Five Finger Death Punch Introduces Us To a Nemesis Worth Befriending

Long may groove heavy hard rock reign. Five Finger Death Punch, and this is going to sound somewhat ironic for a band with "death" in its title, succeeds in keeping the traditional burning and viable for all who dare walk into its path to show appreciation. "My Nemesis" gives us blood dripping from the fangs. The guitar solo featured at the bridge sounds effusively rapturous. Lead vocalist Ivan Moody explores lower bass facets of his vocal range to chilling nightmare inducing effect. Not that his mid range doesn't work to trouser soiling effect too. On drums we get Jeremy Spencer belting out one glorious sequence after another. That's a thing of beauty to behold. The way Jason Hook's guitar performance melds maniacally with Ivan's bitter lyrics cannot be underestimated in its bravado and ferociousness. If that wasn't enough of a sweet deal you throw in Chris Kael over on bass. What muscular power he brings. I would imagine there will always be a place in the musical firmament for hard rock emphasizing astute lyrics and stellar craftsmanship. This ranks as a well-focused battering ram assault on the senses. Each riff lands with a colossal crunch much like Muhammad Ali's fists did in the legendary boxer's prime years. If you didn't clearly detect notes of resentment in the lyrics strictly from the audio then the video for "My Nemesis" should fill in any left over gaps you might have in your knowledge base. It doesn't take Ivan too much deep breath space before he's off and running with what amounts to a burned out farewell to the planet, his identity on the planet, and all who have done him wrong during his stay on the planet. Doesn't get clearer than "I'm leaving behind this world and all the things I am. I'm tearing away from it because I know I can." Hope flat out doesn't exist in Ivan's universe. The way Jason leans into his guitar solo at the bridge has the potential to leave even the most jaded metal maven reaching to pick his jaw off the floor. Ivan's mode of expression will require you to either run to the store to buy Kleenex to prepare for repeated listening or meander to the pantry for the supply you've got lest Ivan's overt hostility jar you with too much spittle. You had better not try to run from this uncontrolled chaos because what good would that do you anyway. Much shedding of tears and the neatly placed cemetery scene heighten the discomfort factor which in turn heightens the effectiveness of the song. Try not to become engagingly nauseated by the refrain because you know judgments and recriminations can't be far behind. How do you protect your soul from "I gave you everything and in return you gave me nothing. Can't you visualize the spit jetting from that last word. "My Nemesis" wants to get into a pier six brawl with your rib cage, eardrums, and any other part of your body that's not nailed down to solid terra firma. In conclusion "My Nemesis" doesn't covet your friendship given the bad attitude it harbors but it does all the little things right on the road to winning over your admiration with room to spare.