Five finger death Punch - Are they punching above their weight?

December 5th 2013

Birmingham, LG Arena, UK

****

Great Metal from one of California's best exports!

Five finger death Punch **** have got the support slot that ever new up and coming Metal band in the World at the moment wants, and that is the tour support to the titans that are Avenged Sevenfold. Five finger death Punch though aren't that new they have actually been going since 2005 and already have five killer albums under their belt. Also like headliners Avenged Sevenfold, Five finger death Punch hail from California in the USA and are very proud of their roots.

The bands last album 'The Wrong side of Heaven and the righteous side of Hell (Volume 2)' was released this year a long with Volume 1 of the record and already has received high praise and great deal of success. Both Volume 1 and 2 see a band at their best with a really promising future and their is a Hell of a lot of people in Birmingham tonight just to see the LA boys.

In America Five finger death Punch are household names now and they are starting to be in the UK too with their distinctive vocal melodies by singer Ivan Moody and their chugging Nu-Metal / Machine Head Esq guitars really put them on a high level playing field to be playing on big bills with the likes of Stone Sour and Disturbed. Their music also has hints of bands like Pantera and Chimaira, both bands that are well known for their guitar work and driven attitudes.

'Under and over It' off 'American Capitalist' get's us under way and we are asked "Did you hear the one about!" and yes we have, because who hasn't heard this track on Kerrang Radio or TV or in any club in London. It is a grooving track with a repetitive but striking melody to it that works in well with an anthem Esq. chorus.

Check Out! the Video for 'Under and over It' Below...

The band are really lively today because they know it's the last night of the tour. They are actually even more lively than Avenged Sevenfold, chucking everything they can into the crowd from plectrums to wristbands, I think this is because they don't want to take them back to the States with them and they want to make a good impression on the Birmingham crowd. They want to impress so much in Birmingham because of their big surprise later on in the set.

They continue how they start with the amazing 'Burn it Down' which the throw at you furiously, I really like Five finger death Punch's determination it makes them really acceptable for new fans. I always think this is a band that will be around for a long time and the albums will get better and better but keep to a particular formula.

This track also gives lead guitarist Jason Hook a chance to show of his great ability which get's crazier as the set goes on with him changing guitars on different songs. As the set goes on the guitars and his guitar work gets better and better and he is really enjoyable to watch.

'Hard to See' has steadier riffs and is a track that is lead by Moody's vocals which sound incredible today, he is really giving Corey Taylor a singer with a similar vocal style in places a run for his money. This is what I think is the start for one of the great future Metal vocalists and I think we will see him doing Five finger death Punch and other projects in the future and he even ends up giving Rob Halford a run for his money today.

We are in Birmingham tonight the home of Metal titans Black Sabbath and Judas Priest so it is very special when Five finger death Punch reveal there surprise and it's the singer of Judas Priest, Rob Halford who is going to sing their hit single 'Lift me Up' together for the only date on the tour

This is a real treat and when Rob's vocals kick in their is smiles a plenty around the arena, the Judas Priest legend doesn't move around much but near the end of the song does rock out a little with each member of the band. This is a very strong song and you can see that both Rob Halford and Five finger death Punch are having a great time playing it together, this is a real talking point of the evening and one of the highlights for any Metal fan. They get to see a living legend as an added bonus what more could you want.

Another one of the highlights of the bands set is one of their most popular tracks 'Bad Company' which is a moment where fans get to sing their heart out and feel at one with the band. This also has a great vocal sound to it and shows how important vocals are to this band, looking at Ivan Moody you would never think such beautiful melodies could come out of his mouth.

The good thing also is how versatile he is too, which is shown on 'Burn M/F' a lot heavier shoutier tack and again the riffage on this song is great even if it is a little simple. I sometimes like simple riffs because it means kids at home can pick up a guitar and play them and this makes them a band that is very appealing. Sometimes you just want songs you can play and Five finger death Punch have very playable songs.

'Coming Down' reminds me in places of bands like Staind and Seether, while 'Never Enough' is more melodic and repetitive. 'Far from Home' probably the bands biggest tune is next up and it is just so well put together and reminds me a little of Hinder in places, it's just a beautiful song from the heart.

If you like modern Rock ballads you will love this track. 'The Bleeding' is the last song in the bands too short set and is a good song to end of tonight because it really fits the mood of the band. This is a great Metal band that if you don't know you should definitely check them out, It took me a while to get into them and sometimes I think their too similar to other bands, but sometimes similarity isn't a bad thing and in this case I think they are a band the Metal World really needs.