Whether you love them or hate them, there is no denying that you are aware of the impact that Five Finger Death Punch has had on the landscape of all things Rock and Metal since their formation in 2005. The course of the last 2 decades has seen the band hit Number 1 on the US active rock charts 15 times which has succeeded in seeing the band have over 7 billion streams! But what about those who haven’t experienced even one of those streams? Where do you start?
As someone who jumped aboard the Death Punch train in the summer holidays of 2013 wrapped up in a marathon of Guitar Hero games, I was looking for new ways to expand my palette of musical horizons. I had just started embracing the edge of all things Metal and there was something about what I was hearing from these Las Vegas Knuckleheads that truly sparked my interests. So as I go back through my old iTunes playlists, sit back, grab your cargo print shorts out and crack a cold can of monster, ‘cause here are 10 essential Five Finger Death Punch songs to get you started!
1. 'Ashes' - The Way of the Fist - 2007
“Right! Right! Right? Hate! Bring it.” The very first moments of the bands self recorded debut album The Way of the Fist set the tone for a constant barrage on the ears. Recorded in Guitarists Zoltan Bathory's loungeroom, this album's DIY elements are abrasive on the ears but showed that it didn’t take multi-million dollar productions to make an impact on the industry which would set the tone for future bands to take their own producing into their own hands.
2. 'Hard to See' - War is the Answer - 2009
Remember how I said that Guitar Hero was the beginning of it all? Warriors of Rock led me to Hard To See. The impending beating of Jeremy Spencer's precise double kicking sent me into a discography spiral. It was a slight step back on the intensity side of things but showed just how strong Ivan Moody could be as a vocalist, ditching the more scream based vocals for lower, more power driven melody. A great starting point for someone wanting to dip their toes into the band's discography.
3. 'Coming Down' - American Capitalist - 2011
Maybe the double kicks and stronger guitar works of the prior 2 songs aren’t for you. Maybe you want something a little easier on the ears and more relatable lyrically for those who have had their lifetime struggles. Coming Down shows the band step into ballad territory with one of the more compelling songs in the band's history. American Capitalist is the band at their most hook influenced and is often regarded as many fans favourite release (including yours truly) and Coming Down stands as a highlight of the bands 20 year history.
4. 'Wrong Side of Heaven' - The Wrong Side of Heaven & The Righteous Side of Hell Vol 1 - 2013
If there was a FFDP song that you may have come across in your ventures through the Hard Rock genre, chances are it would have been Wrong Side of Heaven. At almost 500million streams, the title track of the band's double album of the same name is the band's most recognisable hit and has been the gateway to many fans. Its accompanying video that helps bring recognition to the Wounded Warrior Project; assisting those who have been injured or left behind after conflicts of war, FFDP made a mark with this tear jerking ballad using their voices for a cause greater than their own careers.
5. 'The House of the Rising Sun' - The Wrong Side of Heaven & The Righteous Side of Hell Vol 2 - 2013
To those who know the ins and outs of FFDP, it's no secret that the band prides itself in releasing covers of songs that shaped their own personal lives. When it comes time to cover something as legendary as The Animals - House of the Rising Sun, the bar couldn’t be higher. Transcending into their own sound so effortlessly, you’d be forgiven for forgetting this is a cover. This was one of my all time favourite performances of the band, to this day I still listen regularly. If anything, stay for Moody's incredible low frequency through the intro and outro as well as its cinematic music video.
6. 'Ain’t My Last Dance' - Got Your Six - 2015
2015’s Got Your Six is where I started to fall off the FFDP train, but looking back on the record with fresher eyes 10 years later I must say Ain’t My Last Dance holds strong as a quality deep cut. I could’ve gone with Wash It All Away for this pick, but there's one simple piece to this song that keeps me coming back; a full pledged breakdown. Like nothing the band has ever done before, complete with a stank face guitar tone. Skip to 2:20 if you don’t believe me, and stay for the remainder to hear one of the band's most powerful choruses’.
7. 'A Little Bit Off' - F8 - 2020
When I was off from the band for a few years as my musical styles began to change leaving high school, 2020's A Little Bit Off drew me slightly back in. Especially considering I first heard it on commercial radio in Newcastle of all places, this acoustic mental health piece didn’t even feel like a FFDP piece until reaching its chorus peak. If the softer side of a heavy band is what you’re looking for without sacrificing its merit, this is the song for you to hear.
8. 'The End' - Afterlife - 2022
I was reminded of this 2022 track as I saw the announcement of the band's second volume of re-recorded hits not too long ago. Where the re-recorded version features Su Metal of Babymetal which sounds incredible, going back to original and hearing the same heart and soul combined with the never aging power of the band just has that signature spark. Equal parts charming as it is heavy, The End is a standout track of latter day FFDP material.
9. 'I Refuse (2025 Remix feat Maria Brink of In This Moment)' - Best Of Vol 1 - 2025
In early 2025, FFDP were alerted to the sale of their masters from their previous record label without being informed beforehand. When the band were set to begin work on their 10th studio album, plans were postponed so the band could take it upon themselves to re-record 30 of their biggest tracks to reclaim their ownership. One of which was 2018’s I Refuse but this time around, the band recruited In This Moment’s Maria Brink to breathe new life into one of the band’s favourite hidden gems. Where the sonic sounds haven’t changed drastically, the added performance of Brink's almighty vocal prowess gives it enough of a refresh for fans to really appreciate the honesty.
10. 'The Bleeding (2025 Remix)' - Best of Vol 1 - 2025
Of course, what fan would I be if I didn’t include the hit that started it all? The Bleeding was a pivotal point in the band's beginning, but you’re probably asking; why the 2025 version and not the 2007 version? Well to be honest, both versions are as powerful as each other. What the 2025 version does in comparison, is tidies up the performance and puts on display the bands evolving and improving styles. The re-recorded version felt like a fresh listen to an all time classic and reminded me of the love I had for the original all those years ago. If not for anything, listen to both versions. Or don't. I’m just a guy on the internet.
Five Finger Death Punch - Best Of Vol 2 is set for release October 25th via Better Noise Music. Pre-order the record here
Words by Cody James Henderson @cody_j_henderson
Five Finger Death Punch - Best Of Vol. 2 tracklisting
1. Hell To Pay
2. The End (feat. BABYMETAL)
3. M.I.N.E
4. Hard To See
5. Got Your Six
6. Cold
7. Burn MF
8. Never Enough
9. Sham Pain
10. Blue On Black
11. I Apologize
12. Trouble
13. When The Seasons Change
14. Cradle To The Grave
15. My Nemesis
16. Walk Away
17. Wash It All Away (Live)
18. Wrong Side Of Heaven (Live)
19. Jekyll And Hyde (Live)
