled, because the songs pack a serious punch and are very hooky in a Mike Tyson sort of way! He pretty much wrote the songs. He had a very unique vision of how he wanted everything to sound. You can hear a very distinct rhythmical style from the guitar stand point as well. I was the first guy to join him. I had heard some of Zoltan's demos and thought they were unique and that they were something I could add something to. So, we got together and jammed and knew right way this thing could be special. From there we went right into the studio and started to record the album. We got Matt to come down and knew right away he was the guy this project needed on Bass. He's a maniac! The ultimate metal bassist IMO. Zoltan had his eye on Ivan for sometime and when he became available, he sent him some tracks. Ivan loved 'em, flew in and showed us what he came up with for them and we were instantly blown away!!!! He absolutely killed them. So, we put him in the studio and he was done really fast. We still needed to add another guitarist. We had tried a few different guys who were great and will surface at some point in other projects I'm sure, but weren't quite the right fit that we needed. I had met Darrell a few years ago when I auditioned for WASP and briefly had the gig. I stayed in touch with him and when he left I sent him the record. He loved it and came in and was the guy! We added one of his songs on the record and that was it.

Gian: If you guys could give our readers and your fans a sneak peak at which song from the new album is going to get the best response from the pit, which song would it be?

Jeremy: I would say the title track The Way Of The Fist will absolutely get some people hurt ha ha! That song has a ferociousness and a groove that is undeniable! I'm looking forward to seeing the pits!

Gian: Should we be expecting a headlining/package tour from you guys sometime soon to support the release?

Jeremy: We certainly hope so! If the record does well, then absolutely! First, we're headlining the second stage on the Korn Family Values Tour which starts July 20th in St.Louis.

Gian: You guys have recently inked a deal with Firm Music. How happy are you guys to be a part of Firm Music and how did this come about?

Jeremy: We're thrilled to be working with a company like The Firm! They're seasoned vets and absolute assassins at their craft! They're going to bat for us big time and we couldn't be happier. We had another manager who was starting a label and we we're thinking about putting out the record on that label, but we would've been the Guinea pig band and that's a big risk to take. At the same time, The Firm had caught wind that we weren't signed yet and offered to put the record out. This was perfect timing for us. So we made the change and now our record comes out July 31st and we're on the Korn Tour!!!!

Gian: How ecstatic are you guys to be a part of the Family Values Tour this year?

Jeremy: This is an incredible opportunity for us and we couldn't be more grateful! There were something like 400,000 kids last year that saw Family Values. So, for a new band like us to be exposed to that many people is truly a great situation!

Gian: How important is it for you guys to stay true to your metal roots and why?

Jeremy: We are huge fans of metal, all of us. For us to stay to true ourselves, what we want to create and what we want to hear is everything. There's a certain smell it gives off too and that is one of genuine. There's no faking it. People will see right thru it. We play what we want and it radiates an energy that is contagious. That's why we have so many people already. They wanted that sound, something that had that honesty and that energy! They're already a part of the army! People are sending us pics of their tattoos that have our logo on it and what not. It's awesome!

Gian: What are you guys’ current thoughts on the metal scene of today?

Jeremy: I think there are some great bands out there that crush! They can play their asses off and they shred. I'm not so impressed with what I'm hearing on the song front though. I've always believed that it doesn't matter how fast you can play or how much you scream. If you don't have a chorus, it's over right there. It's all about songs in the end!

Gian: When you guys are not busy recording or touring, what do you guys do to relax or pass the time?

Jeremy: Of course we club Baby Seals! That's become our trademark! Just kidding to all animal rights activists!!! It's for sport only, we'd never wear fur ha ha!!! Once again, I'm kidding! To relax, well Zoltan never relaxes. He's always creating a t shirt design or coming up with something to help promote the band. I almost have to get on him about never having any fun. I'm like, "Dude, aren't you suppose to occasionally come out of the lab and engage in some sort of fun ha ha!

Gian: What can we expect from 5FDP for the rest of 2007?

Jeremy: For us to consume every stage possible and to bring the True Metal to the masses across the planet!.... And then of course, there's the seals!

Gian: Any additional comments?

Jeremy: Thanks to everyone for waiting patiently for the record! It's finally here folks and we look forward to seeing each and every one of you out on tour!!!! Keep it metal!

Gian: Thanks Jeremy!

"The Way of the Fist" is out now on Firm Music. Pick up your copy and make sure you guys check out 5FDP on tour now with The Family Values Tour!