Every once in awhile there comes along an album that you just cannot stop playing. For whatever reason the music captures something that will not let you forget it. Such is the case with American Capitalist. When I heard FFDP's last release War Is The Answer the first thought that came to mind is that it would be hard to beat. I was wrong. The newest and best work by the band brings to all an angst filled disc that is truly a blue collar dose of metal along with a message that hits home to the 99% of America who are so vehemently showing their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in the country. Ivan Moody could be the voice of protest and shows his disdain on many subjects throughout this album, not to mention the band behind him which provide the vehicle that propels this one into a league of it's own.
Clearly this one hits you on many different levels. From the opening song and title track "American Capitalist" the duel guitar attack of Zoltan Bathory and Jason Hook set a blazing path which lead singer Ivan Moody scorches even more with his combination of growing and clean vocals. Ivan is unmatched when it comes to this type of delivery as far as I am concerned. He has the perfect set of pipes which can soothe, incite or melt your face when needed. When he puts them all on display as in the metal anthem "Under and Over It", you get something that is one of those songs that will run through your brain long after the CD is done.
"The Pride" is a song that has those same qualities, as does most of this disc. When Moody rattles off a list of societies evils ala Billy Joel and "We Didn't Start The Fire" you get a sense that these guys are not just pissed off, they want to do something about it. With this kind of pulpit, Moody preaches to the masses with a message that many will find close to their own experiences. He hits upon a multitude of subjects that speak to all of us.
The band shows it's diversity with songs like "Coming Down" and "Remember Everything" where their melodic and calmer side shine through. They also bring a reflective maturity to both of these tunes especially the later which is a terrific power ballad that everyone will be able to relate to.
American Capitalist is a no-brainer. FFDP is a band that is about to reach the top of the mountain and this should be the album that puts them among the metal elite. It is a disc that you cannot forget and sticks with you like glue. It is easily one of the best releases of 2011 and has quickly become one on my personal favorites.
Track listing:
1. American Capitalist
2. Under and Over It
3. The Pride
4. Coming Down
5. Menace
6. Generation Dead
7. Back For More
8. Remember Everything
9. Wicked Ways
10. If I Fall
11. 100 Ways To Hate
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