Five Finger Death Punch have been faced with a handful of obstacles this year. Between Ivan Moody’s absence (again) and their lawsuit with former label Prospect Park, the group continues to roll with the punches, bringing in Tommy Vext to complete their European trek. Kerrang! recently interviewed guitarist Jason Hook and drummer Jeremy Spencer during their appearance at the Download Festival this past weekend (which, it should be noted, was before their Tilburg disaster), asking about their ongoing legal battle with their former label.
With everything surrounding the band, it could be difficult to keep track. Essentially, these Vegas metallers owe Prospect Park one more record before they make their move to Rise, who they signed with last year. The label sued the band, claiming their new album was substandard just to get out of their deal. The group filed a $1,000,000 suit back at them,claiming the label is holding the group hostage from moving forward.
Kerrang! Asked for an update on the lawsuit and new album, Spencer replied:
“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 really understand why. He’s (Jeff Kwatinetz) trying to jam us up so we can’t leave the label. But he’s going to lose and once we get that sorted out the record will come out.”
Hook added:
“…We highly recommend that the owner of the label, Jeff Kwatinetz… He’s the one who is 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.”
He continued:
“Ask him why he’s suing us ‘cause we’re not sure. When you find out maybe let us know.”
Despite the legal battle, later Hook shared it’s not stopping them from moving forward:
“It really doesn’t affect us at all. I mean we’re touring now, making a lot of money. And there’s no… But the thing is, we’re never going to stop working. We’re workaholics and 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 and we have a new deal and we’ll continue to make records with that label and he can release that when he feels like it.”
Hook also mentioned that they are always preparing for new music, and no one could tell them they can’t write or record. He also revealed they are planning to play new unreleased songs as well, despite the dispute.
A petition is currently available to sign for Prospect Park to finally release the album.
[via ThePrp]
