Five Finger Death Punch officially dropped an expanded digital version of 2022's AfterLife album today (April 5th). To mark the occasion, the hard-hitting Vegas metal vets are showing off a new music video for the bonus track "This Is the Way" featuring late, great rap legend DMX.
The high-octane cut is one of four extra songs on AfterLife, but it's the only one to feature the Ruff Ryder icon. The music video, which you can see up above, was directed by Hype Williams, the esteemed filmmaker who made six videos with DMX over the years. Williams likewise worked with the rapper on 1998's Belly, the director's first and only feature film.
"Music is meant to be shared, and it starts at the top with us, the artists," 5FDP guitarist Zoltan Bathory commented. "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.'
"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."
Five Finger Death Punch are out on the road this summer, including a handful of North American dates with Metallica and Ice Nine Kills, and a headlining tour of their own with Marilyn Manson and Slaughter to Prevail. You'll find the full run of dates over here.
