Photo: Travis Shinn /Getty Images
Five Finger Death Punch joined forces with the late, legendary DMX to release their genre-blending new single, "This Is The Way" on Friday (April 5). The barrier-breaking track is featured on the deluxe version of 2022's AFTERLIFE, released one day prior on Thursday (April 4).
According to a press release, the deluxe record features its 12 original tracks in addition to four brand new bonus tracks including the unrivaled DMX collab and acoustic versions of “The End,” “Judgement Day,” and “Thanks For Asking.”
5FDP guitarist Zoltan Bathory opened up about the band's love for mixing genres and spoke highly of a few iconic artists they've gotten the chance to create music with over the years.
“Music is meant to be universal and without boundaries, and it starts at the top with us, the artists. We have always embraced the mixing of genres, whether it be the remake of LL Cool J's "Mama Said Knock You Out" featuring Tech N9ne as a guest, or our collaboration with blues warrior Kenny Wayne Shepherd, country star Brantley Gilbert, and Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen, on the song ‘Blue on Black.’”
He continued, detailing the vision behind "This Is The Way" and his admiration for the late DMX.
“The idea of collaborating with DMX had been in discussion for years, and it was a long and winding road to turn this particular item on our wish list into reality. He was a lyrical warrior, a true original who spoke his mind incorruptibly. We have always viewed DMX as 'the metalhead of hip-hop’ because of his aggressive, raw, and untamed style. He growled and snarled, aiming to rattle some cages–an attitude we share, as Five Finger Death Punch has always been drawn to the fearless and the real. It made all the sense in the world, but today this is more than just a song; it's a salute to a legend, a way to honor DMX's memory.”
DMC of Run-D.M.C. was very emotional after listening to the impactful new track, praising the lyrics above all else.
“The sound of the music, what Ivan is singing about, and what X is talking about, is how X lived his life. The struggle, the dark with the light, the bad with the good, the pain with the joy. This song is very emotional, very musical, it’s very well rounded.”
Five Finger Death Punch will embark on the European leg of their 5FDP Tour 2024 with special guests Ice Nine Kills from May through July, returning to the U.S. this fall with Marilyn Manson and Slaughter To Prevail from August through mid-September.
Listen to "This Is The Way" and the deluxe version of AFTERLIFE in its entirety on iHeartRadio now!