WATCH: Five Finger Death Punch slam ex-label for 'refusing' to release their new album
Johnny Doom speaks to Jeremy Spencer and Jason Hook at Download Festival
Last updated 9th Jun 2017
Speaking to Kerrang! Radio’s Johnny Doom backstage at Download Festival, Five Finger Death Punch have lambasted their former record label for refusing to release their seventh studio album.
Back in April 2016, it was revealed that imprint Prospect Park had launched legal action against the Las Vegas metallers for allegedly violating their contract by commencing work on a new album without their consent and refusing to deliver two new masters for a greatest hits collection.
Additionally, the lawsuit accused 5FDP of "shamelessly attempting to cash in before the anticipated downfall of their addicted bandmate" – frontman Ivan Moody.
Denying all the claims against them, in April of this year, the band sued Prospect Park accusing them of holding them hostage and seeking a release from the contract and damages.
Speaking candidly about their turbulent legal battles to Johnny, drummer Jeremy Spencer said: “We have a new record, it’s been done for several months and we’re tied up in a lawsuit with our label so we can’t release it because we’re being sued for some reason which I don’t even understand why. But (Prospect Park founder Jeff Kwatinetz) is trying to jam us up so we can’t leave the label but he’s going to lose and once we’ve got that sorted out, the record will come out.”
Asked by Johnny if the delay causes extra excitement around the album, lead guitarist Jason Hook responded: “Maybe it helps the anticipation, we highly recommend that the owner of the label Jeff Kwatinetz – he’s the one who’s making the decision to not release the record. He’s had it since December 31st… so if anyone out there wants to get in touch with him.
Jeremy chips in: “Look him up, Jeff Kwatinetz at Prospect Park find a way to get to him and tell him you want to hear the record.”
Jason adds: “Ask him why he’s suing us, when you find out, maybe let us know.”
Hopeful that the record will see the light of day “sooner rather than later”, Jeremy explained to Johnny that they’re unable to even release the title of the record.
Undeterred by the legal woes, Jason says: “The thing is, we’re never going to stop working we’re workaholics, we have our fanbase and if that record has to sit with him for five years it won’t matter.
“We have a new label (Rise Records) and we have a new deal and we’ll continue to make records with that label and (Kwatinetz) can release that when he feels like it.
“We will be preparing (new music) all the time. Nobody can tell you that you can’t record or can’t write, we’re doing it anyway, we can afford to pay for it too.”
You can watch Johnny’s chat with Five Finger Death Punch below where they also reveal why Download Festival is the absolute “pinnacle” of outdoor festivals.